The Camry first arrived in 2002, whereas the Hybrid version arrived in 2013. A lot has changed since then. This new Toyota Camry Hybrid is based on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that underpins a number of cutting-edge new hybrid vehicles such as the new Prius and CH-R, as well as its more luxurious counterpart, the stunning Lexus ES 300h. What that means is it looks unlike ever before, with pronounced flowing lines and generous proportions that up the style outside as much as the comfort inside. The LED signatures on the projector headlamps look very contemporary. They sit on either sides of a large front grille that’s split into a narrow top and vast lower air-dam section. Behind there are active vents improve air-flow and cool the radiators when needed. Moving to the side, the longer wheelbase, 18-inch wheels, lower bonnet and lower roof-line – and under the skin, the battery pack relocated low under the rear seat to free up more boot space – help lower the centre of gravity and actually make it quite the exciting proposition to look at. It’s a sleek, modern design that doesn’t compromise on comfort for the sake of style. Yet, details such as the wavy shoulder line and the acutely wrapped rear windscreen give an idea of the thought put into the detail when designing the car.
That thought is mirrored inside the new Toyota Camry Hybrid as well. The plush interior with a mix of coffee-and-cream upholstery and spacious layout with brilliant ergonomics make any seat a pleasure to be in. The front seats are power-adjustable while the rear seats are wide, with a longer seat base that is contoured to support the body even with G-forces acting in corners. The rear arm-rest also has controls for everything from the three-zone auto climate to the music system and sunshade. All of that makes for an extremely relaxing, if not pampering rear-seat experience. Makes you wonder why you’d want to spend twice as much or more on a more, let’s say, well-received luxury brand.
The driver’s seat is not the place more owners will spend more time in, but nevertheless, the new Toyota Camry Hybrid impresses with a comfortable driving position, excellent steering response and feedback as well as a good amount of thrust from the hybrid powertrain. The new suspension also makes short work of managing the car’s 1,700-odd kg weight and soaks up bumps and undulations with ease. The strut front and double-wishbone rear and their supporting dampers do a great damp job and add to occupant confidence and, in no small measure, to the impeccable ride quality. Cruising on the ring road in Hyderabad, the Camry felt at home as a mile-muncher and deftly devoured the kilometres ahead. The driver assist features also include drive modes that adjust the engine and transmission characteristics, a large heads-up display, complete with a tachometer, projected on to the windscreen directly ahead, and an easy-to-use cruise control. All said and done, apart from the initial surge thanks to the electric power, the speed limit of 100 km/h was something the Camry could maintain with ease, too. The tacho read-out in the HUD saw a noticeable “0” for most part, until the combustion engine kicked in and had the bar hovering around the 2,000-rpm mark; working mostly as a generator at this point and returning, doubtless, high double-digit fuel efficiency figures. The handling characteristics in terms of sharp bends, lane changes and when overtaking were commendable and, with the revised suspension, there was negligible body roll, too. On the dynamic front, then, this new Toyota Camry Hybrid has things well-sorted.
That’s not the best part. In fact, there is no best part. It’s a collection of all these seemingly best parts that make the new Toyota Camry Hybrid a great car. Even at highway speed, the noise from the wind and the petrol engine were negligible thanks to immaculate sound insulation. The ride quality was absolutely impeccable and the interior comfort, overall, was phenomenal. There are few cars that feel as well-settled and rewarding as this one, and this is before even considering its environmental benefits. It’s a physically huge foot with a significantly smaller carbon-footprint, and the peace of mind from the safety systems: sharp brakes with an anti-lock system, stability control, and even nine airbags for the worst-case scenario all add to peace of mind which is what the deal with luxury is in the first place. At Rs 36.95 lakh (ex-showroom) no thanks to the high taxation on hybrid cars, the Camry Hybrid clearly defies its segment and, dare I say, even threatens those above it.
Need to Know – New Toyota Camry Hybrid
Price: Rs 36.95 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2.5-litre, in-line four, naturally-aspirated, port and direct injection, petrol
Max Power: 178 PS @ 5,700 rpm
Max Torque: 221 Nm @ 3,600-5,200 rpm
Transmission: Electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT)
Battery Pack: Nickel-metal hydride @ 245-volt nominal voltage
Electric Motor: Permanent-magnet synchronous
Max Output: 88 kW (120 PS), 202 Nm
Net Peak Output (Combined): 218 PS, 350+ Nm (estimated)
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, double wishbone rear
Weight: 1,665 kg
