Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry 2010

General information

In its fifth generation, the Toyota Camry is by far one of the best selling cars that we have seen in recent times. Dominating the mid-size sedan segment is no longer a target for Toyota, but only a challenge to increase the margin of domination. The new Camry has improved on many aspects – ride, performance, handling, greater interior space, and value for money – are just a few.
The core of the Camry comprises the 2.5 litre petrol engine that unleashes all the awesomeness. There are 4 models in the Camry range, namely: Altise, Atara S, Atara SX, and Atara SL.

Interior
Toyota has stepped up its game with the new Camry improving on its interior offerings. A modern look is highlighted by a contoured dashboard design, new seats, new instruments and new materials. More space has been added to the new models, making it a more comfortable ride.
The Camry Atara SL has a clear up-market feel to the interior with beige leather interior, black carpets to contrast and a wood grain trim to finish the look. The instrumentation provided is a three gauge lay, with a fuel consumption gauge.

The new steering wheel is impressive with quite a few (but very simple) buttons to control audio, phone via Bluetooth, etc. It is also adjustable for rake and reach. Another aspect that impressed is the clean centre console layout. The audio and navigation unit along with the gear and cup holder unit offer an uncluttered, easy to use format.
The Atara SL comes complete with a 10 speaker JBL audio system, along with a seven inch touch screen, live traffic updates and digital radio. Not much more you can ask for, right?
Though there is more! A blind spot warning system (what’s that, you ask?)  helps warn you of vehicles when taking turns with your indicators on. There is also an auto high-beam adjustment feature that dips your high-beam for other cars.
The luggage space is spacious 515 litres with a 60:40 split fold in the rear seat for greater storage versatility.

Specifications
As mentioned earlier, the power is driven by a new 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine. The Atara range peaks at 135 kW/ 235 Nm, while the lower model Altise isn’t left far behind at 133 kW/ 231 Nm.

The new powerplant along with the six speed transmission significantly refine the performance of this vehicle. Proving their commitment to greener technology, Toyota has improved on the mileage, with 7.8l/100kms being the current average (1 whole litre better than last year) and emissions too reducing to 183g/km (a 25% reduction).

Driving experience
A smooth ride is what the Camry delivers with all its improvements over an already smooth riding car. Easy, effortless gear shifts and the electric power steering make it a great experience. Be it the highways, the winding country roads, or the city traffic, you will be pleased with its performance.

Ups and Downs
Though there are many things that are left to be desired, they remain issues for the next segment, not the one that the Toyota Camry has perfected. If we had to point at one thing, it would have to be the lack of a diesel variant. Then again, the upcoming hybrid should take care of those issues.

The overall value proposition offered is undoubtedly one of the best out there on the market in any class (on a value/class evaluation). That apart, the Camry has managed to bring a lot of new features to this segment that have till now been left as optional upgrades at best.