Home Test Drives & Reviews Toyota Camry 2.5V Test Drive Report

Toyota Camry 2.5V Test Drive Report

Test Drives & Reviews

by Kon - Jul 12, 2012

“Have they gone mad?” was my immediate and unrestrained response when UMW Toyota Motor unveiled its pricing for the all-new Camry a couple of months back. At a time when the D-segment is more competitive than ever, raising prices, even if it is for a new model of an admittedly popular name plate, hardly sounds like a good business decision.

Available with a choice three variants as before, prices for the Camry starts at RM149,900 with insurance for the 2.0E base model, going all the way to RM180,900 for the flagship 2.5V model as tested here. That figure does not include the optional Aerokit (RM2,500) and DVD-AVN package (RM1,800), both of which have been slapped onto our test car.

The margin of increase for each of the three variants are admittedly small, less than four per cent, but with the 2.5V breaching the RM180k mark, you now pay more for a Camry than you would a Mazda6 or even the Volkswagen Passat, something that the sales team of both Mazda and VW will both be undoubtedly keen to point out. Another aspect of the Camry that rivals will also be very keen to point out is how the 2.0-litre models retain the engine and transmission of its predecessor.

At this point, the case looks a little bleak for the Camry. Its ambitious price tag is matched with what appears to be an unremarkable specs sheet, although in the case of our 2.5V test car, the Dual VVT-i four-pot is a new motor introduced for the first time in the Camry. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, that’s one ratio more than the 2.4-litre variant of its predecessor. Rated outputs of the new engine are 178hp @ 6,000rpm and 231Nm @ 4,100rpm, which represents a gain of 13hp and 7Nm from its predecessor.

The new Camry features a lot of carry over parts from its predecessor, but it is vastly improved too

Equipment levels are decent and sufficiently cover the bases. Standard kit at our test car’s range-topping spec includes keyless entry, steering-mounted controls, push-button ignition, trip computer, four airbags, cruise control, and electric seat adjustment. Anticipating that some of its customers might want to pass driving duties to their chauffeurs, Toyota has thoughtfully placed a set of seat adjustment controls for the front passenger seat within easy reach of the rear bench. Though carried over from its predecessor, this is a feature that is unique in the Camry’s price range and well deserving of praise.

One notable absentee in its kit count, and quite a fuss has been kicked up in forums for this, is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which was offered with the predecessor. Having lived without electronic driver aids in my own cars all my life, this is not an omission that I would personally lose sleep over, but considering how everyone else offers some form of electronic stability control in this price range, it is rather surprising that Toyota chose to delete it in a full model change of its flagship. Best to keep your wits about you behind the wheel then.

Aerokit (along with DRLs) is a RM2,700 option.

In any case, the Camry is not exactly the kind of vehicle in which we would advocate an all-out-attack style of driving. Toyota may have chosen Sepang as the Camry’s launch venue, but this is certainly not a vehicle which we would describe as sporty. Although overall feel of controls, namely steering and brake pedal, are notably better than its predecessor, the Camry’s chassis does not relish sudden change of directions, and understeer sets in very early if you carry excessive speed into corners. A Ford Mondeo it is not.

It is, however, very refined, and in this respect, it is rivaled only by the Nissan Teana. Noise levels, even at speeds beyond the national limit, are pleasingly well-muffled. The engine and transmission operate with great mechanical polish; the former effortless in its torque delivery, the latter swapping cogs with almost CVT-like smoothness. Accumulation of speed on a straight line is smooth and drama-free. The suspension, meanwhile, is very pliant, isolating bumps, potholes and undulations with great authority.

Centre console is neatly arranged. 6 A/T of 2.5V is a smooth operator. 2.0 continues with 4 A/T.

The Camry’s pre-dominant theme of serenity and refinement is reflected in the overall ambiance of its cabin. Material choices reveal budget considerations upon very close inspection, but overall design is certainly good enough to merit comparisons with Lexus vehicles of one preceding model generation. Say what you want about carry-over underpinnings, areas of the Camry that you can touch and feel are indeed properly improved from its predecessor.

Despite its inflated price tag, and a plethora of options currently available in its market segment, we foresee no shortage of takers lining up to order the new Camry. Rivals which offer better equipment and pricing will pinch a few sales, but the Camry’s strong brand power and steady depreciation rates will continue to hold strong sway on its traditional customer base. Exemplary levels of comfort and refinement further enhances its appeal.