No price rise for Camry

Toyota has launched its seventh generation Camry with equipment increases and a new model walk but limited price changes. Indeed, the new range arrives with zero price increases for the $30,490 entry-level Altise and the range-topping Atara SL, which at $39,990 replaces the Grande.

Price increases for Atara S (which replaces Ateva) and Atara SX (the 'new' Sportivo) are $1000 and $2000 respectively, but, says Toyota, these increases are "outweighed by added features".

The new Camry is conservatively styled – effectively it presents as a slightly sharpened up version of the existing model that was launched in 2006. Under the bonnet is a new 2.5-litre dual-VVTi petrol four-cylinder engine matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission. All variants remain front-wheel drive but EPAS (electric power assisted steering) is used for the first time – across the range.

At 133kW and 231Nm, the new powerplant is up 16kW/13Nm on the outgoing engine. The new transmission adds a gear and features paddleshifts on all Atara models. There's even a Sports mode with "throttle blipping control on downshifts".

Atara variants get a twin exhaust set-up that marginally boosts engine output to 135kW and 235Nm.

Toyota claims a 0-100km/h time of 9.3sec for the new range. Perhaps of more interest to most Camry buyers, claimed combined fuel economy across the range is 7.8L/100km – an improvement of 1.0L/100km on the outgoing model.

Toyota says locally developed suspension and recalibration of the car's new steering set-up deliver "more engaging driving dynamics".

Built at Toyota's Altona (Vic) plant, the new generation Camry received local input from Toyota Technical Center (TTC) and Toyota Style Australia (TSA). TTC's body, electrical and chassis engineers contributed to the global development program of the Camry and also provided local calibrations for the electric power steering, blind-spot monitor and automatic high beam. TSA was responsible for the interior fabrics and colour and trim of the local cars.

Although major dimensions such as overall length and wheelbase are unchanged, Toyota claims the new car has a more spacious cabin. The PR blurb for the new car claims 46mm increased rear-seat knee room (50mm increased knee room for rear-centre seat) and the distance between front and rear seat hip-points (known as couple distance) has been boosted 15mm.

Toyota says driver comfort has been improved with a new seat design, changes to driving position and steering column angle. There's an extra 15mm in driver’s seat height adjustment available, it states.

Boot capacity for the new car is 515 litres.

At its entry level Camry Altise now gets seven airbags standard (including new driver’s knee airbag on all models), 60:40 splitfold rear seat and a seatbelt warning indicator. The latter item is necessary to ensure a five-star rating.

Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming are standard, as are aircon and cruise control

Altise is also equipped with 16-inch alloys, trip computer and an upgraded sound system with six speakers and controls on the steering wheel. Metallic paint is $400, steel wheels are a $100 delete option and a reversing camera combined with Atara-spec audio (and 6.1-inch touch screen) is $500.

The Atara S ($33,490) gets a minor body workover, foglamps, 17-inch alloys, 'Smart' entry and start, reversing camera, dual-zone air-conditioning, 6.1-inch touch-screen display audio, premium steering wheel and gearshift knob and electric driver’s seat adjustment. Leather upholstery is a $1500 option – or you can specific leather and moonroof for $3450.

The Atara SX ($35,990) is the 'sports' model of the new range. Bodywork add-ons include black-tinted headlamps, "unique" rear bumper and rear bootlid spoiler. Inside the SX gets sports pedals and a "leather-accented" theme. Lowered sports suspension is also fitted.

The top of the range Atara SL features proximity key, JBL premium audio with 10 speakers, a 7-inch touch-screen display with satellite navigation, digital radio, RDS live traffic updates, reversing camera with back-guide monitor, electric front seats and rain-sensing wipers. New to Camry features include blind-spot monitor and automatic high beam. The sole SL option is a moonroof, priced at $1950.

Look out for our launch review of the new Camry range here soon.

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