Toyota officially launches Hybrid Camry

Trying to put a positive spin on the horror predicament it currently finds itself in, Toyota has launched the Hybrid Camry today in Melbourne, revealing full specifications and pricing for the highly-anticipated new model. Despite the tidal wave of negative press towards the brand in recent days, Toyota Australia has high hopes for the Hybrid Camry.

As predicted by the Carsales Network last week pricing for the top-level Hybrid Camry Luxury will start at $39,900 (manufacturer list price not including government and dealer charges). The second model will be known simply as the Hybrid Camry will be priced from $36,900.

Both models are powered by the same petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that produces 140kW through a combination of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor. The system helps the latest addition to the Camry line-up achieve a combined fuel economy figure of 6.0L/100km.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner was understandably not short of praise for the car. He hailed the Hybrid Camry as the creator of a new era for Australian motoring.

"Hybrid Camry makes a compelling case for itself as an alternative to conventionally powered family sedans," Buttner said.

"Consumers will get all the performance, space and comfort of a top-rated family sedan. At the same time they will get fuel economy that trumps that of petrol-powered light and compact cars.

"It rates among the best diesels in its class for fuel economy, yet produces substantially less greenhouse gases and other harmful substances.

"We expect Hybrid Camry will achieve the maximum five-star rating on the Federal Government's Green Vehicle Guide compared with just 3.5 stars for the best of the mid-size or large diesels.

"Hybrid Camry is the future of Australian motoring. It brings hybrid technology to mainstream car buyers."

Toyota put plenty of attention on the fuel economy figures and singled out Holden’s latest 3.0-litre direct-injection Commodore for comparison.

"Driving 20,000km in a year, a Hybrid Camry owner will get the last 7,000km mileage for free compared with someone driving the same distance in that version of Australia's best-selling car," Buttner claimed.

"That will take you from one side of our continent to the other and all the way back again.

"That means, after just three years, the Hybrid Camry owner will accumulate more than 21,000km driving for free.

"That's the equivalent of a year's free mileage -- and you get that benefit every three years."

The Hybrid Camry has been developed by Toyota Australia specifically for local conditions. That means unique ESP, Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, brake-by-wire and suspension calibrations as well as changes to the front and rear styling of the car.

Both models are fitted with a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and six airbags.

The Luxury adds leather-accented seats and trim, power adjustable front seats, an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, rain sensing wipers and rear spoiler.

The base model is available with a $3,000 option package that adds eight-speaker audio system, satellite navigation and a premium three-spoke steering wheel with Bluetooth controls.

A similar package is also an option on the Luxury model at a cost of $4,000. For that price you receive the same features already mentioned as well as an electric moonroof and rear personal lamps.

Toyota Australia is targeting 10,000 sales each year for the Hybrid Camry with 30 per cent of those coming from private buyers.

Check out our preview drive for the Hybrid Camry and check back soon for our full report form the official launch.

Watch Carsales TV's Toyota Camry Hybrid video here

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