Toyota Camry

Overview

The Toyota Camry needs no introduction, for the car has been one of the most successful models for Toyota across the globe, after its number one selling car, the Corolla. The executive sedan from Toyota has seen a number of changes in its entire lifespan which started back in 1979 as Celica Camry. Since then, the Toyota Camry has set its footprint across many markets in the world, with the Asian ones being at the topmost priority. In the Philippines market, however, the Toyota Camry sold currently is the previous generation model which has been replaced by an all-new generation model in many markets now.

The Toyota Camry sold in the Philippines is available in a total of three variants – G, S and V, all of which are available in a sole powertrain option of 2.5 litre petrol motor mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, and is being offered in seven color options – Attitude Black, Gray Mica Metallic, Gray Metallic, Thermalyte, White Pearl, Grayish Blue Mica Metallic, and Phantom Brown Metallic.

Interior & Features

On the insides, the Toyota Camry has nothing much to praises for, as the cabin has been styled in a very simplistic manner. However, one could not find any fault in the levels of sophistication and comfort this cabin provides.

The steering wheel has been restyled with different looking buttons for audio and calls, and come with aluminium inserts to make it look premium. The instrument console, with colored MID screen, is probably the only cool bit one would find in this otherwise simple cabin. The centre console is the most heavily styled bit of this cabin, with the mix of fake wood and aluminium inserts and a number of buttons making it looks plush. However, the overdose of buttons for climate control might look confusing to one.

The touchscreen music system too misses out on modern bits like satellite navigation, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, which are a big miss in the Camry, considering the price bracket it falls in. The Camry is otherwise adequately equipped with features like cruise control, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering, push-button start with keyless entry, leather upholstery and rain sensing wipers, however, given its price positioning, it feels lacking in many more comfort and convenience features.

However, one area where it genuinely succeeds in is the way it feels. The comfort levels are high with electric adjustments for all the seats at both front and rear and complementing it with the generous amount of space it offers, it feels very comfortable.

Exterior

The Toyota Camry has always been that one car which remains straight to the point with its no-nonsense looks which makes it look simple, yet elegant. The Camry sold in Philippines is the last generation model, which looks too plain and slightly dated too in front of the all new generation model being sold currently in other developed markets, however, it still looks on point.

At the front, the Toyota Camry has got a plain looking grille which gets a thick slat of chrome at its upper portion which end up at the angular headlamps which come inbuilt with projector headlamps with daytime running LEDs. The front bumper comes with unique placements for fog lamps, which are situated at the lower end corners of the lower portion of the front grille, and are enclosed in chrome garnishes.

From the sides, the Camry looks too bland for anyone’s liking. With literally no character lines or curves to make it look interesting, thus making the side profile look very boring and in isolation. The waistline chrome finish too doesn’t help much to enhance the overall styling. At the rear, the Camry carries forward the simplistic approach in its design with large tail lamps at both the sides connected with a thin strip of chrome, which does look elegant.

Ride & Handling

The Toyota Camry comes with the conventional suspension setup of MacPherson strut type with stabilizer at the front and dual-link independent at the rear. The suspension on the Camry has been tuned on the softer side to make it feel as comfortable and jerk-free on the inside as well. The large 17-inch alloy wheels too aid much for that matter. And for a car which measures almost 4800 mm in length, the low turning radius of 5.5 m is really commendable, which makes it feel quite easily manoeuvrable under traffic conditions, despite its large size.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Toyota Camry for the Philippines market is available with the sole option of a 2.5 litre, four-cylinder, petrol engine which is coupled to a 6-speed conventional torque converter. The engine, with its dual VVT-I technology, is capable of producing a maximum power output of 178 bhp and a peak torque output of 231 Nm.

As expected from a Toyota powertrain, the engine feels vibration free and refined throughout the rev range and is almost silent at the idle. However, the engine is slightly thirsty as well, given the amount of performance it packs in.

Braking & Safety

In this day and age of modern electronic safety aids, the Toyota Camry feels quite archaic, with the car though covering the basic safety features, missing out on the former contemporary aids. The Camry, though, does come standard with safety features like front, side, curtain and knee airbags, front and rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD and BA, and vehicle stability control.

Verdict

For those who feel that their car should be up-to-date with futuristic styling and next-gen features and equipment, the Toyota Camry is a car they should avoid. The car feels slightly dated in today’s day and age in terms of looks and features. Also. it is quite understandable, considering the fact that this very model has been replaced globally with an all-new generation model, which is much swankier than this Camry sold in the Philippines.

However, one could not avoid the comfort levels and premium feel on the inside which this car gives, and if this factor is totally undeniable for you, the Toyota Camry still makes some sense.