Toyota Camry Reviewed Before Launch

Toyota Camry front seats are fully electrically adjustable to get that perfect driving position. The back seats too join the fun with exemplary thigh and back support. The space is now multifold and just at the press of a button you can adjust the seats.

The Camry comes with a four-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol motor featuring Dual VVT-i and its 178bhp output is 11bhp up on the previous 2.4-litre unit. It’s matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox and we don’t expect a manual transmission to be offered when it is launched.

The engine fires up on the start and then crouches into a hidden tiger and you can barely hear anything. The engine is like butter through knife and also races up easily. Floor it and the box shifts down after a bit of contemplation but does not scorch the redline until it reaches the 6200rpm. You can also go for the manual triptronic mode if you want to get your dose of adrenaline. The new Camry is a lot more confident and holds well on the road but beware of the rolls when cornered. It feels under control and isn’t disconcerting. The steering is also a bit too light and lacks feel, especially at high speeds. The suspension flattens the minor bumps and absorbs broken tarmac, but the car we drove came with 17-inch wheels, and a switch to 16-inchers and higher-profile tyres should further improve the ride, which is not bad to begin with.

It might not be the best of the lot or fastest or the best handling car in its segment. However it is comfortable, luxurious and spacious. Hopefully it comes at a price closer to the competition thanks to CKD assembly, and its arch rival like the Skoda Laura, Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta will be watching with hawk eyes.