While it may look the same as any other Camry on the outside, the Toyota Camry Hybrid buddies up with Mother Nature to combat carbon emissions and fuel consumption. Costing tax payers some $35-million, Toyota has gone from importing Camry Hybrids from Thailand to producing them locally at its Altona manufacturing plant.
Possibly the most critical factor backing the Camry Hybrid is the price. The entry level model tested starts from $36,990, with the luxury top-spec model priced at $39,990. To put that into perspective, the Ford Falcon XT starts at $39,690 and the Holden Commodore Omega at $39,990, yet the Camry Hybrid emits over 100g/km less carbon emissions than the Falcon and 80g/km less carbon emissions than the Commodore.
While the carbon emission figures tick the green box, the ADR fuel consumption of 6.0L/100km ticks the money saving box.
The Camry Hybrid uses different design cues with respect to the non-hybrid Camry. The front bumper shares design cues with the third generation Prius. The lower part of the front bumper bar provides additional cooling for the petrol/hybrid engine bay, while the chrome strips under the emblem are used to differentiate the Camry Hybrid from non-hybrid Camry models.
You will also find blue tinted headlamps ? a signature trait shared across all of Toyota?s hybrid vehicles. In addition to differentiating the Camry Hybrid styling, Toyota has improved the coefficient of drag by six percent to .27cd, making it Australia?s most aerodynamically efficient vehicle.
The only catch with all the styling and aerodynamic modifications is that none of the work was done in Australia; all of it was headed by the Japanese. In addition to the styling modifications, the Camry Hybrid also features ?hybrid? badges on its two wheel arches and along the boot.
Inside the cabin, it?s hard to spot any differences between the non-hybrid Camry and the Camry Hybrid, until you start the car. Changes are limited to an all-new speedometer cluster that displays speed, fuel, engine temperature and ? unique to Camry Hybrid ? an instantaneous fuel consumption meter.
The fuel consumption meter allows the driver to see when they are driving economically and when the car is regenerating energy with the engine switched off.
The only other differences are the ?B? mode on the transmission selector that increases braking to regenerate energy and the cooling duct on the rear parcel shelf that ventilates the nickel metal hydride battery packs.
Rear seat leg and head room is exceptional. You won?t hear any complains with four adults in the Camry, likewise with a full load of five. While the comparisons to the Falcon and Commodore may not be fair when looking at VFACTS segments, the Camry Hybrid certainly stacks up when glancing at interior passenger room.
Boot space is reduced by 71 litres to 389 litres to make room for the nickel metal hydride battery packs.
Under the bonnet you will find a petrol 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 110kW and 187Nm of torque. In addition to the petrol engine, an electric motor that produces 105kW and 270Nm of torque, which is available from 0rpm, runs in unison with the petrol engine to provide added torque and essentially reduce fuel consumption.
The Camry Hybrid uses electric steering, air conditioning and brakes so they can all operate while the engine is switched off. The steering feel and brake feel is much like a non-hybrid Camry. Handling appears to be the only difference, with the Camry Hybrid weighing around 150kg more than the non-hybrid. There is a considerable amount of body roll and the front end feels heavier, but is well countered by the batteries stored in the boot.
For most people, they won?t explore the limits of the Camry Hybrid, but it?s fair to say that it essentially drives much the same as the non-hybrid.
There?s no two ways about it, though. The Camry Hybrid represents absolutely exceptional value for money and consumes significantly less than any other petrol variant within earshot.
Ford and Holden should be shaking in their boots, with 0-100km/h acceleration of 8.9-seconds, the Camry Hybrid never feels like it lacks torque (including for overtaking). Priced below both entry level Falcon and Commodores, it?s hard to imagine any reason you would need or want to buy a Falcon XT or Commodore Omega.
Watch this space closely; Pennant Hills Toyota will sell these in droves and so they should, it?s a technically brilliant car. Any doubters should take a test drive as they are bound to be surprised.
