Testing of the
eighth-gen Toyota Camry that had its world debut in January 2017 has commenced
in India, spy shots posted by RushLane reader Kunal Mittal have revealed. The
latest Toyota Camry features a bolder design that is new bumper to bumper. It
is lower and wider than its predecessor, and it strikes a balance between
refinement and a sensual athletic image. Underpinning the car is the GA-K
version of the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform.
On the outside, the
2019 Toyota Camry features a two-piece grille composed of flowing thin and
thick treatments - key elements of the car’s “Keen Look” design philosophy -
flanked by bi-beam LED headlamps with multi-level stacked LED clearance lamps,
19-inch alloy wheels, slim LED rear combination lamps and dual exhaust with
quad chrome tips. Some of the features are unlikely for the Indian-spec version
such as the 19-inch wheels and the dual exhaust.
The increased sense
of sportiness is reflected in the cockpit design with the gauges angled towards
the driver and a sweeping (yet elegant) new character line that bisects the
centre console waterfall. The 8-inch central display, 10-inch (colour) head-up
display and 7-inch multi-information display are integrated in a way that barely
requires the driver to take the eyes off the road. The driver’s seat has 8-way
power adjustment with power lumbar support.
Other interior
highlights include dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat vents,
Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging, three USB ports, 8-way power
adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar support and Tiger Eye wood trim.
Getting to the
mechanicals, the Camry falls in a segment in which most customers in India
would prefer a diesel engine. As there’s no diesel engine option, and big
volumes are unlikely from this model, Toyota may go hybrid-only with the new
model. In that case, one can expect the 178 PS A25A-FXS 2.5-litre Dynamic Force
petrol engine combined with the 120 PS electric motor delivering a system output
of 211 PS.
The new Toyota
Camry should go on sale in India in early 2019 as a CKD, with prices in the INR
35-40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) range.
