The all-new Toyota
Camry has been launched in Thailand, where it is available in a choice of four
variants – 2.0G AT, 2.5G AT, 2.5 HV AT and 2.5 HV Premium AT. Prices start at
1,445,000 baht for the base 2.0G AT and peak at 1,799,000 baht with the 2.5 HV Premium AT.
Under the hood, the
2.0G AT is powered by the E85-compatible 6AR-FBS 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated
four-cylinder engine that makes 167 PS at 6,500 rpm and 199 Nm of torque at
4,600 rpm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The mill continues
to feature VVT-iW on the intake side (VVT-i on the exhaust), as well as
Toyota’s D-4S port and direct injection system.
Moving up the
range, the 2.5G AT packs the new Dynamic Force Engine, specifically the
A25A-FKB 2.5 litre NA four-pot with VVT-iE on the intake cam for better
response (VVT-i for the exhaust) and D-4S. Designed to also run on E85 ethanol
fuel, the engine produces 209 PS at 6,600 rpm and 250 Nm at 5,000 rpm, with an
eight-speed automatic transmission sending drive to the front wheels.
The last two
remaining variants (2.5HV AT and 2.5 HV Premium AT) both feature a hybrid
powertrain that consists of the A25A-FXS 2.5 litre engine (178 PS at 5,700 rpm
and 221 Nm from 3,600 to 5,200 rpm) and a 120 PS/202 Nm electric motor for a
total system output of 211 PS.
The Toyota Hybrid
System II (THS II) also includes supporting members such an E-CVT for the
transmission and a 6.5 Ah nickel-metal hydride battery located under the rear
seat. The latter allows for a lower centre of gravity without compromising
luggage space, but the fuel tank size holds 10 litres less fuel compared to
non-hybrid Camry variants (60 litres). On a related note, the hybrid versions
are compatible with E20 ethanol fuel.
The Toyota New
Global Architecture (TNGA) underpins the new Camry, giving it a 50 mm longer
wheelbase (now 2,825 mm) compared to the outgoing model; it is also 35 mm
longer (now 4,885 mm), 15 mm wider (now 1,840 mm) and 25 mm shorter (now 1,445
mm). All variants have MacPherson struts at the front, while double wishbone
suspension is used at the rear.
In terms of
exterior equipment, the 2.0G AT sports 16-inch wheels shod with 205/65 profile
tyres, along with LED-type headlamps and taillights. Going up to the 2.5G AT
gets you larger wheels that measure 18-inchs with 235/45 profile tyres, a
sunroof, and twin exhausts. The hybrids come with 17-inch wheels (215/55
profile tyres), tweaked LED headlamps, and additional chrome accents.
Inside, all
variants come with eight-way powered front seats, leather upholstery, wireless
charger, keyless entry and start, rear sunshades, and a multi-info instrument
cluster display (7-inch for hybrids, 4.2-inch for the rest).
The top-spec
variant gets the most goodies with triple-zone climate control (dual-zone for
the rest), touchscreen air-con control in the rear armrest, lumbar adjustment
for both driver and front passenger, ventilated front seats, head-up display,
and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system linked to a nine-speaker JBL
sound system.
Hybrid variants
also come with the T-Connect telematics system that gives customers access to
functions such as vehicle locator, service reminder and appointment, onboard
hotspot, concierge service, SOS, roadside assist, and emergency services
hailing.
All Thailand-spec
Camry variants come with no less than seven airbags (front, side, curtain, and
driver’s knee), save for the 2.5 HV Premium AT that gets nine (plus rear seat).
The kit list also includes VSC, traction control, ABS, EBD, BA, blind spot
monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Hill-start Assist Control. The range
topper is the only one that gets the Toyota Safety Sense suite of systems,
which include Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise
Control and Automatic High Beam.
Buyers will get to
choose from four exterior body colours – Burning Black, Phantom Brown, Graphite
Metallic, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic, Premium Red, and Platinum White
Pearl – with the first three options paired with a beige interior; the
remaining four colours get a black interior instead.
UMW Toyota Motor has started teasing the new Camry, and has allowed
the public to register their interest. The company also emphasised that
something big is set to take place on November 1, so stay tuned.