The new 2019 Toyota Camry has been officially launched by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) at the KL International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2018. The eighth-generation Camry is available in a single 2.5V spec, priced at RM 189,900 on-the-road excluding insurance, fully imported from Thailand.

It’s probably the most striking and dynamic looking Camry we’ve ever received, and the new D-segment sedan is being dubbed the “Beautiful Monster” by UMWT. The new Camry is underpinned by the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that’s said to improve stability, agility and safety all at once.


The eighth-generation Camry is longer (+35 mm for 4,885 mm), wider (+15 mm for 1,840 mm) and sits lower (-25 mm for 1,445 mm) than the car it replaces. The 2,825 mm wheelbase is 50 mm longer, which means overhangs are now shorter. Styling aside, the proportions brought about by the above dimensions contribute to the more athletic look.

The suspension is made up of front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones, replacing the previous rear multi-links. A parallel axis EPS system steers 18-inch multi-spoke wheels with 235/45 tyres. This is the first time the Camry is being offered with 18-inch rims in Malaysia – the outgoing XV50 topped out at 17 inches.


What’s largely unchanged is under the hood, where you’ll find the 2AR-FE 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine, carried over from the outgoing Camry along with a six-speed auto. The Dual VVT-i and ACIS-equipped unit makes 184 PS and 235 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm. That’s 4 PS more than the outgoing rating.
Besides the 18-inch wheels, the new Camry’s exterior kit includes automatic bi-LED projector headlamps with LED turn signals. Also on are LED daytime running lights, fog lamps and rear lights – all lighting are LED, basically. Hydrophilic auto retractable wing mirrors (linked to seat memory), auto wipers and dual exhaust tips are the other niceties.


Inside, UMWT’s flagship sedan is well equipped – standard kit include “smooth leather” seats, eight-way powered front seats (power lumbar and memory for the driver, shoulder switch and collapsible headrest on passenger side), power adjustable steering (linked to seat memory), an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen display with navigation, nine-speaker JBL audio system, a seven-inch colour multi-info display between two Optitron dials, and a 10-inch colour head-up display (HUD).

Also included is an electrochromic rear view mirror, keyless entry and push start, electronic parking brake (with auto brake hold), dual-zone auto air con with rear vents, sun shades (powered for rear screen, manual for rear doors), Qi wireless smartphone charger and digital video recorder a.k.a. dashcam.


For safety, the new Camry comes with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of active safety systems, which include Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beam. This is in addition to seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain, driver’s knee), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, hill start assist, front/rear parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Six colours are available, and they are the hero Red Mica, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Silver Metallic, Graphite Metallic and Burning Black CS GF. UMWT’s security and solar film is included. The 2019 Toyota Camry goes for RM 189,900 on-the-road excluding insurance, CBU fully imported from Thailand. The warranty is five years with unlimited mileage.