THE looks don't lie: Camry continues on its conservative path as a three-box, five-seat sedan, although it's worth noting the wagon variant disappears from this generation.

It is a bigger car than its predecessor - including a 50mm longer wheelbase - and that translates to the inside as well. Toyota claims a 98mm increase in rear legroom, while the hip point is up by 48mm, front shoulder room is increased by 38mm, rear shoulder room is up 19mm, front headroom is up 15mm and rear headroom is up 5mm.

The only vital measurement to decrease is front seat legroom - by 25mm to 1045mm. However, the boot is up in size - boosted from 518 litres to a class-leading 567 litres.

The Altise - like all Camrys - comes standard with dual airbags but, while front seat passengers get headrests, outboard rear passengers get only bumps in the bench seat, which has been raised for this generation to ensure rear passengers can still see over the front seats. The middle rear passenger misses out on a headrest, but does get a lap-sash seatbelt like everyone else.

Versatility is aided by a 60/40 split-fold rear seat, which has swapped sides for this generation. Storage is aided by small door pockets front and rear - and there is a seat-back pocket on the passenger side - but the Altise is not over-endowed with cabin carrying capacity.