Hybrid only for next-gen Toyota Camry

TOYOTA Australia has confirmed it will offer hybrid power only in its next generation Camry sedan, due in local showrooms from the second half of next year.

The announcement indicates that the new Camry will be the first Toyota in Australia to be equipped with the brand’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and fifth-generation hybrid system, delivering what the importer says is a “more controllable and engaging drive experience”.

Built in Japan for the Australian market, the all-hybrid Camry range is said to offer more power and improved performance when compared with the current generation vehicle – which is presently affected by a stop-sale notice owing to an excessive number of orders.

It is understood the revised HEV system found under the bonnet of the next-generation Camry – and shared with other hybrid models across the Toyota portfolio – delivers more power at lower engine speeds and increased power from the traction battery, providing “satisfying acceleration and torque feel”.

Toyota Australia has yet to provide specifications for the Camry as it will be sold locally, saying further details will be announced closer to the model’s local launch.

However, the leading importer has said the model will ride on retuned suspension to provide even greater responsiveness and handling while maintaining the Camry’s “renowned on-road comfort”.

The model also boasts a sleeker, more athletic visage and includes Toyota’s new Hammerhead frontal treatment with slimline LED headlights and DRLs now as standard.

Inside, a modern décor with “refined materials” are to be found across three model grades, each offering a generous level of standard equipment.

All variants will adopt keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and connected services features such as SOS call, 24/7 collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking.

Depending on the grade, the next-gen Camry will be offered with 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, 7.0- or 12.3-inch instrumentation displays, and 8.0- or 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreens.

Range-topping variants are further slated to receive head-up display, a JBL premium audio system, leather-accented interior, paddle shifters, wireless device charging, panoramic view monitor, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking.

Further, an available Intelligent Assistance with “Hey Toyota” voice commands allows drivers to search for directions, adjust audio and climate controls, and more.

On the safety front, the next-gen Camry is to include an extensive array of standard ADAS systems, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane trace assist, traffic sign recognition and automatic high beam.

“Moving exclusively to a hybrid Camry clearly signals the ongoing success of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to helping customers lower their carbon footprint through electrification while leaving no-one behind,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley.

“Beyond the broad appeal of hybrid technology under the bonnet, we anticipate strong demand for the new Camry with its distinctive design, impeccable craftsmanship and premium interiors along with new-generation advances to dynamics, safety and convenience.”