UMW Toyota Motor says it is confident most Camry buyers would go for the RM175,000 Hybrid, adding that it expects 7,000 of the Hybrid variant to be sold out of 9,000 units of this model.
The Camry comes in three variants, starting with the entry level 2.0E, followed by the 2.0G and finally the range topping 2.5 Hybrid.
The Hybrid possesses a 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre engine, mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT), that produces 157bhp at 5,700rpm and 213Nm of torque at 4,500rpm.
This is further supplemented by a 140bhp/270Nm electric motor that receives its electrical supply stored in a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack located behind the back seat.
Total system output is rated at 202bhp.
As for both 2.0E and G variants, a 6-speed automatic transmission manages power sent to the front wheels from a 2.0-litre 6AR-FSE engine that churns out 165bhp at 6,500rpm and 199Nm of torque at 4,600rpm.
All three variants sit on MacPherson struts with stabilisers for the front and dual link independent struts with stabilizers for the rear and comes equipped with disc brakes all round and an electronic power steering system.
The Hybrid has a 1,600kg kerb heft and rolls on sporty 17-inch wheels with 215/55 series tyres, while the 1,480kg 2.0E and G variants get a more compliant set of 16-inch wheels with 215/60 series tyres instead.
Due to the Hybrid's battery pack taking up some boot space, it possesses a 65-litre fuel tank instead of the 2.0-litre variants' 70-litre tank.
While daytime running lights, keyless entry and start/stop system, dual zone climate controls, Optitron instrument cluster with Multi-information display (MID) and wood grain interior accents are standard across all variants, the Hybrid exclusively gets a host of additional equipment.
This includes automatic self-levelling LED headlights, automatic wipers, reverse camera, blind spot (BLIS) monitor on the wing mirrors with integrated turn-signals, electro chromic rear view mirror, chrome bumper accents, Nano-e purifier - an air cleaning system that purifies the air with negative ions, a 10-speaker sound system with 7-inch touchscreen (with navigation) and a single exhaust tip (dual for 2.0-litre).
Inside, the 2.0E's black fabric seats have been replaced by black leather seats and adds the eight way power-adjustable front passenger and driver seats for both the Hybrid and mid-range 2.0G variant.
Additionally, while the Hybrid and 2.0G both have shoulder switches, it is the 2.0G that lack the collapsible headrest feature.
Regarding safety, the new Camry comes standard with anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, but Hybrid gets seven airbags instead of the standard two.
However, vehicle stability control with traction control, hill start assist and emergency stop signal are found in both the Hybrid and 2.0G variant.
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Lastly, both 2.0-litre variants can be outfitted with a body kit (front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts and trunk spoiler), and are available at an additional cost.
Warranty is an 8-year assurance programme meant only for the hybrid's battery system and exists alongside the usual warranty of three years or 100,000km (whichever comes first).
"We believe this (long warranty) would take away any doubts from customers who may be first time owners of a Hybrid vehicle," said distributor UMW Toyota Motor president Datuk Ismet Suki.
"The new Camry has undergone major exterior and interior design changes in making this new Camry to be seamlessly high-tech and vibrant. We call it “Keen Look Identity and Under Priority” design philosophy,” he added.
New Toyota Camry Hybrid (CKD)
New Toyota Camry (CKD)
Old Toyota Camry (below)
