27 June 2011
The Scoop
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is Australia’s greenest car built locally. Priced from $36,900 for the base model and $39,990 for the luxury version, the Camry Hybrid cleverly switches between a petrol and electric engine; saving both money and the environment. Carbon Cate would be proud.
The drive
To bring you up to speed, hybrids are the new black of the car world. Or should we say, green? With more and more pressure on the automotive sector to create leaner and greener cars, it seems the Toyota Camry Hybrid is in poll position as Australia’s most advanced sedan. If only we can get used to driving it.
Although the brand-spanking new hybrid, released only in February, may tick the boxes for all those tree-hugging, carbon-tax-endorsing greenies; it may not tick the box for car enthusiasts or those drivers who actually enjoy the experience of changing gears, putting the pedal to the metal and hitting the open road for a thrill. It will, however, get you from A to B with a clean conscience and fuller wallet.
To drive, unlike the light-as-a feather and whisper-quiet Lexus Hybrid, the Camry feels cumbersome and dorky; it almost is like the car is uncomfortable in its own skin.
Somehow I never felt quite in control of this car. This Camry is heavy to drive and even with electronic power steering (EPS), the car feels difficult to steer and handle. Worse, when the car kicks from one power source to another, you can feel it jerk through the transition and it’s an unnerving experience for a novice hybrid driver. More disconcerting is when you feel like you want to accelerate quickly; there’s a wait time where you aren’t quite sure if the car has heard you. When it does react after lag-time, you feel you have to pull back; thus the driver and the car are never truly in-sync.
Interior-wise, the Camry is comfortable and roomy enough, easily seating 5 passengers with the rear seat split 60/40.
The boot is on the smaller side – thanks to a boot-mounted battery pack – yet still large enough to fit in a few standard sized suitcases.
The base model Camry Hybrid includes Premium Audio System, Satellite Navigation and Bluetooth connectivity; with the Luxury model option package including Premium Audio System, Electric Tilt & Slide Sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity and Rear Seat Cabin Lamps for an extra $4,500.
Safety
ANCAP (www.ancap.com.au) rates the Camry Hybrid with a 4-star safety rating.
The Camry Hybrid includes VDIM, ESC with Traction Control, ABS braking with EBA and EBD; and front, side and curtain airbags.
3 words to describe this car
Lean, green, bland.
What are the best things about this car?
The groovy techno-looking dash that shows which engine is kicking into gear and reminds you just how much petrol you’re saving and just how eco-friendly you really are.
What are the downsides of this car?
We know looks aren’t everything, but the Camry Hybrid is a tad boring. Like, you could lose it in the car park kind of plain.
What kind of petrol does this car use?
The Camry Hybrid switches between and unleaded engine and 2 electric motors.
Green factor?
Fuel consumption is 6 litres/100km and emissions are 142g/km.
Soundtrack of choice for the Toyota Camry Hybrid
Cee Lo Green – It’s OK.