Sacrifice used to be part and parcel when it came to choosing a hybrid car. Be it in terms of space, comfort or driving pleasure and for the longest time, we accepted it as a necessary trade-off for better fuel economy. The launch of the new Camry Hybrid however, has changed all that. It is little wonder why Toyota took one of their best selling mainstream models to be the first recipient of their hybrid technology.

For the last four years, the Camry has set itself to be the best all-rounder in the mid-size sedan market. It has dominated the sales charts with its plaint ride, roomy interior and passenger comfort despite the determined onslaught from its fellow competitors. The next natural evolution for Toyota it seems was to improve its fuel economy. This, Toyota has done by giving it a hybrid drivetrain. Besides that, little has changed to distinguish the Hybrid from its pure petrol siblings.

Exterior

On first impressions, the latest Camry Hybrid looks™well™exactly the same as the pure petrol Camrys. The same, unassuming and conservative lines remain. The front fascia hasn't changed much save for a couple of blacked out slats from the chrome grille but otherwise no changes are observed in the front.

Moving on to the rear, it is the same case as well though there is however a minor distinct change. The rear taillights have been replaced with LED variants that does elevate the futuristic high-tech look that a hybrid should possess.

It is disappointing that Toyota didn't spend more effort in distinguishing the Camry Hybrid from the pure petrol models. Besides slapping on a couple of hybrid badges that are strategically placed around the car. While photographing the exterior of the car however, I noticed that the parking sensors weren't the same colour as the car which made them stick out like sore spots on the bumpers.