The Toyota Camry has always been a target board for car enthusiasts like you and me to criticise, even if the car has been known for its reliability and high resale value in Singapore. But with the latest and seventh iteration model, it seems the car is arguably ready to rebut our condemnations.
Currently at $159,888 (as of 21st May 2015), the Camry you see here could easily be mistaken as a brand new model, due to drastic changes inside and out, but it's merely a facelift. Which brings us to the next most logical question: How will the car be like when it's time for a spanking new model?
Up close and Personal
But it doesn't mean the car is trying to look like something it isn't. It is bold, thanks to its gaping grille, sleek head lights and slashes adorning the lower front corners but it doesn't come across as overly brash. Perhaps 'prominent' and 'premium' would be apt words to describe this handsome sedan. Edges and corners have been smoothened while taillights get a new design that integrate well with the chrome bar that runs across the boot.
Measuring 4,850mm long, 1,825mm wide and 1,480mm tall, the Camry is relatively sizeable but it doesn't have a road presence like, say, a Honda Accord or a Mazda6 Sedan. But it's not all bad, we think, because it's exactly suited for buyers who are humble by nature and, more specifically, for those who can appreciate that less is more.
Currently at $159,888 (as of 21st May 2015), the Camry you see here could easily be mistaken as a brand new model, due to drastic changes inside and out, but it's merely a facelift. Which brings us to the next most logical question: How will the car be like when it's time for a spanking new model?
Up close and Personal
But it doesn't mean the car is trying to look like something it isn't. It is bold, thanks to its gaping grille, sleek head lights and slashes adorning the lower front corners but it doesn't come across as overly brash. Perhaps 'prominent' and 'premium' would be apt words to describe this handsome sedan. Edges and corners have been smoothened while taillights get a new design that integrate well with the chrome bar that runs across the boot.
Measuring 4,850mm long, 1,825mm wide and 1,480mm tall, the Camry is relatively sizeable but it doesn't have a road presence like, say, a Honda Accord or a Mazda6 Sedan. But it's not all bad, we think, because it's exactly suited for buyers who are humble by nature and, more specifically, for those who can appreciate that less is more.
What's also humble but no less plush is the cabin. Overall cabin has been upgraded, with more upmarket materials, nicer detailing and better fit and finish. As a result, it feels very comfortable to be inside. Buttons and controls are also ergonomically positioned, straightforward and intuitive.
Needless to say, space is the royal order for the day, with a generous helping of head and legroom for all five occupants to comfortably take their positions on board. It's nothing radical when it comes to roominess, considering the wheelbase of 2,775mm is similar and the height of the car has increased very slightly compared to the previous model.
Needless to say, space is the royal order for the day, with a generous helping of head and legroom for all five occupants to comfortably take their positions on board. It's nothing radical when it comes to roominess, considering the wheelbase of 2,775mm is similar and the height of the car has increased very slightly compared to the previous model.
The Drive
What's more drastic, on the other hand, is the improvement of the drivetrain, gearbox as well as the high levels of cabin insulation this car has shown.
The new and improved 2.0-litre four-pot engine in the Camry, when married to the fresh six-speed automatic gearbox (it was previously a four-speed autobox), is a smooth operator. It doesn't get up to speed as quickly as the 2.5-litre variant but it's by no means incapable. In fact, there were many occasions when the car got up to 80km/h around town without us realising, thanks to the exceptionally calm, quiet and absorbent ride.
According to Toyota, mechanical changes have only been made to the engine and gearbox (apart from the multitude of advanced safety features). But during our three-day test drive with it, we found the car to be more composed and confident than before, with a stiffer structure and suspension that was never before felt in a Camry.
What's more drastic, on the other hand, is the improvement of the drivetrain, gearbox as well as the high levels of cabin insulation this car has shown.
The new and improved 2.0-litre four-pot engine in the Camry, when married to the fresh six-speed automatic gearbox (it was previously a four-speed autobox), is a smooth operator. It doesn't get up to speed as quickly as the 2.5-litre variant but it's by no means incapable. In fact, there were many occasions when the car got up to 80km/h around town without us realising, thanks to the exceptionally calm, quiet and absorbent ride.
According to Toyota, mechanical changes have only been made to the engine and gearbox (apart from the multitude of advanced safety features). But during our three-day test drive with it, we found the car to be more composed and confident than before, with a stiffer structure and suspension that was never before felt in a Camry.
Conclusion
It seems Toyota has succeeded once again by injecting plenty of goodness in what is already a prosperous model. We wouldn't go as far by saying that the Camry provides an engaging driving experience but it certainly does its job well by staying humble and hungry.
Perhaps in a competitive segment where it's filled with highly capable cars like the Honda Accord and the Mazda6, it's quite clear to see why Toyota has drastically restyled the Camry while concurrently elevating the cabin.
But that doesn't change the fact that we're still wondering how a spanking new model will be like, though...
It seems Toyota has succeeded once again by injecting plenty of goodness in what is already a prosperous model. We wouldn't go as far by saying that the Camry provides an engaging driving experience but it certainly does its job well by staying humble and hungry.
Perhaps in a competitive segment where it's filled with highly capable cars like the Honda Accord and the Mazda6, it's quite clear to see why Toyota has drastically restyled the Camry while concurrently elevating the cabin.
But that doesn't change the fact that we're still wondering how a spanking new model will be like, though...
