Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry Toyota Camry
THE MODERN CHARM OF CONSERVATISM
Even before the presentation, he knew that the new generation of Camry was created on the basis of the previous one. They even have the same wheelbase. However, bypassing the debutant from all sides, I was full of doubts. The novelty looks much larger and more magnificent. The silhouette has remained the same, but due to new design accents, the latest generation is perceived in a completely different way: a chrome-plated radiator grill plate, large headlights and rear lighting - a pompous, rich look! Moreover, the design of the model was specially adapted to the tastes of Russians. Nicely! However, such a “deflection” is easily explained: here, “Camry” has been the leader in sales in the business class for several years. And the Japanese do not intend to lose this leadership.
Having looked into the salon, I realized that the equalization for the Russians was limited only by appearance. The interior of the sedan was reminiscent of large American off-road vehicles: spaciousness, a monumental front panel and modest decoration materials. Soft plastics are far from everywhere, some of the surfaces are sheathed with a very natural-looking leatherette, but pseudo-wooden linings are no good - it’s a bit awkward for business class! Obviously, the seats are also designed for overseas tastes: wide and soft, they are almost devoid of lateral support. The backs are profiled in a peculiar way: because of the ejection form, you involuntarily slouch. But there were active head restraints protecting the neck from whiplash injuries.
A solid interior is complemented by plastic "wood" inserts
A solid interior is complemented by plastic "wood" inserts. A solid interior is complemented by plastic "wood" inserts.
The navigator began to work much better (but voice prompts in some cases are still far from the standards of Russian speech), and it’s easier to configure it. The dashboard looks elegant, even with a claim to originality. So, at the bottom right is a pointer to the average fuel consumption. As the Japanese explain, the driver, looking at this device, will involuntarily try to drive more economically. But, I swear, moving in sleepy mode on a 6-cylinder 3.5-liter version is decidedly impossible! 277 “horses” are received zealously, with the front drive slipping, to accelerate the car even after minimal pressing the accelerator. But it’s worth drowning more strongly, the dispersal is accompanied by such a delicious rumble that you unwittingly want to repeat this song. Addictive! In my opinion, there is more power here than might be needed on a regular road. And the price of this version is almost one and a half million rubles. Expensive!
SHOCK WAVE
Perhaps the most important and most indisputable advantage of the new "Camry" is noise isolation. Sounds of the street are almost inaudible! According to the manufacturer, in all modes in the cabin it became quieter by about 2 dB. A smooth trump will be a strong trump card. Overcoming the “speed bumps" and rare road bumps in the south of France, the Camry was not much inferior in comfort to representative cars.
Compared with its predecessor, the weight decreased by more than 50 kg, the rigidity of the body increased. The drag coefficient remained the same - 0.28
Compared with its predecessor, the weight decreased by more than 50 kg, the rigidity of the body increased. The drag coefficient remained the same - 0.28. Compared with its predecessor, the weight decreased by more than 50 kg, the rigidity of the body increased. The drag coefficient remained the same - 0.28.
But the Camry as it was, and remained (the platform has not changed) pronounced understeer, and when driving on the road with oncoming wagons the car even swayed from air strikes - its suspension is so soft. And the steering (in it the power steering gave way to an electric one) is almost devoid of feedback. Oh, it was not for nothing that the winding roads, with which the Cote d'Azur abounds, were not included in the presentation route. In such circumstances, the Camry would have seemed an elephant in a china shop.
Later, I managed to get acquainted with the basic 4-cylinder version. The previous standard engine with a volume of 2.4 liters developed 167 hp. The new unit has grown both displacement and power - it became 2.5 liters and 181 hp. Torque and economy indicators have improved: average 8.3 l / 100 km - for such a hefty car a decent result. To achieve such a modest appetite helped a more advanced 6-speed automatic transmission, replacing the 5-speed unit. But the mechanical box for the "Camry" is no longer offered. Yes and no. The machine works well: it switches smoothly and in a timely manner, but in manual mode it, like the previous transmission, does not hold the selected gear, moving higher independently. By the way, they are not in a hurry to introduce a start-stop or energy recovery at Camry, believing that the cost of these devices does not justify the fuel saved at their expense.
From now on, the machine is included in the basic equipment of all versions of the Camry
From now on, the machine is included in the basic equipment of all versions of the Camry. From now on, the machine is included in the basic equipment of all versions of the Camry.
HOLY SIMPLICITY
Despite the lower power and more modest dynamics, I liked the basic version more than the car with V6: it is more understandable and organic. I do not want to drive on it at all, which is clearly for the benefit of passengers. After all, “Camry” is often bought from us as a staff - to ride with a hired driver. The new generation from this point of view is even better! Firstly, the back row is a bit more spacious: 15 mm of space were added, 8 mm in height and 46 mm in width. Secondly, rich versions flaunt the so-called package for passengers with the ability to adjust the backrest according to the angle of inclination, moreover, with an electric drive! Finally, on the middle armrest of the rear sofa in this configuration, I found radio control buttons, heated seats and climate control (it has a three-zone Camry). Few competitors can provide a similar service for comparable money.
It’s all the more annoying that you will never receive a parking assistant, a system for reading road signs and tracking blind spots, adaptive cruise control and an all-wheel drive transmission for Camry. None of the above and which has become habitual even for some golf-class models is not available at Camry: Toyota marketers considered this to be superfluous for its target audience.
The executive role of the top versions is emphasized by the curtains on the rear windows
The executive role of the top versions is emphasized by the curtains on the rear windows. The executive role of the top versions is emphasized by the curtains on the rear windows.
The previous chassis and the lack of advanced electronic systems gives rise to say: the new Camry did not make a leap forward. This is evolution, but not revolution. Structurally, the car is conservative. However, I have no doubt in her bright market future. After all, the cost of the sedan remained the same (a small increase in the price is compensated by the presence in the basic equipment of the machine and ESP) -1, 028, 000 rubles. This means that there will still be many buyers from the Japanese business class sedan.
GREEN SHADE
Overseas and in Japan, Camry is also offered in a hybrid version. As an internal combustion engine use a 2.5-liter “four”. Together with the electric motor, the power of the power unit reaches about 200 hp. This is the most powerful Toyota hybrid sedan. He has an average fuel consumption of 5.4 l / 100 km.
