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Toyota Hybrid Camry Launched

February 8, 2010 by Alborz Fallah  

The highly anticipated Toyota Camry Hybrid, now known as the Toyota Hybrid Camry has been officially launched to the market today.

The first ever hybrid car to be built in Australia has been warmly received by early test drives and rumours from those inside the industry, however its real test is with the Australian public and fleet sales.

The family-sized Hybrid Camry uses the same technology found in the Toyota Prius, Hybrid Synergy Drive and delivers a respectable fuel economy figure of just 6.0 litres of regular unleaded petrol to travel 100km.

That figure makes it nearly 32 per cent more fuel efficient than the automatic petrol Camry, which incidentally already held the title for the most fuel-efficient Australian-built car.

Toyota says for someone travelling 20,000km a year in a Hybrid Camry, the savings on fuel alone will be 560 litres or $14 a week ($728/year) based on a pump price of $1.30 a litre. This jumps to $16 a week ($832/year) with fuel costing $1.50 a litre.

Of course the other reason you would consider the Hybrid Camry is its low CO2 emissions (142 grams/km), roughly reduced by almost 1.3 tonnes a year based on 20,000km a year of travel.

A Hybrid Camry can travel almost 300km more on a single tank of fuel than the Holden Commodore (which emits 55% more CO2 pollution) and almost 400km more than the Ford Falcon (which emits 66% more CO2 pollution) even though both Australian built cars have bigger fuel tanks.

Powering the Hybrid Camry a combination of a 2.4-litre petrol engine and 105kW electric motor resulting in a total power output of 140kW almost 20 per cent better than a petrol-only Camry.

“Hybrid Camry makes a compelling case for itself as an alternative to conventionally powered family sedans, consumers will get all the performance, space and comfort of a top-rated family sedan. At the same time they will get fuel economy that trumps that of petrol-powered light and compact cars. ” Toyota Australia’s senior executive director David Buttner said.

“It rates among the best diesels in its class for fuel economy, yet produces substantially less greenhouse gases and other harmful substances.

“We expect Hybrid Camry will achieve the maximum five-star rating on the Federal Government’s Green Vehicle Guide compared with just 3.5 stars for the best of the mid-size or large diesels.

“Hybrid Camry is the future of Australian motoring. It brings hybrid technology to mainstream car buyers,” Mr Buttner said.

“It will attract a significant number of people moving from a large six-cylinder car because they regard size and performance as important.

“Hybrid Camry provides a lot of automotive virtue, especially with prices under $40,000.”

The Hybrid Camry is built at the company’s Altona plant under the watchful eye of 3,200 employees.

“Our people have worked incredibly hard to bring this car to market just 20 months after the project was announced in Japan by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, this incredibly quick turn-around is possible because Toyota Australia is an integrated, self-sufficient company with capabilities in all areas from design and engineering through to manufacture and sales.”

Toyota’s cumulative global hybrid sales now exceed 2.2 million vehicles including 1.6 million Prius and more than 175,000 Hybrid Camry.

Expect a Review of the Hybrid Camry in the very near future.

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  • Comments

    104 Responses to “Toyota Hybrid Camry Launched”
    1. +15 Vote -1 Vote +1Grammar Nazi
      says:

      I truly hope they sell like hotcakes, as there’s a lot riding on these. This will be the litmus test for local manufacturing – not just Toyota. It doesn’t look terrible either.

      Don’t forget, all Australians are shareholders in these after the PM through $35 million at Altona.

      • -10 Vote -1 Vote +1Nankano
        says:

        (click to show comment)

        • +4 Vote -1 Vote +1Muse
          says:

          “…need this powertrain in a Corolla”

          Pretty sure there’s a Hybrid Corolla either on sale or not far from it – overseas that is. If this is the case I’d imagine it won’t be long until it’s over here.

        • +3 Vote -1 Vote +1Golfschwein
          says:

          You most certainly are NOT looking at the WHEELS 2010 COTY. It fails the newness test, for starters, and will drive like a Camry, albeit one with a bit more zip.

          • -1 Vote -1 Vote +1Shak
            says:

            how does it fail the newness test. It has a completely new drivetrain. And it has a different design to the older camry so that counts.

            • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1chris.k
              says:

              This generation Toyota Camry was already tested at the 2006 Wheels COTY. This is a similar situation to the previous generation Volkswagen Golf; the regular range was tested in 2004 COTY, where the GTi was released in 2005 and missed out on 2005 COTY as the Golf range was already tested in 2004.

    2. -5 Vote -1 Vote +1Jazrod
      says:

      (click to show comment)

    3. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1laurie
      says:

      Funny how they don’t quote battery replacement prices!! yet when journalist talk about diesels they always say “Its approx.$3000 more to buy than a petrol engine” ?

      laurie

      • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Steve
        says:

        Laurie,

        Toyota’s warranty on battery packs is 8 years or 160,000km.
        Also, Toyota claims the batteries will last for the “the typical life” of the vehicle with many having passed 400,000km.
        By your reckoning, maybe those same journalists should ask the price of reconditioning a diesel engine.

        Steve

    4. -9 Vote -1 Vote +1MisterTwo
      says:

      (click to show comment)

    5. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Pablo
      says:

      It’s a pity the federal govt wasted $35M on the project, when Toyota said they would build it here with or without govt assistance.

      • -2 Vote -1 Vote +1Nankano
        says:

        In part i agree, BIGT [tm.FO] has bet the farm on Hybrids and made zillions out of them and a sterling reputation to boot.

        They would have made Camry with our without the hand out.

        The 35 million could have put a extra floor on a hospital, or gone to curing some disease etc

        Toyota did not get 1 penny more than FORD, GMH or MITSUBISHI got [Mitsu paid its handout back]

        Still its OUR money so i would rather they got NONE!

        Just now with these recalls going on in USA BIGT’s name is getting dragged through the mud, they will dig themselves out and move on in time.

        • -15 Vote -1 Vote +1HyundaiSmoke
          says:

          (click to show comment)

      • -1 Vote -1 Vote +1AAA
        says:

        If Toyota got $35M … How much did Holden get for the SIDI V6 and Ford for the 4 cyl Falcon?

        • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Andrew M
          says:

          I believe toyota got 70 mill for the hybrid camry.
          35mil was just the federal cheque, I believe the state threw in another 35mil

    6. -43 Vote -1 Vote +1HyundaiSmoke
      says:

      (click to show comment)

    7. -14 Vote -1 Vote +1zahmad
      says:

      (click to show comment)

      • +9 Vote -1 Vote +1RoFlmaTiC
        says:

        You can’t simply add the two figures together to get the overall power output…

      • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Alex
        says:

        its like the Prius, the previous gen had a 57KW petrol motor and a 50KW electirc motor, yet made 73KW, Hybrid power output cant just be simply added up

    8. Vote -1 Vote +1stuzz
      says:

      If you wanna see the new camry, look at the current ES lexus. Isnt that how it goes for toyota?

    9. -1 Vote -1 Vote +1Nankano
      says:

      ****SCOOP!***

      Do the math!

      Believe it or not, i think ANOTHER Aussie built car has it beat on the $/km ratio!

      Later this year the Falcon will come out with a updated 6 fitted with the liquid injection LPG system [finally!] it *should* use:

      11L LPG per 100km @ $0.55c = $6.05 Falcon LPG

      v’s

      06L ULP per 100km @ $1.20 = $7.20 Camry Hyb.

      GOT YA BEAT HYBRID, AND BY A MASSIVE 20%!!!

      • -2 Vote -1 Vote +1lazybones
        says:

        Given your comparing a made up Ltr/100 figure against the stated ADR figure of the Camry we need to rework your numbers:-

        14.9L/100 ADR (http://www.caradvice.com.au/28.....road-test/) @ $0.55 = $8.20

        6.0L/100 ADR @ $1.20 = $7.20

        While i’m sure the update to the Falcon will improve this figure you have to remember LPG starts its tax escalator from July 1 2011. So thats 2.5c per ltr every year from 2011 to 2015.

        Later this year, thats just in time for the LPG fuel tax. That will see LPG taxed 2.5c per ltr every year for the next 4 years, from 2011.

        • -1 Vote -1 Vote +1lazybones
          says:

          DELETION ABOVE COMMENT PLEASE CA. ITS A COPY OF THE COMMENT BELOW. BUT I USED A HYPER LINK, NAUGHTY NAUGHTY!

      • +4 Vote -1 Vote +1lazybones
        says:

        Given your comparing a made up Ltr/100 figure against the stated ADR figure of the Camry we need to rework your numbers:-

        14.9L/100 ADR (Falcon G6E LPG MY09) @ $0.55 = $8.20

        6.0L/100 ADR @ $1.20 = $7.20

        While i’m sure the update to the Falcon will improve this figure you have to remember LPG starts its tax escalator from July 1 2011. So thats 2.5c per ltr every year from 2011 to 2015.

        • +4 Vote -1 Vote +1dan
          says:

          This car cant be compared to a falcon or commodore because it is smaller, fwd, and without the towage rating.

          Looks in my opinion also are not on the same level, however I have yet to see one in the skin.

          • Vote -1 Vote +1Tom R
            says:

            You cant tell me the majority of Falcon/Commadore buyers use their cars for Towing for god sake. Hardly ANYONE does. Thats the only rational excuse anyone can find for a Falcodore these days…

            P.S. I’d still buy one, <3 Falcons.

        • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Rhys
          says:

          lazybones he is talking about the Falcons liquid injection LPG system which will be released shortly. The figures you are quoting are for the current out-dated LPG system, so your figures are too high.

          • -3 Vote -1 Vote +1lazybones
            says:

            Yes I know. Thats because its the only ADR figures we currently have. You can only compare ADR with ADR. When the new update arrives we can compare again based on the offical ADR, but by then we need to consider the planned increase in LPG.

            In terms of comparing cars based on towing/fwd/rwd etc. Thats really down to the buyer. If you like a car thats fun and goes sideways your not going to consider a Toyota period.

            As for size there’s not a lot in it. Especially interms of actual cabin size. Personally FWD does tend to offer a bit more confort when you have 3 adults on the backseat due to the flatter rear floor.

            • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Andrew M
              says:

              Nankano clearly said the updated LPG Falcon will have it beat.
              The current LPG Falcon would at least match it depending on the price of unleaded. LPG price doesnt fluctuate like Petrol so the actual average unleaded price is actually more near $1.30 if you factor in fluctuation

              Falcon is more comfortable than a Camry even with rear room.
              Low down torque of LPG also makes it easier to drive

            • Vote -1 Vote +1lazybones
              says:

              No, Nankando made a claim of 11L/100km for a car which isn’t available yet. As I pointed out we’ll have to wait and see. A 30% improvment is a big ask.

              The Camry hybrid would also provide a good amount of torque from 0 RPM due to its electric motor. Not sure about the aussie one, but the US one offers a not to shabby 270Nm.

              The Falcon is great for the front passenger, But I had issues sitting in the middle on the back seat. I see why most of my mates with Falcons put the child seat in the middle.

      • +2 Vote -1 Vote +1butterflyclips
        says:

        Don’t you mean “Do the ‘maths’”?

        • +2 Vote -1 Vote +1Golfschwein
          says:

          Doing the maths has always been far more elegant than doing the math, in my view. Americans do math. We do maths. Presumably, it’s short for mathematics, which my Strayan Concise Oxford describes as a noun, both plural and singular.

    10. +5 Vote -1 Vote +1Lancer black
      says:

      how much?

      • -7 Vote -1 Vote +1Nankano
        says:

        (click to show comment)

    11. -6 Vote -1 Vote +1lazybones
      says:

      (click to show comment)

    12. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1F1 Addict
      says:

      To say yes to this you’d have to say no to alot of good cars like premioum model Libertys and Comfortline Golfs so I can’t see it selling well in the private market. Bad news for residuals I’d assume.

    13. -1 Vote -1 Vote +1Alessandro
      says:

      I think lower fuel costs isn’t necessarily the main reason people buy hybrid.

      My wife recently chose a Prius over a Golf, Mazda 3 etc etc.

      why? because she likes the serene nature of the car, its silent around town and extremely relaxing to drive, it also has minimal impact to the environment.

      So i don’t think the Camry Hybrid will sell solely because of its fuel costs, which makes it pointless to crap on about it taking ages the re-coup the costs

    14. +2 Vote -1 Vote +1Baddass
      says:

      I think they have done a good job with the styling. Different enough from the normal Camry, without looking stupid. Good luck to Toyota.

    15. +3 Vote -1 Vote +1MD-88
      says:

      Seen it, touched it, sat in it and driven it……….. there is absolutely no disputing that this car is the fleet car of the future.

      And then, in time, it will then be snapped up in the second hand market by Mums and Dads wanting to save some money on petrol but still drive a large car.

      Everyone wins!

      Mine is on order…….

    16. +3 Vote -1 Vote +1D
      says:

      Pricing is as follows:

      Base model $36,990 RRP
      Luxury model $39,990 RRP

      Comes with more features and equipment to bring extra cost over petrol models to around $2000

      • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1AAA
        says:

        Saves on brake pads coz of regenerative braking. Better performance and who’s to say petrol won’t hit $2 a litre in the future?

      • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1milobob
        says:

        I was hoping it to be a bit less than those prices. Hopefully the Hybrid will get the same discounts as the rest of the range.

      • +2 Vote -1 Vote +1Mark G
        says:

        Base model petrol Camry = $29,990. So it is $7,000 more. For a fleet looking to save money, spending $7,000 extra is absurdity.

    17. Vote -1 Vote +1rentakeyboard
      says:

      Hw long before the recall?

    18. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Steven
      says:

      Surely a Corolla or RAV4 Hybrid would make more sense?

      I think sedans are impractical and pointless.

    19. -9 Vote -1 Vote +1HyundaiSmoke
      says:

      (click to show comment)

    20. -9 Vote -1 Vote +1HyundaiSmoke
      says:

      (click to show comment)

    21. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1PogO
      says:

      Fact Check “… delivers a respectable fuel economy figure of just 6.0 litres of regular unleaded petrol to travel 100km.
      That figure makes it nearly 32 per cent more fuel efficient than the automatic petrol Camry, which incidentally already held the title for the most fuel-efficient Australian-built car.”

      Car Advice can you please elaborate on this previous “record”? I had a browse and spotted the Australian built Ford Capri and Nissan Pulsar as having fuel consumption in the mid 6’s range.

      • Vote -1 Vote +1Snatch
        says:

        Does it hold the record? I don’t think so. The V6 Aurion is more economical than the Camry. Toyota don’t want it heard though.

    22. +2 Vote -1 Vote +1Save it for the track
      says:

      Isn’t the jury still out on the overall ‘carbon footprint’ of hyrbids, as relates start of manufacturing through to disposal at end of vehicle life ?? Just to build the battery system involves a lot of transport to and fro via cargo ships (with raw materials) and the like between several countries, before the vehicle is built and then put on a non-hybrid cargo ship to bring it to Aus. Canada, China, Germany, Japan etc. etc. And doesn’t the nickel come from open cut mining?? Then of course there’s the extra copper usually in these hybrids. Not exactly environmentally friendly digging that up either.
      .
      I doubt the driving dynamics will be anything special either. I had the misfortune in recent times to be ‘upgraded’ to a Camry on a car hire and apart from the awful driving dynamics, the non switchable traction control (and don’t anyone start blathering about needing ESP etc, etc., some of us can still drive ourselves thanks very much), poor A/C, the appalling trim is not good enough for a family in terms of potential staining from childrens shoes and the like. Camry = appliance to go A to B, and C how I really don’t like Driving.

    23. Vote -1 Vote +1Dennis
      says:

      40K? For a Camry? No Thanks.

      How long is the battery life? 5-6 Years?

      • +2 Vote -1 Vote +1The Other Brad
        says:

        The current Prius battery warranty is 8 years so I guess the Camry’s is the same? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.

    24. +2 Vote -1 Vote +1Lynchy
      says:

      As many have stated the benefit from the fuel savings of this vehicle still won’t recoup the extra outlay. Still definately better of going with the next gen LPG cars which will start filtering out of factorys later this year.

      The other benefit of a more enivironmentally friendly car at this point in time still doesn’t really stack up either, shore the cars do have a dramatically lower CO2 emission rate but once you factor in the CO2 created in manufacturing the batteries the transportation of said batteries and their disposal it actually adds up to more CO2 overall than a conventional vehicles lifecycle.

      Most people won’t believe this but atleast they’ll think there helping the environment along with all Holywoods A list.

    25. -1 Vote -1 Vote +1noD
      says:

      Why do they call a Prius, the Camry ‘Hybrid’ and Civic ‘Hybrid’ a Hybrid? I thought to be a hybrid it would run on two different fuels unless they are counting Petrol and hype. The battery to power the electric motor through the shared transmission is charged by the petrol engine via the shared transmission. Yes you could put the vehicle at the top of a very long hill and coast down it using the regenerative braking system but it would still have required some kind of fuel to get it there. Now you can’t get Toyota on this because the badge on the back says ‘Hybrid Synergy Drive’ which refers to the transmission system and not the motive power. The Volt if it ever hits the streets will be a true hybrid because the battery can be charged by whatever source of energy supplies the mains grid or the inbuilt petrol engine. Some vehicles which are dual fuel eg Petrol and LPG could be classified as Hybrid fuelled vehicles. There have in the past been hybrid engines, diesels which start and run on petrol until the engine is warm then a lever is operated that shuts off part of the combustion chamber which then allows the engine to run on diesel – not much of a advantage since it still uses crude oil ultimately as fuel. I still think that the likely fuel of the future is nuclear powered mains grid with rechargeble electric vehicles and that the current crop of socalled hybrids is just a passing phase.

    26. -2 Vote -1 Vote +1The Realist
      says:

      Another $70 million thrown away. Wouldn’t expect anything less from Labor Governments, especially with that imbecile Kim Carr as Minister.

      Wonder how much actually filtered into local manufacture against the figure siphoned back to head office.

      Time to let local auto manufacturing go to the big garage in the sky.

    27. Vote -1 Vote +1trackdaze
      says:

      The government has been screwed then flipped over on this one. firstly coughing up serious lolly on funding & then they’ll be the biggest buyer of the overpriced pointlessnes. To be honest id be praying for the brakes to fail.

      Toyota Camry Hybrid is to be known as Toyota Hybrid Camry?! Exactly how many lines were involved in that brilliance from the marketing department? So is the ordinary (read very ordinary) one to be known as the Toyota Petrol Camry thus forth?

    28. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Mark G
      says:

      Hahahahaha $7,000 more than the petrol Camry?! You will NEVER recover that amount in fuel saved. What a joke.

      • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1gt6
        says:

        My concern is the cost of replacement parts outside of warranty timeframes. Someone buying a 4 year old one thinking that they may be doing their bit to save the planet might just find their wallet needs saving first?

    29. -4 Vote -1 Vote +1Cupid Stunt
      says:

      Nice but will the brakes work.

    30. +5 Vote -1 Vote +1MD-88
      says:

      So, some say it’s too expensive? Well let’s compare it to some other 2010 vehicle pricing:

      $29,990 – Camry Altise
      $32,490 – Camry Ateva
      $35,990 – Aurion AT-X
      $36,990 – Camry Hybrid (Entry Level)
      $39,690 – Falcon XT Sedan
      $39,990 – Commodore Omega Sedan
      $41,690 – Falcon XT Sedan (LPG)
      $42,390 – Commodore Omega Sedan (Dual Fuel)

      At $2,700 cheaper than its nearest locally made non Toyota rivals it represents exceptional value for money, not to mention its already impressive green credentials of 6L/100km and 142g/km CO2.

      And in speaking of fuel, over 90,000km let’s run some mathematical type numbers in comparison to the 6.0L/100km offered by Hybrid Camry. In choosing Hybrid Camry you will use:

      2520 litres less than a Camry Altise/Ateva
      2970 litres less than a Commodore Omega (Petrol)
      3510 litres less than an Aurion AT-X
      4050 litres less than a Falcon XT (Petrol)

      These are real figures based on standard ADR 81/02 test data.

      But while we’re at it we should have a look at CO2 emissions over the same 90,000km period:

      12780kg – Hybrid Camry
      18720kg – Camry (non Hybrid)
      19530kg – Commodore Omega (LPG)
      19890kg – Commodore Omega (Petrol)
      20970kg – Aurion (all models)
      21780kg – Falcon XT (LPG)
      22590kg – Falcon XT (Petrol)

      That’s a whopping 5.9 to 9.8 tonne difference, no doubt this would be viewed favourably under any Emissions Trading Scheme introduced in this country. Some states even offer discounted rego/stamp duty for purchasers of Hybrid vehicles.

      Don’t forget “Little Bill” and the Toyota Service Advantage! Servicing costs will no doubt also impress

      So, tell us……… how is this locally built car expensive again?

      • Vote -1 Vote +1dan
        says:

        You CANT compare this to a Commodore or Falcon. Totally different ball game.
        Aurion you can include though.

      • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Ken
        says:

        Using your figures as a base, the Hybrid is expensive compared to its own petrol only Camry. 2520 litres over 90,000kms equates to $3,780 using $1.50 per litre as a calculation and only $5,040 using $2.00 per litre as a base for unleaded fuel. Therefore, the $7,000 difference between an Altise to a Hybrid would require approximately 166,000kms before you recover your costs at $1.50 per litre. Most fleet cars are exchanged way before this so you will always be in the red chasing your tail with this Hybrid.

        If your in it for the long haul and decide to keep it for many more years, you may save on fuel but eventually the battery replacement will bite you with a hefty service cost.

        Do the right thing for the environment and invest your spare $7000 in solar panels for your house, recover costs through the buy back scheme and your still helping the environment because your producing green energy reducing the load on the energy grid. While your at it, plant some trees in your yard and that’s for free.

        • -1 Vote -1 Vote +1MD-88
          says:

          Ken, sure it’s more expensive than the Altise! It’s more expensive than many cars! But if you have a look at what the bulk of fleet buyers purchase in this country the opportunity for large companies to save an awful lot of money is very, very real.

          It is directly comparable in size to other “big Aussie sixes”, it is cheaper (by far) than the Commodore and Falcon and it has a higher specification level than both!

          It absolutely 100% is more expensive than the Altise and indeed the Ateva. Nobody is going to argue that, including me.

          And for your reference, 75 to 90K (ie: 25 to 30K per annum) is a very common benchmark in terms of distances travelled in fleet vehicles.

          • -1 Vote -1 Vote +1Ken
            says:

            MD-88, are you on the Toyota Payroll?

            I never argued the 75 to 90K benchmark. I only stated the obvious that it will take more than that to recover costs. Most fleet cars don’t care about specification levels as they are only company cars. I have driven many company cars and hire cars and they are always base model, complete with hub caps and all. That’s why I used the Altise as a benchmark – $7,000 saving.

            Comparing this to a Falcon or Commodore is not correct. Both these cars are larger, have more power, are rear wheel drive with a better towing capacity. Camry’s are and always will be expensive whitegoods on wheels or as I like to say it, Cardigan Cars for the elderly.

            • -3 Vote -1 Vote +1MD-88
              says:

              Honestly Ken, how can you say “Camry’s are and always will be expensive whitegoods on wheels or as I like to say it, Cardigan Cars for the elderly.” and expect credible debate to continue?

              Fleet owners don’t care about specification levels? Sorry mate, Fleet is my business and it matters, alot, to customers and indeed the end user (ie: the driver).

        • -2 Vote -1 Vote +1The Real Car Fanatic
          says:

          Mazda 6 Diesel is 3 grand cheaper and uses the same amount of fuel, and for the added torque I know which one I’d prefer.

          • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Damian
            says:

            You conveniently omitted the fact that the Mazda 6 diesel does not come in auto. Such selective disclosure of information does not do your credibility any favours.

            • Vote -1 Vote +1The Real Car Fanatic
              says:

              Auto’s are for women, get back to the kitchen Damian or learn to drive.

              Alternatively I could choose any number of Diesel’s with DSG or CVT that are far more efficient on fuel.

          • -1 Vote -1 Vote +1MD-88
            says:

            Mazda 6 Diesel:

            $36,780 – Mazda 6 Wagon (Manual only)
            $43,430 – Mazda 6 Sport Hatch (Manual only)

            Both are great cars, no….. actually they’re fantastic cars! I’d like one too! A lack of an Automatic option dents this cars fleet appeal.

            • -1 Vote -1 Vote +1The Real Car Fanatic
              says:

              I have a mate at Mazda and he tells me the GM or CEO whatever his title will not sell mazda’s to Gov’t or rental fleets as it apparently effects the resale.

    31. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Richard
      says:

      The hybrid Camry has equipment levels equivalent to the Mid-range petrol Camry (33K). So it ends up being a $3-4000 price difference.

    32. +3 Vote -1 Vote +1Ken
      says:

      MD-88, Most of the time large organisations don’t think of the driver with regards to options or specification list. Companies are their to make money and that’s it. Saving that sort of money on a car that will be replaced every 3 years or so will be more important to the company. Our company gives us (The Drivers) a list of cars that we can purchase for our use. They are already hand picked by management and they are all base model. Outside of this list, no other car can be purchased as a company fleet car.

      My comments are credible as facts are facts. Just because I don’t like Camry’s doesn’t mean my comments are not credible. Compare the interior of a Mazda 6 costing the same as a Camry and look at the blandness of the Toyota. Owners of Camry’s that I know regard the interior as plain and say their only push to buy the Camry was because of the reliability and resale Toyota are known for, although with all the recalls, this may be changing.

      • -3 Vote -1 Vote +1MD-88
        says:

        Ken your argument is now a little more substantial, but your narrow scope of Hybrid Camry vs Altise requires expansion. In the fleet space it will compete with Falcon and Commodore and it is big enough and spacious enough to do it. I’ve had Falcon and Commodore company cars, and my current Camry is certainly more spacious than any Falcon I ever had and on par with the Commodore.

        It could be argued that against the XT and Omega the entry spec Hybrid Camry is indeed a base model. Actually, for the same price as an XT or Omega you can have the top of the line Hybrid Camry including Leather and Sat Nav!

        RWD/FWD……. that argument lost its relevance years ago.

        Towing, no two ways about it…… Camry never has been and never will be the car for you!!! Ever!

        And all this talk of reliability, what of it? Worldwide recalls happen every day across anything that is remotely mechanical. Ever seen an airworthiness directive from one of the major aircraft manufacturers? No? Well if you did you would probably never set foot on a jet again!

        My Camry has had a couple of problems sure, but no more than any Magna, Commodore or Falcon I’ve had previously!!!

    33. -4 Vote -1 Vote +1Karen
      says:

      Id be hard pressed into wanting to buy anything toyota at the Moment, A great wall has better safety at the moment

      I wonder if they test drive a PRIUS Crash test what a car scores for having no brakes.

      Can you get a 0 Star * Toyota

      Toyota have shamed the marketplace and I hope the poor family’s that died in the toyota accidents oversea’s sue Toyota For Millions!

      Shame on you Toyota, Shame….this quality issue will stick with you for years to come….mark my word

      • +3 Vote -1 Vote +1MD-88
        says:

        Hi Karen, this is the Caradvice website…… pretty sure your comments would struggle to get a run in Who Weekly they’re that far fetched and inaccurate!

    34. Vote -1 Vote +1Reality Check
      says:

      Do these new Toyota Camry’s come with the free sticking throttle and brakes that take and extra second or two to decide if they’ll work or not ?

      Toyota’s reputation is in tatters and the U.S. Govt had to heavily threaten them before they would even admitt they had a problem. Deep shame on Toy Motor.

      • -1 Vote -1 Vote +1MD-88
        says:

        RC, you’re as funny as a colleagues fart in a confined space training environment….. hit us with some more humour old mate! Love it!

    35. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1JEKYL & HYDE
      says:

      its interesting all this talk of fleets…

      in reality there is only 2 types.first is national gov’t type,looking at fuel eonomy,emissions,safety,etc.resale is not real high on the agenda.2′nd type is local gov’t,councils etc,they are simply looking at a car to do it’s job for 6 mths,and not lose much money when they go to sell them.as for this camry,it may do well initally,but may well end up like the pruis(not real good),because in reality it might not meet everybody’s ideals(md88?)…

      • -2 Vote -1 Vote +1MD-88
        says:

        Great post J&H and indeed the future resale of any asset is always of concern to any individual/company choosing ownership as their primary method of acquisition. And in days gone by the Governments, Not for profit organisations and Local Government agencies have absolutely chosen to buy new vehicles, retain for 6 months and then sell or trade them against new ones for very little (if any) changeover costs.

        Those days, for the most part, have long been delegated to the history annuls.

        • Vote -1 Vote +1JEKYL & HYDE
          says:

          you may be right md88,only the real smart one’s trade in early with very little changeover,all the other ones are content to use our (taxpayer funded) dollars…

    36. -5 Vote -1 Vote +1HyundaiSmoke
      says:

      (click to show comment)

    37. Vote -1 Vote +1Shak
      says:

      Although i hate Toyota this will start the ball rolling for electric and hybrid in Australia.

      • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1HyundaiSmoke
        says:

        Shak, what a shame that these guys love Toyotas.

        Ewwww…………Yuck!!!

        Poor Saps!!!

        • +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Shak
          says:

          Indeed. If they really support the local industry then support the real locals.

          • Vote -1 Vote +1HyundaiSmoke
            says:

            Holden makes a superior product. Toyota is now making the story on American Policy Wonk shows. Yes, its tha bad!!!! You cant go anywhere, even the Weather Channel and not hear anything about these guys.

    38. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1D' oooh
      says:

      Camry, as exciting as a fridge…

      Would a battery operated fridge be more exciting?

    39. -1 Vote -1 Vote +1HyundaiSmoke
      says:

      Toyota=Criminalistic Company, Junk products, and Liars!!!

      Just look at em!!!! Lmao!!

      Some of you know Im right.

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