Toyota Camry Hybrid Atara SL new car review
Time is running out for the locally-built Toyota Camry, with the Melbourne factory set to close in 2017.
But that hasn't stopped the Japanese brand giving the mid-size sedan a major upgrade in 2015 that included a new look exterior, revised model line-up and new pricing structure.
One of the biggest changes was the decision to expand the hybrid range, replacing the previous base and premium hybrid structure with a three-tier line-up. There is now the base Altise, mid-range Atara S and the top-of-the-line Atara SL we're testing here.
What do you get?
The Camry hybrid range starts at $30,490 (plus on-road costs) for the Altise with the Atara S priced from $32,490 before a significant jump to $40,440 for the Atara SL.
All Camry models get LED daytime running lights, unique alloys wheels and reversing camera, while the Altise hybrid also includes keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone air-conditioning and hill-start assist.
Stepping up to the Atara S adds 17-inch alloys, electronically adjustable driver's seat, leather accented steering wheel, rear parking sensors and the ToyotaLink smartphone connectivity system.
For its price premium the Atara SL includes leather-accented front seats, premium audio system, navigation, auto high beam, auto wipers and front parking sensors. The SL also gets Toyota's full suite of active safety features, including pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
What's inside?
While Toyota changed every panel on the exterior (except the roof) for the 2015 upgrade, the interior was left largely unaltered.
The exception was the dashboard of the hybrid, which replaces the usual dials with a slightly different twin-dial set-up that has a 4.2-inch digital display between them. The tachometer from the petrol-powered Atara SL is replaced by a hybrid system indicator that shows when you are in Eco, Power or Charge modes.
While it is a change for the hybrid models it doesn't really make a significant impact on the Camry's interior ambience and presentation; that is otherwise unchanged since this generation model launched in 2012.
Being the top-of-the-range model, the Atara SL features some nice touches, like leather-like trim on the top of the dashboard, but overall it looks plain and lacks the attention-to-detail in terms of both design and materials used by its mid-size rivals like the Mazda6, Volkswagen Passat and Subaru Liberty.
On the plus side though, there is plenty of space inside in the Camry with enough room to carry four adults in comfort (and five for shorter trips). Although, the seats lack lateral support and are a little flat across the base they are soft and comfortable.
The boot is a decent 421-litres but that is still a compromise from the 505-litres for the non-hybrid models. That's due to the hybrid powertrain equipment under the boot floor, which also means the rear seats don't offer split/fold functionality - which costs the Camry hybrid points for practicality.
Under the bonnet
The star of the show is, of course, the petrol-electric powertain. Toyota continues to pair a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor powered by nickel metal hydride batteries.
The combined output of the system is rated at 151kW of power and a maximum torque of 270Nm. That endows the Camry hybrid with more than adequate performance, the electric motor providing decent punch when you call for a surge of acceleration.
Otherwise it is a quiet and efficient engine capable of pulling the Camry along with minimum fuss.
The official combined fuel consumption rating is 5.2-litres per 100km, which is an impressive result for such a large car.
More impressive though was that the fuel consumption on the trip computer hovered between 5.6-5.8L/100km during our time, only slightly behind the official claim and with significant urban kilometres. It's also worth noting that our test car only had 700km on it when we picked it up, and in our experience cars get more efficient when they have been run in.
On the road
The Camry has never been the dynamic benchmark in the mid-size sedan class, and that remains the case with the latest model.
But what it lacks in precise handling it makes up for with a quiet and comfortable on-road demeanour.
The cabin is nicely isolated from outside noise making it an relaxed place to be.
The suspension performs well over smaller bumps, soaking up minor imperfections in the road, but can jar over larger bumps.
While the handling is mostly neutral, push the Camry through some corners and it quickly succumbs to understeer and the tyres run out of grip.
The steering also lacks feeling and feedback for the driver, but is nicely weighted for urban commuting.
Verdict
The Camry remains the best-selling mid-size sedan in Australia and it is hard to see that changing anytime soon. It offers up plenty of space and comfort inside and the hybrid powertrain makes it very efficient for a sedan this size.
Toyota has loaded a decent amount of gear into the Atara SL to ensure it meets a wide variety of needs but also adds a layer of luxury.
It may not have a reputation for exciting motoring but it is easy to see why the Camry is such a popular sedan.
2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid Atara SL pricing and specifications
Price: From $40,440 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and electric motor
Power: 151kW
Torque: 270Nm
Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel drive
Fuel use: 5.2L/100km
The Competitors
Ford Mondeo Trend Diesel
Price: From $40,490 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 132kW at 3500rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 2000-2500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic, FWD
Fuel use: 5.1L/100km
Our score: Not yet rated
Mazda6 Touring Diesel
Price: From $40,140 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 129kW at 4500rpm
Torque: 420Nm at 2000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, FWD
Fuel use: 5.4L/100km
Our score: Not yet rated
Hyundai i40 Premium Diesel
Price: From $41990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 104kW at 4000rpm
Torque: 340Nm at 1750-2500rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, FWD
Fuel use: 5.1L/100km
Our score: Not yet rated