2012 Toyota Camry
I have to admit that I wasn't really excited to arrive at Toyota Canada's headquarters this morning for the launch of the 2012 Camry. With all due respect to the company, this midsize sedan isn't particularly thrilling to drive. At best, I was expecting a nip & tuck, some added features and, like the 2011 Corolla, a new steering wheel.
I was wrong. OK, it still isn't thrilling to drive, but I can say that it has improved considerably. This is obviously an important model for Toyota, one they couldn't afford to mess up. I'm glad to repo
Let's begin with the cockpit, where I spent a lot of time today. Simply put: it looks nothing like the previous-generation Camry. Every version gets a stitched dashtop, a tastefully designed centre stack with silver trim and attractive steering wheels (4-spoke for LE, XLE and Hybrid models; 3-spoke for SE). Gone are the cheap materials found in the 6th-generation car with its somewhat misaligned bits and pieces.
The cabin also seems quieter than before. Toyota claims they've added wheel-housing silencers, more foam in the roof, as well as improved door seals. Noise is said to be reduced by 2 to 4 dBA.
Toyota also increased interior space by further sculpting the door panels and headliner, thinning out the B-pillars, moving the front seats 7mm forward, and pushing the rear seats back 8mm. That translates into more legroom for back-seat occupants.
2012 Toyota Camry Interior
The Camry also looks much better than the outgoing model. It features edgy new styling that seems somewhat inspired by the Acura TSX, which isn't a bad thing. And although we thought the doors were carryover components, they are actually all-new. The SE is my personal favourite with its subtle aerodynamic add-ons.
As we departed for the drive, I asked for a 4-cylinder SE model and I wasn't disappointed. While it can't be considered a no-holds-barred sport sedan, it felt great on the highway and down the country roads leading to the Shannonville speedway where we had the opportunity to pit the new Camry against multiple versions of the Ford Fusion and the Hyundai Sonata.
On our way there, both I and fellow Auto123.com writer Charles Renny noticed that the passenger seat is mounted a little too high and can't be lowered.
All Camrys get a faster steering ratio, which is probably the most welcome improvement, and cures the car from its previously lifeless handling feel. As before, the SE benefits from a sport-tuned suspension, providing a more controlled ride like the LE and XLE versions.
On the track, the Camry quickly demonstrated its new savoir faire, circling around with as much composure as the Fusion and more than the Sonata. I never thought I'd someday be commenting on how well a Camry performed around a closed circuit. I wish the SE would offer better seat bolstering for less slippage when powering through turns, but it might be overkill in a Camry.
Both engines available are the same as in last year's model including a 2.5-litre inline-4 (178 hp, 170 lb.-ft) and a 3.5-litre V6 (268 hp, 247 lb.-ft). Both are mated to a 6-speed automatic with manual mode. But get this: The SE models now feature paddle shifters and – believe it or not – throttle blipping.
Fuel economy is also improved. The 4-cylinder engine is now rated at 8.2L/100km in the city and 5.6L/100km on the highway, while the V6 figures are 9.7 and 6.4 city/highway; those are class-leading numbers and we're not talking about the Hybrid (which we'll be covering in a separate article) that boasts fuel consumption ratings as low as 4.5/4.9 L/100km city/highway.
Toyota also demonstrated their new lineup of multimedia systems, ranging from a simple CD/MP3 player with USB port to a full-tilt, 7" touchscreen unit with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, as well as SMS and email reciting through your latest-model smartphone.
2012 Toyota Camry
Trim level choices will include LE, SE, XLE, SE V6, XLE V6, Hybrid LE, and Hybrid XLE. Toyota has dropped the price on every trim, while adding more content. The base LE starts at $23,700, while the $26,950 SE features navigation, a power driver's seat, a skirt package, terrific looking 18" alloys and sport seats with leather and cloth upholstery.
The top-shelf XLE V6 lists for $33,700 which Toyota claims is a $7,000 value over its 2011 equivalent. As for the hybrids, their pricing has not yet been disclosed, but we expect similar price cuts.
The 2012 Toyota Camry will be on sale in Canada within the next couple of weeks, while the Camry Hybrid should turn up sometime in November. Sales expectations are of just under 20,000 for the 2012 model including 1,100 hybrid units, but they also think they can attract a younger customer base with the new car, targeting an average age of about 45, split evenly between men and women. That might take a few years.
According to Toyota, the new Camry is both rational and emotional. Quality… reliability… safety… comfort… all those virtues are good, but they don't exactly stir your soul. However, with the Camry's attractive new appearance, vastly improved cockpit and livelier driving dynamics, "emotional" seems a little exaggerated. However, people might start thinking differently about the Camry. I sure did.
