Toyota Camry Atara SX 2015 review

Aggressive new nose and black alloys take the bland fleeter into bold new territory

The worst thing about the latest new Camry is the badge.

It looks fresher, drives sharper and has never been better on the value front.

But it's still a Camry and that means people, me included, drop it into a convenient box that's all about boring transport for people who think impressive air-conditioning is more important than how it drives.

Toyota Australia has worked hard to break out of this trap and basically failed. It's too late now with the car into the final countdown to the end of local production, despite the many strengths of the new Camry.

Which is why I'm in a bright red Atara SX, with lots of questions.

I know the starting price of the Camry has been eased back to an excellent $26,490 and that the car is still selling solidly, unlike the Falcon that's in freefall after Ford announced its factory shutdown.

I also know the new nose is very un-Camry and very bold, and that quality from the factory at Altona is as good as it's ever been for an Australian-made car.

You'll always be able to pick the latest Camry out of the pack

I also know this could be the last time I spend significant time with a Camry and that a lot of people are overlooking the homegrown family car in favour of South Korean imports. The imports are getting better — the Mazda6 is best in class for me — but the Camry should be more than just a car for big company fleets.

The new look is aggressive in the nose, which means you'll always be able to pick the latest Camry out of the pack, and includes 18-inch alloys on the SX and a three-spoke steering wheel but no improvement to the dash design or the size of the infotainment screen.

The suspension has had more local tuning and the result is a fantastic ride with great balance and grip. It's still a big and heavy car but it points well with sharper steering and I have no complaints about the way it gets through corners.

The seats are comfortable for any distance and the cabin is quiet.

But there are significant signs of the Camry's age, from the undersized multimedia system to a foot-operated parking brake and the absence of satnav. But there are a reversing camera and parking radar.

The Camry is bolder and better and great value

As a drive, the Atara SX has been moved away from the $28,990 base car for people who are buying with their own cash. It's still not a sports car but it doesn't wallow or flop.

However, there is no upgrade to the engine, which still makes 135kW and 235Nm and returns 7.8L/100km.

It's an engine that needs to be revved for its best, which is not possible with a six-speed auto that's tuned for economy and quietness. It's great to slur through the gears when you're taking life easy but a sports-tuned auto with paddles is what keener drivers now expect.