Toyota Sportivo 2004 Review

One thing's for sure, if you're thinking of forking out for one of the big swoopy sedans – the athletic Sportivo is the one to get.

While other models seem to sit too high on the road, particularly with that big, rising rear deck, the Sportivo's aerodynamic enhancements serve to give the car a much needed lower profile.

But if you're a current Camry owner, don't go reaching for the keys, because none of the changes are major enough to warrant an update.

Front, seat-mounted side airbags are now available on all models and standard on Ateva, Sportivo V6, Azura and Grande.

All Camrys now also have cruise control, aircon- ditioning and an alarm, and V6 models get a power- operated drivers seat as standard.

Sportivo V6 acquires a three-spoke leather steering wheel with audio controls, brushed aluminium pedals, Sportivo front scuff plates, front upper console box, new suede leather sports seats and new all-black interior.

Our test vehicle was the Sportivo V6 finished in a striking brittle new blue called Rhapsody.

Larger, funkier badges complement the flashy new colour.

It certainly looks fresher and more upbeat than the previous metallic gold which has not aged well.

Camry's 3.0-litre DOHC V6 is good for 145kW at 5200rpm and 284Nm of torque at 4400rpm.

Our test car was the five-speed manual which will accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 8.3 seconds – the auto is a second slower.

That's pretty quick for what is basically a family sedan and the manual shift is relatively easy to use, with throws that are reasonably short.

The words "relatively" and "reasonably" keep cropping up with this car because that's what it is, a car that offers the average buyer reasonable bang for their buck.

Toyota promotes the Sportivo as a real driver's car, a car born to conquer the mythical mountain roads featured on the TV ad.

The car acquits itself well in the handling department, pointing and sitting securely in corners.

But the heavy steering and front-wheel drive configuration take the edge off performance.

The whisper quiet interior and blast of icy air from the climate controlled air conditioning offer are welcome haven from the heat of the day.

However, for a sports model, this car is crying out for an audible exhaust note.

Sportivo still looks woefully under-tyred, with 16 inch 205/60 series wheels and tyres (almost passe these days) and plenty of room to move inside the guards.

Lower the suspension, stick on some chunkier rubber and add a sports exhaust system and you might be onto something.

Inside, the Camry has oodles of room for driver and passengers with some of the best rear legroom in the biz.

We really like the combination suede leather and cloth insert sports seats.

The boot too is absolutely cavernous – best in class.

Fuel consumption is rated at a combined 9.9L/100km, but the trip computer reported 12.1L/100km during testing from the 70-litre fuel tank.

With an upgrade normally comes a price increase, or does it?

Camry Sportivo V6 is priced from $37,500 for the manual ($1490 less) and $38,500 for the auto ($490 less).