Toyota Camry Hybrid 2012 review: snapshot

Three months ago Toyota boss Akio Toyoda promised to put the fun factor back into Toyotas and the latest Camry Hybrid has fulfilled that promise.

It's a ripper, with a whopping 151kW under its bonnet, tuned suspension, top economy, extra features, improved safety and refinement  all at a lower price.

The Australian-built sedan is also the first hybrid to boast towing ability, its battery will last the life of the vehicle and it has a bigger boot and interior.

PRICES AND EQUIPMENT

Camry Hybrid comes in two hi-spec' models, the H (for hybrid) and HL (luxury), and can be identified by a chromed grille with a blue-ringed badge, blue accents on the headlights and unique alloy wheels. Prices start at $34,990, which is $2000 cheaper than last year's model.

Both cars feature the clear three-dial Optitron dash panel, with a six-speaker audio system and a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, an eco driving indicator, dual-zone auto climate control aircon, smart entry wireless door lock, smart start, acoustic windscreen and a reverng camera.

A hybrid system indicator in the multi-info display shows energy flow and cruising range. The classy finishing touches include brushed silver inserts and switches, attractive stitching and soft-touch padding Spacewise, repositioning of the battery has freed up more space in the boot, which will now hold 421 litres, up from 389. And new seat design and door trims have given greater comfort and extra space in the back.

TECHNOLOGY

Both cars have a new belt-free Atkinson-cycle 2.5-litre petrol engine, a tad up on the earlier 2.4. It produces 118kW and 213Nm and is backed by a 105kW/270Nm 650 volt electric motor. The combined effect is 151kW with an undisclosed, but substantial, torque figure. The 2.4's combined power was 140kW.

Electric motors now power all previously belt-driven components and there are subtle aerodynamic improvements that help the car achieve a very impressive 0.27 drag factor. Paired with the CVT, fuel use is down to an average 5.2 litres/100km which is better than most diesel rivals.

The car also has a new EV Drive system, which lets it run on electric power alone for a couple of kilometres up to about 45km/h. Handy for coming up the driveway after midnight. The suspension has been given a thorough going-over by Toyota Technical Centre and the car now has a flat ride, more comfort and stability and excellent road manners.

THE DRIVE

If ever there was a Camry to shed its 'whitegoods' image, it's the new Hybrid. It's the new flagship of the range and the sportiest. It quietly zooms to 100km/h in 8.0 seconds, about a second quicker than the outgoing model, and has the handling qualities of a sports saloon.

We swished through the winding terrain of Tasmania's Tamar Valley with aplomb and marvelled at the car's agility, a word not normally attributed to a Camry. The electro steering was a tad light, but gave good feedback and increased body rigidity and the use of low rolling resistance tyres added to the handling benefits.

The car's finish has also been lifted, with shutlines of 3 to 3.5mm, as opposed to the previous 5mm, making it comparable to a Lexus in that regard. It's also commendably quiet inside, thanks to the acoustic glass windscreen and other noise-absorbing materials.