Camry Upgrades, Focuses on Sporty SX 

By Bennett  Oghifo

Toyota has updated its seven-model Camry range with the bulk of improvements focused on the already impressive equipment list of the sporty Atara SX.

User-friendly additions to the SX include satellite navigation* and expanded Toyota Link# connected mobility operated via a larger seven-inch screen that is also the command centre for the newly fitted JBL premium audio system and digital (DAB+) radio”.

Cosmetic enhancements add to the sporty appeal of Atara SX with stylish new 18-inch alloy wheels and eye-catching red inserts along the lower edge of the front grille and rear-bumper diffuser.

Atara SX also gains a convenient power sunshade for the back windscreen and its reversing camera+ image now offers superimposed predictive guidelines that move as the driver turns the steering wheel for easier manoeuvring.

The revised range goes on sale from June 6 with the only price change being an extra $1,500 for the Atara SX, which is more than justified by the added equipment.

Every Camry, starting with Altise, is now fitted with ISOFIX attachment points for child safety seats in the rear. Camry’s petrol and petrol-electric engines have also been certified to the higher Euro 5 standard.

All Camry Atara models now have front and rear corner parking sensors.

The interior of the petrol Atara S is upgraded with the addition of a full-colour 4.2-inch thin-film transistor multi-information display. It conveys a wide range of vehicle functions and coordinates with the multimedia system to display audio, navigation, warnings and other communications.

At the top of the range, the Atara SL features new technology with a wireless phone charger^ for compatible phones. Some phones need a Qi induction loop or a special cover. The 18-inch alloy wheel package, which includes a sporty suspension set-up, is optional on the SL.

Toyota’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the latest upgrades across the range demonstrated the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and the long-term future of Camry.

“Toyota will continue to build on Camry’s success with advances in technology, safety, comfort and convenience, value and driving enjoyment, ensuring it remains one of Australia’s favourite cars for many years to come,” Mr Cramb said.

“Families and business owners will appreciate the added appeal of the new features, while the introduction of the new-technology wireless phone charger will give Camry an edge in the competitive prestige segment above $35,000,” he said.

Camry is in its 23rd consecutive year as Australia’s best-selling mid-size car – an unbroken run that began in 1994.

Every Camry has a five-star safety rating with standard fitment of seven airbags, reversing camera, vehicle stability and traction control, and anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Camry Altise, Atara S and Atara SL are available with 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol or hybrid petrol-electric drivetrains. The petrol-only Atara SX is the most agile and responsive Camry ever built due to its dynamic package that was conceived and developed locally.

The 2.5-litre petrol engine develops 133kW mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Dual exhausts on petrol Atara models lift output to 135kW. Fuel use is 7.9 litres/100km**.

Hybrid variants develop a maximum 151kW from the combination of the petrol engine, 105kW electric drive motor and electronic continuously variable transmission, sipping just 5.2 litres/100km** – a figure typical of a much smaller and less powerful car.

Altise models have a folding key, 6.1-inch display audio and static guidelines for the rear-camera display. Altise hybrid has keyless entry and ignition and auto dual-zone air-conditioning.

From Atara S upwards, all variants adopt these features as well as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-accented steering wheel and Toyota Link connected mobility. All Atara petrol grades employ paddle gear-shifters mounted on the steering wheel and dual exhausts.

Atara SX’s sporty nature is further highlighted by suspension settings that simultaneously provide impressive body control and ride comfort. A fast-ratio electric power steering system delivers a connected driving feel. The model also features a sports mesh grille, rear lip spoiler and leather-accented sports seats.

Atara SL is equipped with advanced safety technologies that use radar sensors and a windscreen-mounted camera: pre-collision safety system, active cruise control and lane departure alert. Its other features that contribute to safety and convenience include automatic high beam, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert ++.

The range-topping SL variants also offer leather-accented power-adjustable front seats with driver’s memory function, premium audio with a seven-inch screen and satellite navigation&. Atara SL has a rear-lip spoiler. A tilt-and-slide moonroof is optional for Atara SX and SL.

Camry is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with up to five standard scheduled services at $140## each during the first four years or 75,000km (whichever occurs first).