FULL REVIEW: Toyota Camry Hybrid

FULL REVIEW: Toyota Camry Hybrid

In this blog entry, I'm posting a FULL REVIEW of Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid.

 The New Camry Hybrid Now comes with 8 years assurance warranty on Hybrid Battery. Photo below:

 Latest July Raya Promotion above and below.  Enjoy 2 years free Maintenance.  Valid till 31 July 2015. 

Available colours are Grey Metallic (new), Attitude Black, Silver Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic and White Pearl CS (additional RM848, GST inclusive). Locally-assembled (CKD) in Shah Alam.

 Price list and specifications.  Please double click to enlarge:

 I have included 5 Videos of The New Camry Hybrid as well.


Video 1: Camry TV Commercial
 
MECHANICALS

The new Camry 2.5 Hybrid is the first Toyota hybrid to be assembled in Malaysia. This brings together a 2AR-FXE 2.5 litre VVT-i four-cylinder petrol engine (160 PS at 5,700 rpm and 213 Nm at 4,500 rpm) paired with a 143 PS/270 Nm electric motor, an eCVT gearbox and a nickel-metal hydride battery. Total system output is 205 PS, while combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.2 litres per 100 km. 

Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) Engine

The Hybrid Synergy Drive system is powered by two intelligent motors and the 2AR-FXE engine which is a high-expansion ratio engine that uses the Atkinson cycle to deliver instantaneous power by seamlessly selecting the transmission ratio. This creates smoother acceleration for enhanced driving performance and contributes to class-leading fuel savings.

 Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) features the best of both worlds – seamlessly combining the highly efficient petrol engine and electric motor to deliver smooth, responsive driving performance, low fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions.

Video 2: Why Toyota Hybrid?
Video 3: How it Really work?

Video 4: What is Hybrid Synergy Drive?


Video 5: What are some of its benefits?


MECHANICALS (cont...) 

Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT)

With Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT), you can look forward to the smoothest ride possible.

Electric Power Steering

The Camry offers an efficient power steering that is light during low speeds, and gradually stiffens according to vehicle speed for better stability. This technology also provides better fuel economy as it is fully electrically powered

OVERVIEW: (double click to enlarge)

   INTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS:

Qi Wireless Charger

The wireless charging feature lets you place your Qi-compatible mobile device on the charging pad to charge up. No more worrying about tangled cords or wires.  Available for Camry 2.5 Hybrid only.

Always A Refreshing Ride

nanoe™ IONISER

"Nanoe" ions (negative ions surrounded by water molecules, so they last longer) are released from the driver's side and spread throughout the cabin, helping you stay more refreshed and alert.  Available for Camry 2.5 Hybrid only.

DVD-AVN (Audio-Video Navigation) System and Reverse Camera with Guide Lines

The 7" touch screen DVD-AVN System comes with Navigation, DVD Player, Tuner, MP3, USB, iPod Compatibility & Bluetooth®. The MirrorLink function enables your smartphone's display to be shown and operated on the vehicle's touch screen, via the USB connection (functions available may vary depending on smartphone).

It also comes standard with beautiful, clear audio experience with the 5.1 channel surround system and 10 JBL Green Edge speakers.

Steering Wheel Switch Controls enables Access the Bluetooth® hands-free*, audio and MID functions with your fingertips, while staying in control

 Above: 10 Way adjustable front driver seat, below Cruise Control.

 Above: Dual Zone climate control.

 Below: Front seat adjustable for rear passanger.

 OTHER INTERIOR SHOTS:

 Above: Multi-information display.

ONE UTAMA ROADSHOW Interior shots:

 

 Above: There's no trunk-through feature, due to the battery pack. Boot space is down too, to 421 litres compared to the petrol-only variants’ 515 litres.

EXTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS:
 

Aero-Stabilising Fins

Aero-stabilising fins on the wing mirrors and rear combination lamps help air flow smoothly around the vehicle to reduce drag.

 Other Exterior photos:

 Above and below: Launching Photos.

Subsequent 7 Photos Below: Taken from Toyota 1 Utama Roadshow.

SAFETY AND SECURITY HIGHLIGHTS (double click to enlarge):

The Hybrid gets seven airbags (including driver’s knee bag) and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, in addition to all the aforementioned safety equipment. This is a big improvement from the previous range-topping 2.5V, which had four airbags as standard.

DRIVING THE CAMRY HYBRID (As I have Test driven ONLY less than 4km, I figured out it'll be better to "extract" from experts).

Following 3 paragraphs extracted from http://countersteer.my/2015/05/12/toyota-camry-hybrid/

As owners of Toyota hybrids will tell you, you can start one up and creep in near silent electric mode to 40km/h with some deft massaging of the throttle. The trick may seem gimmicky and last no more than a couple of kilometres, but the expression from surprised bystanders is usually priceless. 

What we can confirm is that the petrol-electric combo works well together, as one would expect from the pioneer of hybrid technology since 1997. The electric motor fills in the torque from idle, then hands over the propulsion duties to the petrol engine when the car hits higher speeds. The transition is imperceptible and the power delivered via the CVT ’box is urgent and buttery smooth, not unlike that of a big V6, but much quieter. It’s properly quick this Camry, as in easily-laying-down-rubber-when-pulling-out-of-junction kind of quick.

To be perfectly fair to the Camry, it is not exactly desensitized in feel either. The steering may be geared slow to avoid excitation of body motions (due to presence of battery pack sitting at the back) but once subjected to lateral loads, it does weigh up nicely, and for the smooth ride it offers, the Camry can string some fast corners together without causing alarm to occupants cuddled in its plush and soft leather seats. Think composure and comfort levels of a Lexus and you’re not a million miles way. 

End of source.

PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY:

Top speed: 215km/h
Acceleration: 0-100km/h: 7.6 seconds.
Claimed FC: 5.2l/100km 

CONCLUSION:
 
MY RATING: 10/10.  The Perfect D-segment hybrid.


Other Photos:

If you want to buy this car, please call:
 
Jefferson Lim
012-6852-718.
Location: Klang Valley.
Setia Alam, Bangsar, Kota Damansara, TTDI, Petaling Jaya, Kuala Selangor. 

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this LONG blog entry.  This is partially (50%) my original work.  The article layout and 1 Utama Roadshow photos is mine.  Balance 50% from Brochure Scans, UMW Toyota Website, UMW Toyota Youtube videos, dsf.my and countersteer.my.