The Toyota Camry receives an extensive facelift, and now plays up the luxury game. For a little below $260,000, you have appointments even 5 Series owners might envy
Singapore – The 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid is not an entirely new car, but in-fact a well-executed facelift, that could have the best of us easily fooled. When the Camry was first introduced decades ago, it gained fame as reliable transportation for those who did slightly better. By the early 2000s, the Camry had grown to become a midsize sedan, which I would bet that many of you would remember, was extremely popular among towkays, alongside the Nissan Cefiro.
Of late, Toyota has been shaking off that reliable-but-boring image it has often been associated with. The ninth-generation Camry actually does look like a car an early thirty-something executive would want, or for that matter, a new-age uncle. Its Hammerhead Shark-inspired front-end debuted in Singapore with the current Prius. The Toyota Crown, which is only available here as a grey import also sports a version of the ‘Hammerhead’ design signature. Its grille, which is essentially the bumper, hints of a spindle-like design, which can be seen as an aspirational nod to its luxury brand sibling – Lexus.
The extensive facelift also sees sweeping creases along the doors and C-pillar, which feed visual tension toward the rear badging. Aside from the C-shaped rear lights, there is a slight hint of Lexus ES, which we all know is the Camry’s sister car.
Along with its new, extroverted exterior, I do feel that Toyota has gone the right direction with the Camry’s dashboard redesign. A new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen which takes centrestage, features the brand’s new interface – a far cry from what was offered previously. It now features the new ‘Toyota Voice Agent’, much like what is offered in Mercedes-Benz and BMW. However, I feel that it still needs more work, since functions are somewhat limited. The system supports both Apple and Android devices, though the latter is only offered via a wired connection.
Sound quality, by-way of a nine-speaker premium JBL audio system is decent, but not the best; but this is no dealbreaker, since there already a lot going for Toyota’s new B-Segment sedan.
I truly enjoyed the ventilated front seats as I went about my day. As for those at the rear, the 9th-generation car comes equipped with a digital centre armrest console, which houses convenient climate, media and rear seat recline adjustments at their fingertips. The motorised rear sunshade can also be deployed with ease from there. In-all, it vibes like a Lexus, but on a budget, since it still lacks the solid-glossy quality finishes created with that Takumi “master touch”, and also those thick-pile carpets associated with the luxury marque.
As for the boot, there is a trade-off, since the rear seats have their own “pods”, and are not able to fold forward. This has also reduced cargo space by 24 litres, making do (with a not-too-shabby) 500 litres.
On the road, you quickly get a sense that engineers have followed through with their boss’ devotion to make Toyotas more fun to drive. The Camry’s suspension is set just that little bit firmer, so that it sits better around the bends, yet still yielding enough to buffer-off our patchwork of road surfaces.
The 2.5-litre in-line four natural-breathing hybridised powertrain is carried over from the previous car. The engine alone makes 185hp, while the electric motor, 134hp. System delivery is rated at 227hp and 221Nm. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system which is essentially the eCVT, delivers the drive with smoothness (and will continue doing so for years without the issue of belt slippage, which you will get from belted CVTs).
Thanks to the electric motor providing its initial shove, getting the Camry off-the-line is nothing short of effortless. If you feel the need to give it the beans, it will oblige, getting you to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds. The engine however, does get rather vocal when worked harder, which does mar the serenity within the cabin.
But away from sticking it into turn after turn, I like that Toyota has not strayed away from what makes a Camry a Camry. Overall, I feel that it has definitely grown out of its serious, all-business-suit-and-no-play mould over the last few generations. But it is practical like always, but equally-important to its owners, it also delivers a relaxing and efficient drive, with just enough road manners to keep you smiling.
But It Is More Challenging to Sell a Midsize Sedan Today
Many would-be buyers have pivoted to SUVs, therefore it is easy to see why there are significantly less of these D-Segment sedans on our roads. But sedans have their own charm.
Competition at the moment is from the recently launched Honda Accord. We understand that the B9 Škoda Superb liftback will arrive late this year, which we know will be well-received. Sister brand Volkswagen on the other hand, would not likely be bringing in the related Estate-only Passat.
Text: Clifford Chow
Photos: Lim Weijie | Edits: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improved driving dynamics | Engine can get too vocal |
| Bold styling definitely a head-turner | Has gotten rather expensive, no thanks to high COEs |
| Added luxury features | Infotainment system’s Voice Agent needs work |
2024 Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid
| Drivetrain | Petrol-electric hybrid |
| Layout | 2,487cc, inline 4 |
| Power / torque | 227hp / 221Nm |
| Transmission | eCVT |
| Efficiency | 19.6km/l |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 Litres |
| 0-100km/h | 7.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180km/h |
| VES Band | B |
| Dealer | Borneo Motors (Singapore) |
| Price | S$258,888 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | We think that the Camry is actually good enough for some Executive car buyers to consider this “downgrade” |
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