When the new Toyota Camry was unveiled, it looked sleek, stylish, and very upmarket. Later, when the car was unveiled here, we were eager to get our hands on it. And when we did, we wanted more of the Camry — then we did.
On our first drive review, Arup was clear — the Camry was the thinking man’s car, owing to the comfort it offers, the luxury, drive quality, and just how pleasant the sedan was. So when we got the car again, we wanted to know how it is to live with it on a day-to-day basis.
New Toyota Camry review — Day-to-day life
For a busy city like Bengaluru, the Toyota Camry feels large, and with two-wheelers using every possible gap on the road to overtake vehicles, it gets a little hairy at first. You are constantly watching out, but after a few minutes, you get used to the way of life. The car is calm in the city, while you know there is a lot of power under the hood, and all it takes to access it is controlled by your right foot.
Parking is another consideration, and for those living in a gated community, it’s no hassle. But parking in any other part of such a busy city is something that one needs to get used to.
However, when the roads open up, all the little worries go away, and the appreciation sinks in — attention to details becomes very evident. The well bolstered seats, soft-touch materials, the driving ergonomics, and the sort of luxury cocoon one is in. And once you see an Etios – a common sight in Bengaluru – you are quickly reminded that the same company made these cars.
New Toyota Camry review — The drive
The new Hybrid system deserves mentioning here, as the car is mostly in EV mode in the city and only when one wants a burst of power for a quick overtake does the engine come on. The Camry is a vehicle that one would want to take it nice and easy instead of some spirited driving. The Camry also has a full EV mode.
One thing that will constantly remind you that you’re in a modern car is the tech — the Camry has ADAS Level 2 and a billion sensors, which will keep pinging to alert you about the vehicles around you and the surroundings. This can get a bit annoying, especially for a busy city like Bengaluru.
And speaking of ADAS, unlike most modern cars that have a long list of features, the Camry keeps it simple, so we wanted to put the system to the test and decided that the Bengaluru-Mysore expressway was our test ground.
New Toyota Camry review — ADAS test
One of the primary reasons for picking the expressway was the well-marked lanes, and since it was a weekday, traffic was not a problem. We left all the systems on, set the adaptive cruise control speed limit to 95kmph (100kmph being the limit), and eased my leg off the throttle.
The Camry maintained a good distance, at least 50 feet from the vehicle ahead, and the braking and acceleration was prompt, while the lane keep assist and the lane trace assist did their job well. However, the car prompts the driver to keep their hands on the wheel at all times and stay alert.
The car reads lanes and makes adjustments accordingly; however, it fails to detect two-wheelers, rumble strips, and animals. While the system is more of an added safety feature, it cannot be relied upon completely. And please make note: The driver needs to be alert at all times.
New Toyota Camry review — Should you buy it?
If you’re a driver who loves the commute to be enthusiastic, the Camry might not fit your bill. However, if you like to drive calmly, enjoy the ride, and don’t mind being chauffeured often, the Camry is a great vehicle, as the rear seat is a great place to be, and this is one car I don’t mind spending most of my time in the back. With the amount of luxury on offer and safety systems, I really don’t see why one cannot consider the Camry.
