Toyota India has launched the new 2012 Camry (XV50) today, which is one of the best selling cars in North America. The seventh generation Toyota Camry is being locally assembly via the CKD route, to ensure it is priced competitively. The recent rupee depreciation would have escalated pricing had Toyota decided to go the CBU route with the new Camry. The Japanese automaker is targeting senior executives who want a comfortable rear seat. The new Toyota Camry is powered by a petrol engine and there is no diesel engine on offer, anywhere in the world. The 2012 Toyota Camry is 30 kgs lighter than its predecessor and is priced at Rs. 23,80,000/- (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Underneath the hood of the Indian Toyota Camry lies a 2.5-litre VVTi engine which produces 178 BHP of peak power at 6000 RPM and 233 Nm of peak torque at 4100 RPM. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Toyota claims the Camry is very fuel efficient. The Toyota Camry features all-wheel disc brakes, automatic headlights, HID headlamps, 2-din audio system with touch screen, in-car entertainment with USB, AUX, DVD, MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual Airbags, 8-way adjustable power seats with lumbar support, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, rain sensing wipers, etc. The Camry is offered in 4 colours – white, silver, black and beige.
The pricing of the new Toyota Camry is still on the optimistic side. The Camry might be a big brand globally but in India it has to rival much more established players like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Skoda Superb. While both the Accord and Sonata are available with a petrol only heart like the Camry, the vehicles are significantly cheaper than the Toyota. The Sonata also offers loads of equipment to the buyer. The Superb is the most comfortable vehicle in the segment and is also available with a frugal diesel engine. Toyota has received 50 bookings for the new Camry and doesn’t plan to offer a manual or diesel variant in the future.
Read our first drive review of the Toyota Camry
