SUV’S now represent 57.5 per cent of the new vehicle market whereas the trusty
passenger sedan segment is down to 15.4 percent. Having said that the Toyota
Camry still dominates the medium passenger car segment under $60,000, well
represented with 65 percent of sales. It’s been around a long time with an
enviable record for serviceability and reliability. At times its somewhat bland
styling has labelled it white goods on wheels however Toyota has just released a
new model that will answer the styling critics. Still recognisable as a Camry but
with sharper lines and a much-improved interior. And it comes with a fifth
generation Hybrid electric powertrain featuring more power and improved drive
performance and yet, according to Toyota, reduced fuel consumption of up to 11
per cent. And with more active safety technology and more comfort and
convenience features. Toyota has had enormous success with its RAV 4 hybrid
SUV, but we sometimes forget the Camry Hybrid is the taxi operator’s vehicle of
choice. Whenever I get in one, I ask the driver how his car is performing – one
told me recently he had covered 480,000 on the same engine and transmission in
18 months with downtime only for regular servicing. Impressive to say the least.
I’m David Berthon