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Toyota
Camry: Executive sedan like no other
By Moses Akaigwe
Friday, February 1, 2008
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| Photo:
Sun News Publishing |
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From its premiere in the global auto arena, through its successful
drive into many markets, to the present generation, Toyota
Camry has never lacked accolades. It is endowed with attributes
that others in its class are lacking. Rather, model change
after model change, it has always flaunted qualities that
show the way to new convention.
But, at the same time, it is no stranger to rivalry (fierce
competition, if you like). From the US market where it (the
sixth edition) is the best-selling car, to Nigeria where it
is one of the most respected mid-size sedans, the Camry has
always had competitors on the same fast lane, some even attempting
to either ape, or overtake it.
Here is a confirmation by Angus Mackenzie, Editor-in-Chief
of Motor Trend, a highly authoritative auto magazine. “Creating
an innovative, engaging automobile with broad mainstream appeal
is one of the toughest tasks facing any automaker. The Camry
is the one car rival automakers all wish they could build.
It offers something for nearly everyone – performance,
efficiency and roominess – at a price most customers
can afford”.
Mackenzie’s assertion cannot be faulted, because as
the boss of a leading auto publication, he presides over auto
award committees, including the Motor Trend’s 2007 car
of the year which Toyota Camry beat a field of 27 competitors
in its bracket to clinch.
The contenders included six models from the US, 10 from Japan,
five from Korea, four from Germany, one from the UK, and one
from Sweden.
“Toyota offers the Camry with a regular four cylinder
engine or a sporty V–6 that enables it hit 60mph in
just six seconds – that is about as fast as a V–8
muscular from the 60’s and 70’s”, Mackenzie
said, explaining that to be eligible for car of the year award,
a vehicle must be totally new or redesigned. And Camry was
eminently qualified as at the time it was put to test alongside
other mid – size sedans.
The Motor Trend editor-in-chief’s verdict was not at
variance with the remarks by Chief Abiye Sekibo, who as the
transport minister in 2006 had the honour of unveiling the
current Camry during the Abuja Motor show at the Eagle Square.
At the fair Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) stole the show with
the new offering. After a ride in the garlanded car around
the venue, Sekibo had nothing but flowery words for the new
product.
The sixth generation Camry
The current model of the Camry has been doing well since arriving
Nigeria, thanks to its redesigned silhouette. As it has done
with each generation before, Toyota has increased the sedan’s
size and power. For instance, the wheelbase which is wider
by 2.2 inches, and the 1.2-inch longer front, as well as rear
tracks, have made wider interior space and rear-seat legroom
possible.
First introduced in the 1983 model year as a successor to
the old, rear-wheel Corona, and as Toyota’s response
to the Honda Accord (which was already a hit and tearing up
the sales charts for a few years in the U.S.), front–wheel–drive
Camry has been holding the honour of the best-selling passenger
car in the American market almost every year since 1997. Reasons:
Good combination of stylish look, roomy, comfortable interior,
soft, smooth ride, reliability, and fuel economy. The current
Camry is ”elegant and athletic”, and “styled
in a way that is certain to elicit a positive emotional response”.
Power plant
With the exception of the period between 1992 and 2002 when
the maiden 2.4 litre engine capacity was altered to 2.2 litres,
the power plant of the Camry has always been given a fresh
boost every time the car ‘reincarnates’. The 3.5
litre V6 version (along with the 2.4) sold by Toyota Nigeria
from the current range, is a step up from the 3.0 litres and
3.3 litres available in the predecessor model.
Innovative in the lightweight engine are technologies like
the dual VVT – I (variable valve timing – intelligence).
The fuel efficient engine is mated to the super intelligent
automatic 6 super ECT (electronic – controlled transmission)
which enables easy starting, acceleration, performance and
smooth gear shift feeling.
Interior
As regards features, even the base-level 2007 Camry comes
richly equipped with power windows, cruise and a CD player,
all stardard. All trims include a standard tyre-pressure monitoring
system. Moving higher up will take you to Lexus-like luxury
with elegant cabin furnishing and available high-end luxury
features. The instrument panel is clear and easy to read,
the seats are lulling and comfortable, and there is plenty
of room even for three tall adults behind. The boot which
hold 15 cubic-feet of cargo, can be enlarged by folding down
the rear seats.
Safety
Every Camry comes with seven airbags (dual-stage front airbags
and a driver knee airbag), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake
Assist (BA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and
stability control (which includes traction control). The executive
mid-size sedan had in the past earned America’s IIHS
Best Pick for offset frontal crash and five stars for driver
and passenger in NHTSA frontal crash test.
Performance
A quiet ride consistently characterizes the Camry’s
on-road performance. Toyota knows that the majority of buyers
in the family sedan segment are more interested in comfortable,
stress-free travel than tearing through corners, and the refined
and very capable 2007 Camry is, once again, proving to be
a hit with such customers in Nigeria, as elsewhere in the
global market.
This is particularly true in Nigeria where more and more units
of the current model are appearing on the road - a testimony
to the fact that the Camry has set the bar even higher in
regards to features, performance and reputation.
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