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Review of the Toyota Camry Hybrid

Lately, Toyota has witnessed a mild success in the Camry mainly due to its hybrid engine - which means the car runs on two motors. One is a gasoline engine and the second is a small electric motor. These two motors work together simultaneously. However, the driver has the provision of selecting two modes, one is to use two engines simultaneously and the second is to use the electric mode, which uses only the electric motor. In the electric mode, the motor can pull the car by itself for less than 10 km but, it is very useful because it reduces the load on the gasoline engine. Thus, reducing emissions and optimizing fuel economy. Enough about the hybrid motor, how do the interiors feel?



Just like any other Japanese luxury car, one can see wood trim on the dash board, center console and on the doors. The seats are cushion-soft. There is loads of equipment such as powered and memory seats, touch screen infotainment system, reclining rear seats with controls for the air conditioning, seat reclination and audio system on the arm rest. The overall fit and finish and the materials used are decent but, not up to the mark as its main rival the Skoda Superb. So, how does the Camry behave on the road?



As the car sets off in hybrid mode, it is quiet and more responsive and gets to three digit mark quicker than the ordinary Camry because of the electric motor. This has also helped improve the refinement levels because the gasoline engine works less thus, putting the electric motor to work which is silent at all times. The springs are soft which means ride at low speeds is good and absorbent. But, when some momentum has been gathered, the car isn’t very stable and the ride is not as absorbent. A small niggle with a softer setup is that the ride is best at traffic speeds and any faster, the ride does not remain as absorbent due to some vertical movement. On the handling front, the Camry handles like any other softly sprung car, it does the job in the city but, on a track it’s a different story. The car can roll around corners and lose its poise but, for chauffeur driven owners, this should not make them worry because this issue is evident only at speeds just higher than the usual city speeds.           

Verdict

The Camry Hybrid at 31.8 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) is not a bargain. Your only reason to justify your choice, over rivals like the Skoda Superb and the Volvo S60, is that it’s a hybrid and environment friendly saloon. But, there is an important factor to be considered here, the peace of mind factor which the other two rivals still have to work on due to the narrow service network. Toyota has been in India for quite some time and they know how to make a hassle free ownership. So spending just bit more can be justified since, we live in a time where being environment friendly is a trend to be followed.        

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