The New Toyota Camry Delivers More than Just a Pretty Face
We know that the D-segment sedan isn’t the most popular category for new vehicle shoppers, especially now when a lot of emphasis is put into C-segment crossovers and SUVs.
That being said, D-segment sedans are still considered more ‘premium’ products, as they tend to get a longer wheelbase and slightly wider dimensions overall with every new model.
Plus, these are the models that get the latest powertrain and chassis developments from most traditional auto manufacturers.
Why are we saying the above?
Well, Toyota has decided that the new 2025 generation Toyota Camry needs to be a closer rival to German made sedans and so they took styling cues from the very popular 2023 Toyota Crown to start.
So, for the Toyota Crown, there are different body styles to choose from, a crossover, a sport, a sedan and an estate all powered by hybrid powertrains. These hybrid powertrains work with a 2.5-litre petrol engine hybrid system and a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine hybrid system. These two engine options serve as the chief powertrains for these cars.
Only sold by AP importers, the Crown sells from RM288k to RM320k used and with no after sales and warranty.
Camry Rivals Have Disappeared
Meanwhile, did you know that this latest Camry replaces the 2019 Camry which was priced at RM185,000. At the time, the closests rival was the Mazda6 2.5 Skyactiv-G which retailed for RM189,000.
Then in 2020 an all-new Hyundai Sonata executive sedan arrived in Malaysia and it competed directly with the Camry and it was priced at RM173,659. Lets not forget the Honda Accord which was priced at RM185,900.
So, the D-Segment is a shrinking segment as buyers come into showrooms looking for a large sedan and very often leave with a booking made for a SUV. Yes, all these brands mentioned above also have SUV’s in the showroom and priced very close to their sedans.
So, for most sedan car buyers, after seeing and test driving a sedan, they will be drawn to the SUV, which will deliver more ‘metal’ at the same or even lesser asking price.
Camry Design
So, the overall look of the car starts with the Crown nose treatment. Though a D-segment ‘sedan’, this Camry now sports a premium 4-door coupé like profile. It’s still a very large and practical vehicle.
In profile, this Camry has a dynamic yet fluid shape that starts with the low hood line. From there, the roofline remains low and sleek thanks to the relaxed A-pillar that flows smoothly to the sharply slanted C pillar. A long, uninterrupted shoulder line that extends from the top of the front wheel arch all the way to the corner of the boot serves as a contrast to the smooth arc of the roofline and gives this Camry a refined sense of sportiness.
The rear of this Camry is clean and sharply chiseled, with LED tail-lamps that wrap around the quarter panels to provide a continuous styling line from any angle. The lights feature a distinctive design that gives each cluster an eye-catching depth.
Camry Driving
This is where you really begin to understand the Toyota philosophy. Very good comfort with added driving zest when needed. This Camry delivers comfort from the moment you get comfortable in the driver’s seat. Rear passengers are awarded pampering levels equal to luxury sedans costing up to 50% more.
Ignite the 2.5L engine and all you hear is a whisper of the engine working smoothly. The high quality cabin with leather almost everywhere catches your eye and your hands can feel the quality materials as you take a few minutes to appreciate the level of attention the product designers had in ensuring buyers will have no second thoughts about buying this Camry against its immediate rivals.
So, after you get comfortable behind the well sized steering wheel and hear the whispering engine working, you want to get an on road feel of this luxury sedan. Once underway you immediately notice how easy this car works with its driver. Then you realize its sheer size as you work your way around the city traffic.
The sound insulation is very good in keeping the traffic noise away from the cabin and the rear passengers have an easy time conversing with you. The provided JBL sound system delivers a crisp tone and has enough adjustments to tune the sound level for each ear level.
Rear passengers are pampered with soft leather seats and plenty of legroom. Rear cooling is good.
Find an opening in Klang Valley traffic and take this Camry faster up to legal speeds and you will a smooth delivering engine and a super slick gearbox working for you. It really is a stress reliever for our daily inner city traffic conditions.
Camry Final Word
Most of you reading this will say that this Camry is too expensive at RM248k …… so please visit a Toyota showroom and take this Camry for a test drive yourself to find out for yourself why it costs more. That’s all we have to say.
Toyota Camry 2.5 Specifications
Engine: DOHC, 16V DOHC
Capacity: 2487cc
Transmission: 8-speed Direct Shift Auto
Max Power: 204hp @ 6,600rpm
Max Torque: 246Nm @ 5,000rpm
Acceleration: 8.9 seconds
Max Speed: 210 km/h
Price: RM248,800
