With the 2012 model year, Toyota has redesigned its best
seller following a strict five-year schedule. This new design continues to be a reliable, comfortable and affordable vehicle. Additionally, the 2012 model increases fuel efficiency, power and value over the previous generation making it a top competitor for the mid-size class.
The Camry that I have been testing is a 2012 SE four
cylinder in magnetic grey metallic. The packages include: leather (black
leather seats with grey softex insert), upgraded audio with Entune,
convenience package (includes a backup camera, auto-dimming rear view mirror,
HomeLink universal transceiver, anti-theft alarm, and smart key system),
eight-way power adjustable seats, and power tilt and slide moonroof. The sticker for the car was $29,078.
Technical:
The four cylinder 2.5L packs 178 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque with power going to a six speed automatic transmission equipped with a manual mode. This power is good enough for a 0-60 time in the eights while obtaining an EPA
estimated 35mpg highway. The new Camry has also been through a diet regimen dropping
155 pounds from the previous model. The 2.5 and 3.5 liter engines remain
unchanged while the hybrid receives some modifications like an electric water
pump and better high-voltage-batter control.
The Drive:
The Camry is designed to provide a comfortable, smooth ride.
I feel this car checks those boxes. There is little to no wind or road noise
and the ride is smooth but manages to not be floaty. The new electronic power
steering system is a bit of a disappointment. There is no steering feel
compared to traditional hydraulic systems and there is no on-center feel.
However, considering this change is common in everything from Toyota’s to
Porsche’s, it is not the biggest deal.
There are some great mechanical features for upgrading to the SE
model. The package stiffens the front strut suspension, lowers the car
slightly, adds a longer stabilizer bar in favor of a pliant tube design, and
removes fluid filled bushings for more-rigid pillow-ball designs. This helps to
increase control over the base LE Camry while adding a bit of sport to the drive.
It is very hard to have true fun in this car with all of the
Toyota assists activated. I would relate it best to a catholic school nun
waiting with a ruler to smack anyone acting out. Even with the stability and
traction systems disabled, it is very hard to do anything more than just
cruising. Even dropping the transmission into manual mode and downshifting for
a pass is incredibly uneventful. On that note, the transmission in this car seems out of place with paddle shifters and a manual mode. This is not a sports sedan and it is very noticeable in manual. Shifts can be harsh and there are a few bugs in the gear selection (you always start in 4th gear even if you are stopped). The six gears, however, do contribute to the smooth drive of the car when left to its own devices.
Design:
While some dislike the generic look of this vehicle, I
personally enjoy it. It was one of the biggest selling features to me compared
to the likes of Kia, Hyundai, Honda and Ford. I like the aggressive stance
(especially in SE trim), angled sheet metal, and simple cues on the Camry. I
also enjoy having a car blend in. I feel that this blends in very well since
there are already so many new 2012 Camry’s on the road. The car also takes some
design cues from NASCAR tests. Examples of this are the slight fins on the
taillights and the side mirrors.
The Interior:
 |
I personally despised the last generation Camry mainly for its
interior. It seemed too cheap with heavy use of hard plastics. I had the
feeling they were going for a mid-size rental car with an attempt at a Civic
like interior. This newer interior is greatly improved. While there is still a
lot of plastic, the materials are of higher quality. The dash has a leather
effect with stitching and a well-designed control layout puts everything where
you would expect it to be. There is ample room in the car and you could easily fit 5
American sized adults in the car with a carry-on suitcase
for each in the trunk (the car has 15 cubic feet of trunk space with the seats
up).
The SE trim adds to the fun by including a three spoke,
leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated Bluetooth controls, a silver
trim, and paddle shifters. The vehicle also includes a 6.1” screen for the new
Entune system with navigation. Additionally you will find French stitched
upholstery, more seat bolsters and a decrease in chrome accents (they look out
of place on other packages).
Fuel Economy:
To begin with, fuel economy is up in the four-cylinder model
by 3mpg rating it at 25 city and 35 highway. This vehicle is even obtaining better
fuel economy than its baby brother Corolla where I am averaging 33 mpg highway.
On another note, the V6 is also up 1 mpg to 21/30 and the revised hybrid power
plant jumps from 31/35 to 43/39. The surprise is how they obtained these
increases (in the fossil fuel engines). Instead of drastic modifications, Toyota has installed low-rolling
resistance tires, more aerodynamic queues, taller gears and electric power
steering to increase economy to compete with its competitors. As I mentioned
earlier, weight is down which also benefits fuel economy considering the
engines have remained the same.
Conclusion:
This is a fantastic vehicle for anyone seeking a smooth-riding
car that can carry five people and still obtain highway fuel millage in the 30’s.
If you are not sold on the SE, you may be interested in the hybrid model with
new regenerative breaking and close to 40mpg in the real world. If you feel the
stickers on the SE and hybrid are too high, you could look into the base or LE.
For those looking for a bit more power, consider the 3.5L V6 SE model. If you are looking for fun, go for German or a muscle car. This is a civilized cruise vehicle.
No comments:
Post a Comment