Picton, Ontario – I have to admit that I wasn't really excited to arrive at Toyota Canada's headquarters this morning for the launch of the 2012 Camry. With all due respect to the company, this midsize sedan isn't particularly thrilling to drive. At best, I was expecting a nip & tuck, some added features and, like the 2011 Corolla, a new steering wheel.
I was wrong. OK, it still isn't thrilling to drive, but I can say that it has improved considerably. This is obviously an important model for Toyota, one they couldn't afford to mess up. I'm glad to report that they've done their homework. And there are two new steering wheels.
Let's begin with the cockpit, where I spent a lot of time today. Simply put: it looks nothing like the previous-generation Camry. Every version gets a stitched dashtop, a tastefully designed centre stack with silver trim and attractive steering wheels (4-spoke for LE, XLE and Hybrid models; 3-spoke for SE). Gone are the cheap materials found in the 6th-generation car with its somewhat misaligned bits and pieces.
The cabin also seems quieter than before. Toyota claims they've added wheel-housing silencers, more foam in the roof, as well as improved door seals. Noise is said to be reduced by 2 to 4 dBA.
Toyota also increased interior space by further sculpting the door panels and headliner, thinning out the B-pillars, moving the front seats 7mm forward, and pushing the rear seats back 8mm. That translates into more legroom for back-seat occupants.
The Camry also looks much better than the outgoing model. It features edgy new styling that seems somewhat inspired by the Acura TSX, which isn't a bad thing. And although we thought the doors were carryover components, they are actually all-new. The SE is my personal favourite with its subtle aerodynamic add-ons.
I was wrong. OK, it still isn't thrilling to drive, but I can say that it has improved considerably. This is obviously an important model for Toyota, one they couldn't afford to mess up. I'm glad to report that they've done their homework. And there are two new steering wheels.
 |
| The Camry still isn’t thrilling to drive, but I can say that it has improved considerably. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
Let's begin with the cockpit, where I spent a lot of time today. Simply put: it looks nothing like the previous-generation Camry. Every version gets a stitched dashtop, a tastefully designed centre stack with silver trim and attractive steering wheels (4-spoke for LE, XLE and Hybrid models; 3-spoke for SE). Gone are the cheap materials found in the 6th-generation car with its somewhat misaligned bits and pieces.
The cabin also seems quieter than before. Toyota claims they've added wheel-housing silencers, more foam in the roof, as well as improved door seals. Noise is said to be reduced by 2 to 4 dBA.
Toyota also increased interior space by further sculpting the door panels and headliner, thinning out the B-pillars, moving the front seats 7mm forward, and pushing the rear seats back 8mm. That translates into more legroom for back-seat occupants.
The Camry also looks much better than the outgoing model. It features edgy new styling that seems somewhat inspired by the Acura TSX, which isn't a bad thing. And although we thought the doors were carryover components, they are actually all-new. The SE is my personal favourite with its subtle aerodynamic add-ons.
 |
| Inside, gone are the cheap materials found in the 6th-generation car, with its somewhat misaligned bits and pieces. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |