The steering is like a numb appendage, transmitting no sensory feedback to the wheel – in the image of the pedals. While the latter do a good job, they do so in a spongy way. Brake. Turn. That’s their job description, end of story. Thankfully, to save the honour of the SE model’s sportiness the suspension is well-calibrated and ensures good handling in corners.
On the V6 version, Toyota has built in the excellent 268-hp, 3.5-litre,VVT-i engine. The mill delivers decent performance and good throttle response. The smoothness of the engine does credit to Toyota’s history of peace of mind. Fuel efficiency is on the menu despite the power at your disposal, with a rating of 9 L / 100 km. Admittedly, I didn’t set out to push the limits of the car performance-wise, preferring to relax behind the wheel and let it take me from A to B.
The engine gets an enormous helping hand from the six-speed automatic transmission. It is so focused on fuel economy that its very existence slips your mind once underway. It shifts smoothly and, thanks to the gear range, nearly imperceptibly.
Choosing your investment
Surprisingly, the $34,255 asking price of the V6 version, compared to the $27,755 tag of the four-cylinder, 2.5-litre model, seems a little fishy. The $6,500 difference is hard to justify. There may be 99 extra ponies and some additional gadgets, such as the push-button start, but for that price, I’m not sure it’s worth it.
However, investing in the SE version makes sense compared to the LE and even the XLE. First, it’s flashier and stands out from the sea of other Camrys on the road. Second and most important, the driving dynamics are a little more exciting than the other versions, in my very personal opinion.
Conclusion
The Camry is an excellent car and is rightfully popular. It is the very epitome of the mid-size personal transportation solution. Where it fails miserably is when you feel like taking a drive just for the fun of it – unless you’re looking to coax that recalcitrant baby to sleep!
On the V6 version, Toyota has built in the excellent 268-hp, 3.5-litre,VVT-i engine. The mill delivers decent performance and good throttle response. The smoothness of the engine does credit to Toyota’s history of peace of mind. Fuel efficiency is on the menu despite the power at your disposal, with a rating of 9 L / 100 km. Admittedly, I didn’t set out to push the limits of the car performance-wise, preferring to relax behind the wheel and let it take me from A to B.
The engine gets an enormous helping hand from the six-speed automatic transmission. It is so focused on fuel economy that its very existence slips your mind once underway. It shifts smoothly and, thanks to the gear range, nearly imperceptibly.
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| On the V6 version, Toyota has built in the excellent 268-hp, 3.5-litre,VVT-i engine. (Photo: Toyota) |
Choosing your investment
Surprisingly, the $34,255 asking price of the V6 version, compared to the $27,755 tag of the four-cylinder, 2.5-litre model, seems a little fishy. The $6,500 difference is hard to justify. There may be 99 extra ponies and some additional gadgets, such as the push-button start, but for that price, I’m not sure it’s worth it.
However, investing in the SE version makes sense compared to the LE and even the XLE. First, it’s flashier and stands out from the sea of other Camrys on the road. Second and most important, the driving dynamics are a little more exciting than the other versions, in my very personal opinion.
Conclusion
The Camry is an excellent car and is rightfully popular. It is the very epitome of the mid-size personal transportation solution. Where it fails miserably is when you feel like taking a drive just for the fun of it – unless you’re looking to coax that recalcitrant baby to sleep!
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