In a marketing move that's likely to disappoint many, Toyota Canada has set a price of $500 for its hybrid system in a $25,800 Camry LE, but only if customers also buy $5,600 worth of options that aren't integral to the hybrid's operation. So instead of getting a fuel-saving hybrid model for $26,300, consumers will have to pay $31,900 when the Camry Hybrid goes on sale this May.Two of Toyota Canada's three managing directors, Tony Wearing and Steve Beatty, think this is all excellent news for people looking for a mid-size sedan.
Beatty was so enthusiastic about Camry Hybrid at its launch at the Vancouver auto show that he told consumers they would earn the $500 surcharge back in a single year, thanks to the car's increased fuel economy. "Camry Hybrid has a combined fuel consumption rating of 5.7 L/100 km," he pointed out, "compared to 8.3 L/100 km for the four-cylinder LE." Using those fuel economy ratings from the federal government, it means 500 fewer litres of fuel will be needed to cover the average 20,000 km of driving in the Camry Hybrid than the LE with the inline-four gasoline engine. "Now, at a dollar a litre," said Beatty, "in a typical year's worth of driving you're saving over $500 a year in fuel costs -- even compared with the fuel-efficient Camry LE. That's money in your pocket!"There will however be no fuel economy savings from the $5,600 worth of options (including alloy wheels, a Bluetooth stereo system, dual-zone air conditioning, a power driver's seat, a Smart Key, and an electrochromic rear mirror) that you have to buy to get this fuel-saving status.That significant surcharge does include some useful handling and stability features, including vehicle stability and traction control systems.Beatty also noted that some people will also be glad to know that the hybrid system also turns out more horsepower, raising the max figure 29, to 187.
For his part, Wearing is excited about the Camry in general and the Camry Hybrid in particular, with any combination of features you care to mention."The new 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid redefines the global benchmark for the intermediate segment," he says, "combining outstanding driving performance with exceptionally low emissions and fuel consumption."Wearing says that, "To meet the uncompromising performance expectations of owners, Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD)also maximizes available power. For example, because HSD's powerful electric motor is able to deliver maximum torque instantly -- unlike conventionally powered gasoline engines, which only deliver maximum torque at high engine speeds -- the Camry Hybrid can deliver seamless acceleration with just a touch of the throttle."Wearing says that, "Since the introduction of Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, Toyota has led the market in making hybrid technology affordable and easy to live with. The new Camry Hybrid raises the standard for environmentally-friendly transportation yet again."