New 2015 Toyota Camry Launched In Malaysia: 2.0E, 2.0G & 2.5L Hybrid From RM150k

UMW Toyota Motor has finally launched its new and improved seventh-generation 2015 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid in Malaysia, and we’ve got loads to update you with.

Taking over from the four previous variants which had a price range from RM150k to RM181k, UMW Toyota has now reduced its D-segment offerings to just three variants, priced are as below (inclusive of GST, insurance):

• 2015 Toyota Camry 2.0 E: RM149,900
• 2015 Toyota Camry 2.0 G: RM159,900
• 2015 Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid: RM174,900

Buyer’s Guide:

Toyota officials here may address its new Camry as a “minor change” model, and they’re probably right about the point where the exterior of the car is concerned. Inside, however, the 2015 Camry is as different from the outgoing model as it can get.

On top of adding a new hybrid variant as the brand’s range-topper, the 2.0-litre models have also been treated with new engines and transmissions, displacing the previous VVT-i mills with new VVT-iW ones, and doing away with the aged four-speed auto in favour of a new six-speeder and E-CVT (more on this shortly).

The new Camry Hybrid, which sits at the helm of the model range, benefits from the local auto policy’s excise duty and import tax exemptions, which makes it very, very competitively priced. With such benefits, UMW Toyota tells us that the Camry Hybrid may well have been priced in the RM250k region! Datuk Ismet Suki, the president of UMW Toyota, said that, "If you want the Camry Hybrid, you best be buying it now," possible referring to the end of the current NAP 2014. Speaking of which, here's the prices:

Competitor Prices:

• 2015 Honda Accord: RM 135k to RM170k (2.0 to 2.4-litre)
• 2015 Mazda 6: RM155k to RM 185k (2.0 to 2.5-litre)
• 2015 Nissan Teana: RM136k to RM165k (2.0 to 2.5-litre)
• 2015 Hyundai Sonata: RM139k to RM154k (2.0 only)
• 2015 Kia Optima: RM146k (2.0 only)

Performance:

As mentioned, the 2015 Toyota Camry facelift has been reworked inside and out, with the bulk of what’s excitingly new being what the eyes don’t see at first glance. A whole new powertrain has been slapped on to the new D-segmenter, and for the first time in Malaysia, we’re getting a Japanese D-segment sedan with a hybrid powertrain.

2.5 CAMRY HYBRID: Making full use of the National Automotive Policy’s (NAP 2014) duty exemptions for locally assembled hybrids, the Camry Hybrid is equipped with Toyota's two-motor full hybrid Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which features an Atkinson cycle 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine which makes 160PS and 213Nm of torque on its own devices, and a 104kW (143PS) electric motor. In total, the hybrid system makes an unmatched 205PS in its class (total output is different from the sum of output of the engine and motor because they both peak at different rpms). For comparison’s sake, the Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L delivers 175PS. Even the 2.5-litre Teana is only capable of 173PS.

The electric motor in the Camry Hybrid is powered by a conventional nickel-metal hydride traction battery, as you’d have in the Prius, while all this power is sent to the front wheels of the sedan via an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT).

With the aid of full electric driving, the Camry Hybrid achieves a fuel consumption figure of 5.2-litres/100km.

KEY SPECS:

• Engine: 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC with VVT-i (intake) and ACIS
• Transmission: Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT)
• Power: 160PS @ 5,700 rpm
• Torque: 213Nm @ 4,500 rpm
• Electric Motor Output: 143PS and 270Nm
• Total System Output: 205PS
• Consumption: 5.2-litres/100km

2.0G & 2.0E: Powering the two 2.0-litre models is a brand-new four-pot from Toyota, something that also sits in the Lexus NX200t, albeit without the turbocharging like the Lexus has.

The 2.0-litre VVT-iW (codenamed 6AR-FSE) is what it’s called, and while we’ve explained what the new ‘W’ is all about in our previous reports, for the benefit of those new here (hello), it simply stands for ‘Wide’. Why?

‘Wide’ refers to the engine’s ability to expand the intake valves operating angle where necessary, and then allowing it to switch between a conventional Otto cycle to an Atkinson cycle on the fly to best maximise performance and efficiency.

UMW Toyota lists the new 2.0-litre mills with performance figures of 167PS @ 6,500 rpm and 199Nm of torque @ 4,600 rpm.

Best of all for the 2.0-litre duo is the fact that they no longer rely on the dated four-speed torque converter automatic transmissions anymore. In their places, a new six-speed torque converter is equipped, with Super ECT and a sequential shift option.

The 2.0-litre models are rated with a fuel consumption figure of 7.3-litres/100km, based on a Euro combined cycle.

KEY SPECS:

• Engine: 6AR-FSE 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC with VVT-iW (intake), VVT-i (exhaust) petrol engine
• Transmission: Six-speed torque converter automatic with Super ECT and sequential shifter
• Power: 167PS @ 6,500 rpm
• Torque: 199Nm @ 4,600 rpm
• Fuel Consumption: 7.3-litres/100km

Exterior Styling:

Apart from a few differences, the Camry and Camry Hybrid variants bear very similar styling updates, something you’d be no stranger to if you’ve been keeping up with news of the car on Carlist.my. In short, there’s a newly designed front-end to bring the “uncle’s” car up to par with its newer-looking siblings like the Corolla Altis and the Vios. The rear has been made to look a little sportier as well, with an added chrome strip across the back, and a lowered bumper.

The front-end is likely where you’ll spot the most dramatic updates to the car’s design. The grille, the bumper, the headlamps and bonnet have all been updated to showcase Toyota’s bests. More specifically, here’s how the changes shape up between the variants:

2.0E, 2.0G: Exterior features for the two 2.0-litre Camry variants are identical, with both offering HID projector types with auto-levelling capabilities, daytime running lights, electric-powered wing mirrors with turn indicators, dual exhaust tips and 16-inch wheels. The single difference we can spot at this point is that between the E and G, the E gets plain-old steel wheels, while the G gets alloys.

2.5 HYBRID: Setting the range-topping Camry Hybrid apart from the rest is a set of LED projector-type headlamps, larger and very stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome front bumper mouldings and a single exhaust tip out the back.

Interior Design:

Inside, it’s equally difficult to tell the two 2.0-litre (E, G) variants apart, but for the fabric seats in the E, and the many chrome finishing around the AC controls, inside door lever, and door scuff plate. So to keep this brief for you, we’ll be piling those two together, again. Here goes:

2.0E, 2.0G: Unlike the all-new Nissan Teana which relieved wood grain patterns and materials of their duty in favour of shinier plastics and metallic trims, the Camry is still well-appointed with the class of it – and you’ll see this across the range.

The mid-spec 2.0G gets leather seats while the 2.0E has to do with black fabrics, and the seats themselves are completely manually adjustable in the base E variant. The mid-spec G gets power-adjustable front and front passenger seats.

For your comfort, all variants of the Camry benefit from dual-zone auto climate control with rear AC vents, while keyless entry is across the board too. The four-spoke steering wheel is leather wrapped in the 2.0 duo, with something a bit more special reserved for the 2.5 Hybrid.

Generously, UMW Toyota has even specified all its Camry variants with a multi-info display screen on the instrument cluster, equipped with an optitron display screen. Infotainment is courtesy of a display screen on the dash, with radio, CD, MP3, USB and iPod connectivity, allowing you to stream your music to the six-speaker sound system.

2.5 HYBRID: Of course, lots more has been reserved for the range-topper, and it starts with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a wood grain top, and more control buttons for the audio and voice connectivity system.

A seven-inch touch-screen display audio with navigation is standard here. Connectivity for the audio system includes DVD, radio, MP3, USB, iPod, Bluetooth, and Mirror Link for your mobile devices. And you’ll be enjoying your tunes through a 10-speaker JBL sound system instead.

The head unit and dash surround the touch-screen itself is different in design to the lesser 2.0-litre models. Display wise, you get an additional rear-view camera with guide lines on the 2.5 Hybrid.

And, just for the 2.5 Hybrid, there’s a wireless charger include – do note that this may only be applicable to mobile devices with the matching capability. You’ll find the pad on the center console for you to rest your phone on and wireless be charged. Sweet!

Safety Features:

Unfortunately, the new Toyota Camry doesn’t feature a full-suite of safety technologies from the base variant up, like the all-new Nissan Teana, for example. On the range-topping hybrid, you do get a full suite of seven airbags and active safety features like vehicle stability control, but beyond that, it’s a poor showing. Here’s how safety lines up for each variant:

Toyota Camry 2.0E:

• ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• 2 Airbags (front)
• ISOFIX child-seat anchors (rear only)
• 3-point ELR (both front passengers and rear) with pretensioner and force limited (front only)

Toyota Camry 2.0G: (adds to the above)

• Vehicle Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Hill-Start Assist
• Emergency Stop Signal

Toyota Camry 2.5 Hybrid: (adds to the above)

• Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert System
• 7 airbags (front, front side, curtain, driver knee)

Optional Equipment:

Additionally, you may spec-up either of the 2.0-litre Toyota Camry variants of your choice with the following equipment/ packages:

• AEROKIT: Front bumper spoiler, rear bumper spoiler, side skirts, truck spoiler
• DVD-AVN with Reverse Camera: 2-din head-unit DVD player with 7-inch Capacitive Touch Screen (hand/air gestures possible), Smartphone connectivity, WiFi internet browser, voice recognition, HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, navigation, and reverse camera.

Other information:

With UMW Toyota Motor expecting to sell up to 9,000 units of the Camry this year, the local distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia will also be offering a three-year or 100,000km warranty, while the Camry Hybrid gets an eight-year assurance with unlimited mileage for its traction battery. UMW Toyota also tells us that up to date, some 300 units has already been booked. You can catch the new model in showrooms across the nation, now. Also, if you're in the area, there is an on-going Toyota road show where you can also catch the new Toyota Camry.


Take a closer look at the 2015 Toyota Camry here: