Review: 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid

The Toyota Camry Hybrid has always been the proverbial 'black sheep', especially in comparison to its much more exalted and celebrated low emission cousin Prius. While the Prius's popularity grew by leaps and bounds, and in a way defined the allure of a hybrid automobile market; from an auto enthusiast's perspective - the lesser known Camry ain't no pushover. Its sixth model iteration did exhibit improved fuel economy in urban scale, though also had price of $6000 more than its gas guzzling relative. And now in the present scenario, the world's largest automaker has just unveiled its seventh generation of Camry hybrid (with much better fuel economy) not to challenge Prius, but to better its closest adversary - the Ford Fusion hybrid.

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

What does it offer?

Hybrids and fuel efficiency always go hand in hand, but this time Toyota has envisaged to offer something more - a specially tailored vehicle that efficaciously fuses a trim, 'unpretentious' body with practically enhanced performance. Moreover, the automaker has also revamped the oft ignored interior, of course along with a more powerful drive-train to complement the whole low emission driving experience.

The Beauty:

The subtle lines of styling in this car are certainly a far cry from an overtly ostentatious bearing prevalent in so many modernistic vehicles. From practical perspective, a pecking nose and squared off bumper corners accentuates that tiny bit of aerodynamic quality. But the main style (and comfort) element is defined in the interior rather than exterior.

The Beast

Underneath the refined frame is a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with 156 hp at 5,700 rpm and 156 lb-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The complementing electric setup comes with 105 kW output (140 hp) at 4,500 rpm and 199 lb-ft. of torque from nil to 1,500 rpm. The total hp comes at around 200 with substantial torque for optimum driving experience. Furthermore in relation to its electric attributes, the car incorporates a compact nickel metal hydride battery pack for sustained power output without spatial predicaments.

The Thrill

The advanced drive-train offers electric power steering and air conditioning, but the most important (and novel) feature would surely be the car's regenerative braking system, which more than makes up for the lost energy (though coming to a halt can require more of an effort). Coming to performance specs, figures say the car can zoom from 0-60 mph in less than 7.6 seconds; good enough for a mid-level sedan in our book.

Interiors

The conspicuousness of the whole styling revamp can actually be witnessed in the interior. Good quality plastic surfaces cover hard touch components, while on the other hand conventionally 'prosaic' fabric and leather can be found draping the seats. The paraphernalia of driving components come with a clean and organized demeanor, while a vivacious graphic system accentuates the level of user interaction. This includes an analog fuel economy gauge and a separate power-flow display pertaining to battery status and Toyota's very own Eco-mode.

Picture Gallery

2012 Toyota Camry hybrid

Toyota shoots for the stars with the Camry Hybrid

Exteriors

In this case the changes are more subtle (almost similar to earlier Camry models) other than a myriad of distinctive marks over the fenders and trunk deck. The renowned Toyota emblem is in black, while small touches like low body claddings rather add to the overall streamlined essence.

Should I buy one?

The combined 200 hp output with loads of torque certainly makes up for a jaunty, low emission romp around the city corners. Estimated fuel economy figures say - a good enough 43 miles per gallon in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Taking all of these into account, any car enthusiast can say that the vehicle doesn't do anything drastically different. But again, one can't deny the progression of this mid-level hybrid sedan in the right direction. So, convenience of driving, well to do power-train and 'green' attributes makes the 2012 Camry certainly worth of possession.

Price and availability:

The seventh generation model comes with two trims - LE (with 16 inch wheel) and XLE (with 17 inch wheel). The LE comes with a price tag of $25,900, while the XLE comes with a price tag of $27,400.