Toyota Camry: the fulfillment of desires
“Toyota Camry” new generation replaces its predecessor, produced in Japan and the United States since 1996. Official dealers offer in Russia, “Camry” only Japanese assembly in three versions: with a four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine with a five-speed manual or automatic four-speed gearbox and a V-shaped “six” 3.0 liters.
“Toyota Camry” was a bestseller in the United States for several years and has every chance to remain them further. Why is Camry so loved in America? After all, there are cars with much more outstanding performance, bright appearance and an attractive price.
The answer is simple: Toyota has the reputation of a reliable car with an optimal price-performance ratio. Absolute indicators have nothing to do with it – “Toyota Camry” is the combination of comfort, ride quality and cost, which suits the average American. In Europe, by contrast, these cars are rare.
On the streets of Moscow to find the old “Toyota Camry” is also not easy. More common “second-hand” is another generation older. The previous “Toyota Camry” was expensive for its class: the main competitor – “Nissan Maxima” cost the buyer much cheaper. Now prices are almost equal.
The updated Camry, of course, is similar to its predecessor, although this is, without reservation, a new model. Graceful slanted headlights, continuing the theme of the false radiator grille and narrow foglights in the bumper, a strict silhouette without contrived excesses. The only angle in which it is difficult to know the car – behind. A new feed at the same time reminds both “Hyundai Sonata”, and “Mercedes” S-class, and “Lexus”. From long thoughts only emblem displays: two ovals, inscribed in the third. However, we do not want to say that in the perspective of “three-quarters behind,” “Camry” will cause negative emotions.
Four or six?
When it comes to the upper middle class, also referred to as the business class (or, in European terms, “E”), the concept of “prestige” is no longer just a word. The dimensions of “Toyota” allow it to share a niche with the popular “Germans”: “Mercedes” E-class, BMW Series 5, “Audi A6”. In such a company without the “six” under the hood and it does not seem to appear. On the other hand, the “democratic” Volkswagen Passat is running out, not inferior to the size of the passenger compartment, but, as a rule, with more modest engines and competitive prices.
That’s why we decided to compare both “Toyota”: one – with a 2.4-liter “four” and a manual, and the other – with a “six” and “automatic”. The difference in the price of cars – an impressive $ 9,000.
“Base” is $ 26,900. And the word “base” is not accidentally put in quotes. The car is packed thoroughly: from ABS brakes with a reaction acceleration device to the air conditioner, a “rain sensor” for the wiper, heated seats and a radio with a CD player. Electric drives locks, windows and mirrors – by itself, as, indeed, and finish the front panel “under the tree.” Six-cylinder “Camry” has a leather upholstery and inserts in the doors, electric seats and a stabilization system.
Salon Madame “Toyota”
Naturally, it is spacious. In the backseat, the passenger easily fits two meters in height. But when landing, he still will have to bend more than he would like – makes oblique doorway. Three will sit down completely behind, all the more so as each is equipped with a “full-fledged” inertial belt and headrest. There are no restrictions on the front seats at all, except for basketball centers.
The comfort of the Camry’s soft seats is strikingly different from the stone-hard beds of German cars, which are adjusted to the millimeter, but there is almost nothing to complain about. Is that a little short pillows for tall drivers. But the back without the extra “frills” easily adapt to the owners of jackets from 46th to 58th size.
The driver’s seat does not require habituation, although it is likely that a person with a non-standard figure will want to adjust the steering column not only by the angle of inclination, but also by the length.
The trunk seems shallow, but it is not. It is just that its length and width are somewhat larger than usual: it is not at all easy to reach the bag lying in the depth. But you can still fold the seat.
What’s the difference?
Traditionally, it is better to start dating with a weaker engine. Is a large Toyota enough for a four-cylinder engine? Of course. Despite the slightly “stretched” gears, the engine carries no problems almost from idle. Above 2000 rpm should be even powerful acceleration, the intensity of which gradually increases with increasing speed. But even at 6000 rpm, the sound of the engine remains smooth and unobtrusive. Below 3500 it is almost not audible And if you recall that in third gear you can go and 20, and 140 km / h, then the usefulness of the tachometer is obvious.
This power unit has another advantage – a good economy. On the highway, it is not difficult to meet the 7.5 l / 100 km, and in the city it does not spend more than 11. Almost silent and high-powered motor complements the same impeccable insulation.
