New Toyota Camry Hybrid gets over 400 bookings

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is seeing good demand for its recently introduced all-new Camry Hybrid sedan. Launched on January 18, 2019, the green car has an introductory price of Rs 36.95 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and has already received over 400 bookings, of which 130 have been sold including 94 units in January. Given the car's average selling price, TKM has garnered business worth nearly Rs 150 crore through the Camry Hybrid alone.   

According to N Raja, deputy managing director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, “We are delighted with the overwhelming response that the new Camry Hybrid Electric Vehicle or self-charging EV has received from customers across India. It is encouraging for us to see that the customers have recognized the enhanced product with advanced hybrid technology with smart intuitive features unparalleled drive experience, luxury, quality, reliability and safety. We have more than 400 bookings already. We have sold more than 130 units since launch on January 18, 2018. We believe customers will understand and appreciate the benefits of clean and green-friendly self-charging electric vehicles. We are capitalising all our efficiency to reduce the current waiting period for the Camry HEV.”

Underpinning the new Camry Hybrid is Toyota’s TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which, as per the manufacturer, has allowed for a lower centre of gravity and improved vehicle dynamics. Exterior styling is more aggressive and in line with Toyota’s latest design language, with a large air intake up front, sleek LED headlamps, more prominent creases along the sides and a raised boot lip.

Unlike its predecessor, the new Camry comes with only a hybrid powertrain. Under the hood sits a reworked 2.5-litre petrol motor now making 178hp and 221Nm of torque, and it’s paired with a 120hp electric motor. Total system output is 218hp. Power is sent to the wheels via a CVT automatic gearbox. The Camry features the brand’s latest hybrid system with a lighter power control unit and the battery now sits under the rear seat, which Toyota says aids the system’s efficiency. On the official test cycle, the new Camry Hybrid returns 23.27kpl.

Toyota has also generously equipped the Camry with equipment on offer including a three-zone auto climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, power-reclining rear seats, powered sunshades with controls in the rear centre armrest, powered and ventilated front seats with a memory function for the driver’s seat, a 9-speaker JBL audio system, a reverse camera and a head-up display, to name a few. On the safety front, the car comes with nine airbags, ABS and EBD, traction and stability control, and Isofix child seat anchor points.

In the Indian market, the Toyota Camry takes on the Honda Accord Hybrid, which is the only other hybrid in the segment, the Volkswagen Passat and the Skoda Superb.