Toyota Camry

September 2001

Tide-over Camry in Toyota export swop

The third-generation Camry has been available locally for a full decade, during which time it underwent subtle styling changes and a mid-life engine change to bring it – technologically speaking – in line with the fourth-generation model that has been available overseas for some time. That model – built in Australia – is now available in SA until such time as the next-generation Camry is expected towards the end of 2002.

According to Toyota SA, there has been a significant shift in buying patterns in the medium and medium executive segments of the market since the Camry was first introduced to South African buyers, of whom around 60 000 favoured the car. While ten years ago Camry-sized cars enjoyed a substantial slice of the market, today it competes in a segment that accounts for around 16% of total passenger vehicle sales and is the subject of intense competition from cars like the Opel Omega, Hyundai Sonata, Peugeot 406, Renault Laguna, Ford Mondeo, Mazda 626, Nissan Maxima and VW Passat, amongst others.

Significant development work was done by the Toyota Technical Centre in the United States, hence the overt American styling cues, especially at the rear. While it is now a slightly larger car, its lighter and quieter, and since Toyota wishes to attract younger family and fleet buyers in die 30 to 40 age group, performance, better ride quality and refine handling received top priority.

Aerodynamics is vastly improved, and so is safety. Enhancements include a comprehensive side-impact absorbing structure that compliments the front and rear impact-absorbing structures of past models. In the new Camry occupants sit in a very strong central safety cell. The use of high-strength steel, increased cross-sectional area for key structural members, and extensive body reinforcing, particularly in and around the doors, are elements of this central safety cell. The Camry was designed to meet the toughest safety regulations in the world and fully complies with Toyota’s GOA requirements – an internal standard that requires vehicles to meet the highest global safety standards.

Interior room and ergonomics have been improved (the wheelbase is 50mm longer and the rear track increased by 20mm), and so too has luggage room – now 518 litres in size. Digital heater and audio controls are closer to the driver and also more convenient for the front seat passenger. The instrument cluster has been redesigned to provide for easier reading of the instruments while the gearshift and parking brake fall easier to hand. Radio/tape and radio/CD packages are now integrated in the dashboard.

All Camrys feature disc brakes on all four wheels; a full size spare wheel housed in the boot; a towbar wiring connection point; an adjustable speed alert to warn when preset speed limits are exceeded; air conditioning; power front windows with driver’s side one-touch down feature; power adjustment for exterior mirrors; height and reach adjustment for the steering wheel; remote boot opener (with disable feature) and remote fuel flap opener; variable speed intermittent windscreen wipers; tinted glass all round; cup holders for front seat occupants; a centre console storage area with lid; a RDS radio/tape combination with electric antenna; 60/40 split rear seat backrest with locking facility; four wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes; 205/65 tyres on 15" 6J wheels; dual airbags, power remote central locking and transponder type engine immobiliser; seat pockets in the front seat backrests; full-length lumbar support for the driver; full lap and diagonal seat belts for all occupants; and an owner-programmable headlamps off function.

The latest Camry is offered with two engine options, both of which are carry-overs from the third-generation model and familiar to South African buyers after being introduced here in 1997. The V6 in the Camry GLX is an all aluminium 1MZ-FE 3-litre unit with four valves per cylinder driven by twin overhead camshafts per bank of cylinders. It produces 141 kW/279 Nm of torque and is matched to an adaptive electronic 4-speed automatic transmission with lock-up. The 0 – 100 km/h sprint time is 8,8 seconds.

Four-cylinder Camry models have the 2,2-litre 5S-FE engine that produces 94 kW/187 Nm of torque. Like the V6, it features Toyota’s TDIS direct ignition system and is a clean burning, high-efficiency engine.

The model range offered is the Camry 220 GL 5-speed manual; Camry 220 GL 4-speed auto; Camry 220 GX Automatic and Camry 300 GLX Automatic, the latter featuring electronic adaptive control enabling it to sense different driving styles and adapt to them for optimum performance.

All four Camry models have 15 000 km service interval and are covered by a three year/100 000km warranty. A corrosion perforation warranty is provided for three years and “In Touch 24” roadside assistance is also provided for three years.

A range of five colours is available. These are Solid Diamond White; Warm Silver metallic; Harbour Blue metallic; Crystal Ice metallic; and Tuscan Red Mica metallic.