The Camry first arrived in Australia in 1983 as a slightly upmarket, fully imported, front wheel drive, medium sized hatchback. In 1987 the long running Corona was replaced by a locally manufactured version of a new-model Camry, thus bringing the Camry into Toyota's line-up as a mainstream model. In this second generation it became a popular model, as it continued the long standing success established in the mid-size market with the Corona. Whilst never outstanding, it's solid reputation based on reliability and durability maintained a good image for the Camry as it progressed through the years. Now in it's 5th generation, the base model of yet another new Camry, is the basis of this report.

The original Camry wasn't the most attractive car on the market. In a strange twist of fate, the new Camry is in the same position. With those huge "I'm looking at you" headlight surrounds, this car's styling will turn-off as many people as it turns on. There's obviously a good reason why stylists design a car to look ugly, but that reason is lost on this writer.

But looking beyond the unattractive styling, highlighted by the ugly headlights, the Camry does have a lot to offer. The overall packaging provides a car of good size. It's not too small and it's not too big, but the interior is quite satisfyingly adequate for 4 adults, 5 at a pinch. Likewise, the luggage space is quite reasonable, too.

Sadly, though, the interior is so plain it's underwhelming to a degree never experienced by this writer since old Holden utes disappeared decades ago! Hopefully, Toyota will address this situation and add some colour to the interior. The one shade of grey is so underwhelming it should consign the car to the government market only.

On the road, though, the new Camry continues the Camry tradition of not being outstanding, but, by the same token, not being unreasonable either. An average car, suitable for those who place no demands on their car, someone who just wants to go from A to B, unhindered by the delights of driving a car which offer the driver an experience.

The Camry comes in various guises: Altise, Altise Sportiva and Ateva with either a 2.4 litre 4-cylinder motor or a 3.0 litre V6 motor. Then there's the top of the range Azura, which comes only with the V6. The Ateva and Azura have auto transmission as standard fitment.

All models have air conditioning and two front air bags as standard.

The test car was the base model Altise, fitted with the standard 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine and the optional automatic transmission. The test was conducted in Melbourne, with a mix of city, suburban and freeway driving during a one day test.

Prices for this new model Camry begin at $28,440 (as at March 2003) plus the traditional dealer charges and state government taxes, plus insurances.

To summarise, it's easy to categorise the new Camry. With it's outrageous headlights, it's unassuming and underwhelming interior, this car is well suited to government departments. With so many cars on the market, the Camry's solid reputation isn't sufficient to overcome the weak points.

Stephen Walker
March 2003

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STEPHEN WALKER P O BOX 92 NEW LAMBTON NEW SOUTH WALES 2305 AUSTRALIA

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