Reference Auto

With Merc and BMW planning a litany of cars in the Rs 25 lakh bracket, Toyota, one of the world’s most popular car brands, is also charting plans to rev up in this segment with the launch of its premium mid-sized sedan, the new Camry (the car may turn out to be a damp squib though), which carries a price tag of Rs 23.8 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

After numerous modifications, the Japanese car company, which is among the most popular brands even in the US, has brought in its seventh generation car to India.

The new Camry, which will be assembled in the car maker’s facility in Bidadi near Bangalore, comes with a six-speed automatic.

Power is delivered through a 2.5-litre variable valvetrain (VVT-i) engine that offers 178 bhp, according to the company.

The petrol sedan’s 2.5 litre dual VVT-I engine belts out top power of 181 PS and 233 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm.

In its class, the new Camry offers a fair mileage at 12.1 km per litre (under ideal conditions though).

The company says that one of the highlights of the new Camry is the cruise control feature along with an advanced trip computer, which helps maintain data regarding mileage and distance of journey.

One of the modifications this time is that the cabin of the new Camry is completely sound proof, offering a comfortable ride on the road.

Toyota is offering the new Camry in four colours, namely, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black and Beige Metallic.

The new Camry actually does not have much to offer. Even though it may look new from the exterior, over 90 per cent of its parts are same as in the previous models.

The exterior has a fabricated fresh five-slat chrome grille, curvilinear body styling along with bold and angular headlamps. In the interiors, the impeccable quality of wood and leather gives a fillip to the comfort level.

So, bringing little modification to its components is a hindrance factor for the car maker, especially when rival car companies in the same bracket are charting aggressive plans to grab this market.

When a new car is launched, customers, especially in the high-end bracket, expect better performance as well as new safety and comfort features. With these not being there in the new car, buyers may feel that they are opting for the same old Camry.

Also, the price is not attractive enough and this could wean away buyers.

The new Camry will vie with the likes of Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat and Skoda Superb and would have a petrol option only, which is another impediment.

So, with no diesel variant and not much to talk about so far as modifications go, the new Camry may turn out to be a damp squib for Toyota.