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Short drive with TOYOTA CAMRY 2.0G
An entry-level Japanese executive car now comes
with more goodies than mid-level - strange, but true - WHAT'S NEW? : This is the 2.0-litre version of the all-new fourth generation Camry launched in Thailand last month. The evolution is rather subtle in every way except for the styling which seems to have gained some Lexusness which should be a good thing too when the corporate identity is further carried to other models in the Toyota empire. - WHAT'S COOL? DYNAMICS The good news is that it drives less like a barge and more like a boat. It is more stable and precise though corners than before, but it is by no means a driver's car (more a chauffeur-driven one). For the driver and passengers alike, the ride is generally comfortable and relaxing. The 2.0 engine is brought over from the previous model, but with the slightest of tweaking (3hp more). It's a tad more refined than before and still manages to move its big heavy body with sufficient pace around town. The car is 115kg heavier than before, so how Toyota managed that without altering gear and final drive ratios nor wheel diameter is a mystery. EQUIPMENT AND COMFORT It is strange that the 2.0G carries more usable goodies than the 2.4G - we'd assume the "G" badge would account for a certain trim level, but not in this case. The 2.0G has at least five features that are better than the 2.4G: wooden and leather steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth phone preparation, automatic windshield wipers and side (thorax) airbags. Of course, there is a trade-off - read in "What are not?" below. All seats are in leather and both front ones are electrically adjustable. Dual-zone climate control is a first for an entry-level edition in this car class, so are immobiliser, six-CD changer and automatic-on headlights. Fit and finish are pretty good and the centre console design is even more tidy than the one in a Lexus IS250. - WHAT'S NOT? DYNAMICS Despite being less of a barge to drive than the previous Camry, it is still not as involving to drive as either the Honda Accord nor the Nissan Teana. Occasional and less fussy drivers who prefer to use the car merely as transport or as a staging area for stressful business meetings would find it relaxing to drive.
The steering is not that light around town, but becomes too light at highway speeds - although you can get used to this in no time. The relatively small engine still struggles to move the 1.53-ton car on the highway but less of a problem in town. Toyota suggests using 95 octane petrol for its 2.0 version, unlike the 2.4 that is happy with cheaper 91 octane. Gear-shifts require a bit of patience and learning as the gearbox does not shift up or down as smoothly as we would like. Brakes are still quite mushy, but retard speed quite effective.
EQUIPMENT AND COMFORT What's with the unlocking of all doors every time you engage the gear into park? - it's like a car-jacking invitation. This feature exists in all versions, though, not just the 2.0. The centre console illumination is somewhat too bright affecting your night vision and there's dimmer there. Seriously, the 2.0G has no shortage of equipment for a car in this class and at this price. Do you really need keyless entry, seat memory, parking sensors, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, rear sun blinds, xenon headlights, DVD-player and cooling seats that freeze your balls off? If you do, that's at least another B300,000 to cough up for the 2.4V. For a car with such a long wheelbase (2,775mm) the resultant rear passenger legroom is not that great and the backrests do not recline at all. The driver's seat has mediocre snugness and the rear cushions could be taller. Sound proofing could be better, as we found more noise intrusion through the windows than the Teana, but it definitely has less tyre noise than the Accord. - BUY OR BYE? īThe 2.0G is the best buy Camry and arguably the best value mid-size Japanese saloon available. That is, if you can live without electronic stability control, more sufficient passing power of the 2.4 - you can, right? Strange but true that this entry-level Camry can satisfy both fleet customers and city dwelling individuals alike. |
 Dual zone climate control the same as in the 2.4.
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