Let me set the scene for you. I am at the Sepang International Circuit and, very thankfully, the day is not as hot as I thought it would be in spite the sun blazing at the 2 o’clock position in the sky. In front of me are the two generations of Camry, the 2.4 litre XV40 and the 2.5 litre XV50. If you need to know the price, the essential stats and the specifications of the XV50, please read Anthony’s post about the Camry’s launch first. I’ll be focusing on the drive experience itself.
In drives like this, it is always helpful to refresh one’s memory of how the old one felt like. I get into the XV40, hit the accelerator and peel away from the pit area.
It is as exactly as I remembered. On the straights, the XV40 gives the impression that the tarmac is as comfortable as a mattress and the noise does not intrude too much into the cabin. The steering has no pulse, which is fine because the XV40 does not favour spirited cornering. Having a lively steering and a soft suspension would almost definitely dissatisfy all but the most insensitive of drivers.
Of course a corner will eventually happen and the XV40 completes the gauntlet with a series of body rolls that upsets the car’s balance. The chassis and suspension is clearly setup for comfort because the sedan becomes stable the second the steering is pointed forward.
As for power, well, the 2.4 litre can still hold its own although it was first launched so many moons ago. That said, the power does not transfer immediately due to that lag that all conventional automatics are plagued with.
The drive down memory lane, which is SIC’s North Track, took no longer than seven minutes. Now that I have established my baseline, I quickly jump into the XV50.
I take a brief look at the cockpit and find it to be very similar to the XV40, it still blunders in being exciting. As for its level of quality, Toyota managed to extract the same levels that is found in the old and transplants it to the new.
The engine stayed warm from the previous drive session and I set off. Hold on, the suspension is stiffer in this one. Sensations from the tyres treading on the cement portion of the pit area start to creep up through the seat. The feeling persisted even as I put the car on the tarmac proper.
More alarming, the steering now registers a pulse although it is an EPS-type steering, which is usually stillborn. Don’t get me wrong, the difference in feedback between the XV40 and the XV50 is not day and night but enough to feel more of the road at the wheel.
Yet, the handling, while it is better than the XV40, is not quick in its execution. And neither it is sharp and direct enough to tell me if I need to feed more steering to make it through. Once up to speed, the steering braces automatically and becomes more weighted, putting over more control into my hands.
The same set of corner happens again and the XV50 slips through with a noticeable lack of body roll; the car staying relatively perpendicular to the road. And importantly, it remained stable throughout. There’s an underlying sense of confidence coming from the chassis of the car that makes it a nice drive. Yes, I have to admit this Camry is not the Camry we know.
As for acceleration, the 2.5 litre was never made for sprints or high-speed catch-ups. But there is enough fire in the engine to burn away the ‘underpowered’ tag. Gearshifts from the six-speed auto are smooth and the power is transferred with a barely noticeable delay. No, I did not try the 2.0 litre version because it was prepared for the event.
There are two more things that I must mention. The first is the legroom in the XV50 has been expanded. And second, the Camry has its NVH improved. The engine noise is muffled and there’s practically no sound from the outside. When everything is taken into consideration, the 2.5 litre XV50 Camry is an ocean of improvement over the 2.4 litre XV40, aside from the design, which I am not a big fan of. Sorry, it’s just too angular for my liking. But let not its looks undermine the improved vehicle dynamics, which makes the XV50 a sportier offering than the XV40.
However, this is only half of the story. You see, all of this is done on a racetrack where the roads are paved with a special kind of tarmac and the corners are properly cambered. The full picture will come when the Camry is put to the test on public road in daily conditions. Which, fingers crossed, will come soon.
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why this CAMRY is so expensive?
RM150K – RM180K is far beyond any individual budget and any salary earner surely cant afford such a huge price tag for a TOYOTA.Its the damm tax imposed by the useless gov.Actual price is less than RM100k but due to gov need to protect the retarded proton company and to continue to support the senile mahathir so the CAMRY has to sold at the high price.Well conratulation to all MALAYSIANS who continue to support PROTON and deprice others of owning quality cars.
I think the actual price without tax is not even close to RM100k. Perhaps it’s around the RM70k-RM80k region.
Bro, Proton is not the main issue…this rectangle Camry is really overpriced by ~20K. There are fas better car in the market at much reasonable price, example are the Hyundai Sonata and the extremely cheap Proton Lancer.
Market force decides survival. Toyota can put high price as they like. But too bad, many dun mind. Why? It’s the reputation that Toyota cumulated for years. If national makers price like what Toyota did, dh lama dorang gulung tikar…
Don’t you realize UMW Toyota has a hand in this? They are the one who jacked up the price because Malaysians continue to buy underspec Toyota cars like this. Everything you want to blame Proton, so clever la you…
Erm is too sporty for uncle?!
Same old story – because of government, mahathir, proton all to be blame. If you dont have money to buy the car then you dont have to buy it! Nobody force you to buy the damn car! Stupid malaysian mentality!
totally agree with you..
bangang punya mentality depa ni..
U talk with your knee bro…
Beli 4-5 years old second hand laa. Same price with a new Vios.
car expensive – NAP – change govt – toyota uncle – honda sucks – all cars sucks. there paultan, you can close the comments section already.
My key concern is local assembly using locally sourced parts, especially the plastic mould injection parts, alternators, A/C compressors, engine mountings etc.
They do not last, and I hope toyota does not repeat the ACV 30 mistake again.
At least the Thailand imports have great QA/QC from end to end
yup. 90% of the comments all same.
2.4L and 2.5L? confused..
2.5L is the new model. The 2.4L was the previous generation that Toyota had at the event for comparison driving.
2.4 in ACV40 and 2.5 in XV50.
In USA, ACV40 facelift in 2009 oledi used the 2.5 engine
Well..driving dynamics may have improved..
But the design..hard to stomach it
xv 40 look better..
Agree with you. I really can not imagine why Toyota dare to come out with this “AH PEK” design. May be the Korean paid the Japanese designers money to create this cars so that Korean can win in the market place easily…ha ha ha.
xv40 handling is not bad, take the curves with a lot of confidence. but don’t expect F-Sport or M Power performance in this price la!
So what with F&M?? still only dull Japanese handling,nothing big deal,nothing big!!
Both are using the same chasis. Thats why the D pillar is identical.
I also tend to like ACV40 better, but kimchi cars are definitely off my radar. Once beaten twice shy
well, taste is very personal and i myself much prefer this looking than the previous generations.
black really hides the ugly bodykit best :)
ermm…UGLY? better K5 Optima..
Then buy Optima K5 la…
These people talk big only. When they realize that the RV for K5 is so low, the immediate decision to put on the reverse gear is 2nd in nature
Performance & handling getting better but design sucks big time laa…
Aiyohhh!! Really macam jantan!
Not the Camry larr, but the one standing besides it.
for such a big car, they should have made it a rear wheel drive!!!!
The market trend for D-segment cars are mostly front engine, front wheel drive layout. Those cars have front engine, rear wheel drive layout are luxury branded cars such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, Lexus, etc, but minority.
Hahahaa….good Lord !! What a FUGLY car !!!
I am so sorry, but based on the pictures, its horrible. What is worst, is that in a few months, the Malaysian roads with be covered with this fugly car…oh woe on my eyes !!! Meow ??
you can always go to North Pole, where there are no Toyota Camrys at all in sight. and then stay there.
again….toyota is playing safe with this boring design yet killing prices…just cant understand why msians will still get one of those in their garage
Playing it safe makes it sounds like latex contraceptive! LOL!
the design is an insult to the Camry fan.. when you put the new Camry and the previous model side by side, it looks like just another variety of the old design instead of a brand new design. Just compare with old Sonata and the latest Sonata, old ford Ranger and new one etc..we should define ‘new model’.
go for toyota mark x!
–yawn–
next car, please?
Wa!! Selling old technology for 2.0, 4 speed with higher price; that only works in M’sia…..miserable
Wage earner hv to rob a bank to own a reasonable automobile here….sucks..
The Camry is an executive saloon and not some sports sedan or hot hatch. What else can the bodykit do other than make the car look ugly? Or is it a way to justify the high selling price? If it is, how much can those few plastic pieces cost?
i like this design more than any previous generations, guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Group test btw this new camry , accord,teana,optima K5,sonata,passat 1.8tsi CKD@170k & mondeo will be great…all btw 140k for the cheapest optima all the way to the most expensive 180K++ camry 2.5 & the mondeo 2.0 ecoboost.
would be interesting
japs done dy… compare koreans n conti cars after this
btw, looks like an Altis wt a bodykit?
What a lame design… porn just spoil their brain too much
wow ..very2 ugly but 180k?? better passat ler…or pegot 508 turbo….
Of course Passat laa. There’s nothing a Camry has that a Passat does not. Except for the 90’s design and stratospheric price.
passat looks like 1980’s car with LED that’s all. Fail!
Ford Mondeo and Citreon C5 also
I once owned a E30 325i BMW built in 1986. It made 171PS and had 226NM of torque. 26 years later Toyota can’t install an engine with a little more punch? The 2.4 Euro Accord produces 200PS
You should be aware that today’s cars need to pass stricter emission and safety requirements. Also, generally consumers value fuel efficiency over power.
who in their right mind would want to buy this when a passat are priced the same?
Who in the right mind ?
“The demand for the new Toyota Camry has been very strong. Since bookings started on April 2, we have received more than 3,400 orders,” said Ismet Suki, president of UMW Toyota Motor, during the launch of the new Toyota Camry yesterday.
Read more: New drive for UMW Toyota http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/toyot01/Article/index_html#ixzz1wcTM9JdM
According to the law of pyramid, the smart people is always on top, stupid people at the bottom. which make camry buyers more than the passat.
WOW !!! 3400++ bookings. I was one of the ‘unkers’ waiting in line for this car..in the end decided better keep my money and bought the Preve instead.
That means all that 3400 are not in their right mind as far as i am concern.
I am not saying that the new camry is bad….just that there are other options available in the market for comparisons…eg..the passat, modeo and 508 and these are all conti-cars….looking at your camry specs, especially the 2.0 versions…dont u honestly agree that it’s under-specs?????? what is two air-bags and 4-speed and old vvti engine and chasis in today’s competitive car market…these are totally obselete or perhaps ten year old technology??? isn’t it dissapointing????? design is also not exciting,,pretty much the same as the older model…i have nothing against Toyota and i respect all buyers who made their bookings….just that camry is not my cup of tea when there are better options in town …camry is simply overpriced…please analyse your competitors and give better offerings…toyota brand name has actually tarnished due to massive recalls…u may lose market share due to self-complacency.
It’s a shame if you drive it out, those who know bout cars will know Camry not equidistant with traction control, old engine, old tech, key hole start up, no istop, no ibraking, no parking assist, no 6 airbags, no RVM, nothing!!
LOL
No matter how good the drive or cornering performance…the shell kills them all.
Actually the black color quite VIP look….which did it’s job for what the buyers want….
Pretty typical sushi design…preferred the kimchi one which is more trendy and futuristic though durability are yet to be firmed…
People go to expensive japanese restaurant just to get sushi…..So you go ahead and enjoy your kimchi until you got diarrhea lor~
Reliability, durability, dependability, ease of maintenance, spare parts availability, price of parts of korean makes are well known question marks.
These are the key determinants for resale value
Not really, if the demand of vehicle drop drastically, the RV drop first
Demand drop when the vehicle offer very low spec, but with high price tag, customer is become very choosy
No one prefer an empty car with such pricing
true true, and remember, K are famous for plastic surgeries to make the ugly took nice but keep in mind, its still ugly inside ;)
the daytime driving-lights looks like cheapo-last-minute add-on item.
Cant believe this comes from a Camry, with a sky-high price tag.
UMW, are you scheming to making another quick buck from those uncle/aunties??
after looking at the camry and the price, i think Paultan website should have a new button for the “This story makes me” section, the new button should be [Disgusted]
do you really need to test this car at SIC? waste time, money, effort & petrol…fail
exactly…why a car like this has to go to SIC for a test.., It is ugly, outdated tech.. with that price, I will go for Peugeot 508 without much thinker!
Don’t even have proper LED daytime lights as standard, they go and put into the Ah Beng aero kit. Design seems more old fashioned than the existing one. With specs that even the Preve can beat, I dunno why anyone ever buys this piece of museum material.
I don’t find any feel of camry for this. For such price tag, i rather got for Peugeot 508, Citroen C5 or VW Passat 1.8.
The 2 key words that you should seriously consider when buying these cold door cars.
RESALE VALUE
Usually those who buys conti’s dont bother much about resale value…either they kept/use the car for more than 5 years or they’re plain rich
There are many conti car buyers in my office that have to go on easy payment scheme when they change tyres :)
I agree with your RV theory, only if we change car within short period, other wise many other cars offering around 140-170k, but with many many features. People don’t change car drastically unless the car comes with many problem.
T & H they are once good vehicle with good features and good RV, now, they still are, 5-10 years down the road? Not really, if they keep selling such product.Bear in mind, demand drop, RV drop.
Pro and cons, there are no such thing as YOU ARE OBSALUTELY RIGHT.
forget about your theory of resale value la…u have seriously overlooked other factors that may truly deliver greater car satisfaction than just your resale value theory….for example: dont force yourself to eat something u dont like just becoz it’s popular…broaden your horizon la..fren…dont be shallow minded.
I am an owner of 2 Camry and RV is not that great.
Lets talk abt the girls then…peace no war
Ugly, tasteless, outdated.
Aiyoo so ugly la wei… cannot tahan :(
This is the worst looking Camry since it was launched.
I can see the LEDs crapping out first….and yet you will see this care all over the place….
The introduction of this car will make kimchi salesmen feel insecure again….cek ak lor
Kimchi salesman will eat rice husk pretty soon
dont be so confident of what u have just said….wait n see the result…look at samsung achievement today….
Put other non-Japanese makes aside. Compare the new Camry with Mazda 6, Accord and Teana. My personal ranking is:
1) Mazda 6
2) Accord/Teana (tied)
3) New Camry (a very distant third)
Nothing exciting about the design and the tech. Even a 5 speed Mazda 6 or Accord is better than this boring machine.
Now, put the other Japanese makes aside and bring in the Koreans and Conti makes. My personal ranking is:
1) Passat (value for money)
2) 508 (value for money but a bit concern about the after sales service)
3) K5
4) Sonata
5) New Camry (last possible option)
Sad to say that the new Camry is uninspiring and coupled with the expensive price tag, the only selling point is the extensive UMW service network. When the other makes start making inroads in better 3S centres, it will be bye-bye to Toyota.
Kia/Hyundai cannot be compared with the Japs, as they are one class below
like your mind and other people’s.Yours is one class below.
u still live at grandma thinking world!!!
Sam Loo,
Mind you define your term of “class” ?
K5 & Sonata are D Segment, same as Camry and Accord.
Nothing to do with segment, but Korean makes should be compared with China makes (Geely, Great Wall or Lotus) and with India make (Tata, Mahindra)
so as the BMW VOLVO, PEUGEOT And the rest of the bunch is a class above Japanese
If the Euro’s dun sui kwan and kwai tai, then maybe they are.
Unfortunately, most euros do sui kwan
When tortoise is catching up, rabbit LOL
That’s why rabbit never able to lead until the end.
Before this we not even bother Kia and Hyundai, now we keep arguing the RV, sooner you will become too late to realize, everythings is moving on, only T & H is selling low spec product, when you can compete. You ended like proton
Some how we need to respect those brand who really work hard on their product. It’s never too late to left behind, it’s just too early for you to shout you won.
Look at the share market of different brand, you will realize the cake is getting sliced by many other competitors.
It’s time to wake up T & H, especially P1.
I suspect the majority of the people here are not real car buyers …. just car lovers who like to comment. Let’s be pragmatic about things here …. agree this Camry is overpriced for the features, it has always been for a very long time. Why ? Because you have pretty useless car distributors managing the other car brands which offers better value on paper …. what about after sales service, maintainence parts etc, resale value ?? The useless car distributors should buckup and emulate them … after all no secret anyway, if they can do what Toyota is doing …. all will come into place
Say what you all like …. Toyota is expecting 8500 units until year end, which works out to 1400 units per month. What about the other Passat, Mazda6, Teana, Mondeo, Sonata, K5 going to sell ??
I highly agree with you… I agree the Camry is not the best looking in its class and the best equipped.. But regardless, it has proven to be the most reliable car in its class and a very high resale value… UMW may be cocky in terms of providing better specs for the local market but they are doing a kick ass job in their after sales… My Mazda 3 which we got on January this year, has went to the service centre 4 times.. And twice was due to loose fittings and electronic malfunctions.. And when brought to Bermaz, they dare to tell us they aren’t sure about the cause!! My cousins Honda city, 3 years old , but constantly going back to service centre due to gearbox..Stupid reason Honda gave was, when vehicle is in idle, must put gear to Neutral or their gearbox will spoil.. That’s the aftersales of other car companies…
Had to agree in some-way, I have owned several brands of both Japanese makes and now German, use to be Honda and they did a good job in after sales service, then came to Toyota, they really kick ass then Nissan, not that bad but big improvement to the days of N16 which I had, then thought VW would be the capstone over them, but here I beg to differ. They should seriously go all out to buck up their after sales service.
Like it or not, the car is going to be stuck with us for many years, well at least 5 and the last thing is having stress over the servicing.
The Passat is only a 1.8 litre and priced at 2.5/2.5 engine size Japs.
Given the tax structure of Malaysia, the Passat should only be around RM125-RM130k range.
So which car is overpriced again?
Its silly to compare a conti car with a jap car…the merc E250 is running on a 1.8Turbe -charged engine….can u say its overprised? Fren..its a germen car la…its the latest trend and technology using smaller turbo-charged engine to produce optimised output in terms of greater effeciney and power…Mr Sam please improve your knowledge before u make any stupid comments…A german car is always a german car in terms of performance, technology and lots of other things…u wanna compare take a lexus and not a toyota..
haha design looks like ahbeng.. old fashion.. i think camry should maintain their current design, more elegant.. toyota now go down, hyundai,kia, volswagen is the best brand car for time being..
wow so beautiful, more than passat cc, mazda6, k5, sonata, 508 and even f10!!!!
i’m sure i want to buy one!!!
Back – ugly unimaginative rear lights , look cheap as well .
Side – like Altis – uninspiring and downright plain vanilla
Front – Quite similar with current Camry , overdone chrome bits .
OVerall – BUgger off UMW Toyota . i’d take Peugeot 508 without blinking .
buy it megane.. wish u luck when ur in the SC or when u have to change your parts..or when ur turbo breaks on you! lol.. from a peugeot 308 owner.
Renault, Pug, Citoulong are typical sui kwan cars that will lose 50% in 2 years
More beautiful?! even normal Polo Sedan looks better than this i mean BLM also looks better than this !
you’re the loser f you buy this car.You know what,i’d rather buy a vw passat than this POS car.Heck,even the ancient Proton Perdana V6 looks better than this POS car.
Damn straight you are right. Why Japanese cars look extremely bad looking compared to KIA/ Hyundai.
Guess a lot of Hentai really messed-up their brain.
Megane sui kwan wor
Hey.. can get malaysian-stig to do 2.4L VS 2.5L drag race video and laptime???
T shud hv called this 2nd or 3rd facelift and not new model… cheh.
It make sense to launch this new car on track as you don’t have ESP to switch off or throttle your engine power.
saw the car yesterday at Cheras S/room…the car never impresed me as the previous model which i currently own one (camry 2.0g pwhite).for me its like a passing clouds…the interior esp the centre console remind me 1980s big datsun..even the dashboard dont have back light(blue lamp at the radio and aircond switches)….tought wnna change to this model but dont think soo may be opt for used bmw e90 lci 2009 or 2010 model….
Went to subang showroom to see new Camry as I booked one.
OMG!! I witnessed the showroom unit’s carpet is not properly kept under the armrest/gear set. The whole piece of carpet was opened & very visible in driver side. QC got check or not? Like this also passed? I dont know what inside the car is not properly fixed.
I immediately cancelled booking.
demand for T Camry mainly are company registered, recommended by accountant or CFO… private owners don’t make the numbers…
You have stats to support your statement?
you pluck that statement from the sky? be realistic here and we are not born yesterday, are you sure accountant and CFO bags up the huge bulk of it? I beg to differ, i know a few acquaintance who are private owners of Camry and previous XV40 at it’s time is still the best in it’s class comparing to then Accord, old Teana and old Sonata.
definitely not the best in its class when there are conti-cars in the market such as VW, Ford and Peougeot. Please go test drive one of these cars before u say “the best”….
moving backward
I look Toyota car not much improve in their engine as this Camry.
Camry 2.5L; Just torque only 231Nm @ 4,100rpm (high).
Just compared to model 2012 Peugeot 408 1.6L Turbocharge; Torque is 240Nm @ 1400rpm (low).
That mean if compared Pgt 408 vs Camry 2.5L:
More pick-up; High Torque at Low rpm; save fuel consumption & road tax (just 1.6L only); low price @ RM125K only; Top speed @ 215 km/h due to 1.6l only.
If new Honda Accord to follow this Camry – bye..bye..Camry & Accord.
camry got no turbo
Turbo reduces the durability and reliability of any car
You rather buy a sui kwan euro? Risk your family stranded by the road side ?
To me I still have good hopes for Honda, their DNA of differentiation is still there, but recently they have gotten lazy and went into the profit margin game where building cars sees no or lack of passion, just get the vehicle out and sell. Already the Type R and the new Civic has been punched badly, hopefully the Accord as you mentioned do not follow suite, but rather be technology skewed instead of the same thing but just a shell change.
Give me prove that turbo has low reliability…statistic or figures? u should go back to the 70’s and drive an old datsun…guarantee u wont be stranded by the roadside.
amazing..
Between lexus is250 (recon unit) and camry vx50…which would you chose and why
very very ugly design…
better buy K5, Teana or Sonata
Support the cold door car industry. Lose 50% of the car value in 3 years. Way to go!
Whats the big deal about resale value if people can afford…such a pity that u have to drive japanese car for your whole life…moving backwards…
I think it looks like a bloated current Altis, especially the silver one. Interior sucks though
Not sure if it has been asked, any idea Toyota going for 5 year warranty?
Sighhh… Chris, do you really need to drive this POS ard the track, all your pics showed the new Camry leaning alarmingly through the corners.. Yes, I know the Camry is not a Lexus ISF, but seems like there’s even no basic body control over the new model!
Where’s the front and rear anti roll bars? What were the springs doing? :( And how fast were you guys driving when neg the corners? 180km/h??
Obviously there was severe front nose dive going through the fast corner. Yes FWD cars tends to be slight nose heavy, but this is ridiculous. When your front tires are subjected to such heavy loads, it will break free from traction very easily and you will careen into the retaining wall pronto! Rem, there’s no VSC/traction control, you will need to have expert driving skills to recover from such severe understeer wheel lock.
And just how many uncles and aunties out there possess such skills?
Toyota is just plain crazy and stupid. Prob they’re trying to build a modern version of those crap American luxo barges of the 70s and 80s. Well guess what, the Big 3 has long since grown out of the gutter and none of the new American cars behaved like this these days. They’re as good as any Euro and Korean offering now if not better.
If Toyota is bent of building such softly sprung, vomit inducing rides, the least they could do is to put in VSC/traction control to min any chances of spinning out no thanks to the jelly soft suspension and wobbly chassis. But they choose not to to cut cost!…
Guys seriously, spend your hard earned $$ elsewhere. Get the Optima or the Sonata 2.4. There’s NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING these 2 Koreans can’t offer that you die die have to buy a Camry 2.5 LOL :D
Chris, I hope you didn’t stomp on the brakes hard during those fast corners, you could have spun a 360deg out there haha :D
Kia and Hyundai cars lose 25%-30% of their value in a year. Think again?
Toyota has massive recalls recently….dropped in relaibility…think twice before u get one..
The “NEW” old car
just saw optima k5 dark grey…wow…i was speechless…even got better look than bmw 5 series…
no comment about this camry already..
I have.
Kia’s have lousy resale value
how do you know? have u own one and sold one before?
YES, I used to own a Kia
Korean Cars and their design can be linked to sexual high.
10 seconds of pleasure and 20 years of hell
This car has a confused character. On one hand it’s trying to be a boring car for the old folks. On the other hand, it’s trying to be sporty with the unnecessarily flashy ah beng bodykit.
But come to think of it, people do grow old. Ah beng’s of yesterday are the ah pek’s of today. I think this car is probably aimed at aging ah beng’s, to give them the much needed rejuvenated feel during mid-life crisis
Ppl now is the time ! The camry is out now i bet all of you must be eager to get your hands on one. I tested the car and it was a keeper. The quality of the drive and design is out of this world ! And no regrets buying Toyota i can assure u better than some kimchi cars that loss half its prices once hit the road !
the body kit is a put off. remove them and all is well.
paul tan and gang, may I suggest that you do a mid size sedan test drive comparo between this POS Camry 2.5, Sonata 2.4, Optima SX and perhaps Peugoet 508.
Go through all the hard driving test routes, compare the design, interior finish, equipments
And then finally, park them, esp the Korean models, side by side with this POS Camry…
Your readers will be very interested to know how the view will look like :D LOL Make sure you request for top spec test cars respectively so that the test will be fair and objective
I think our Maserati and Hyundai de la Junk bro will suffer a heart attack after reading such report LOL :D
Just check the RV of Sonata, Camry & Accord side by side. Korean Car owners will shy away and possible yell hailat lor
Bros and sis, chill and calm down. First things first, without doubt the new camry is more expensive than the previous one. Well it was very much expected that way. I believe in a way about John which stated that it is overpriced. I do believe so. I mean just look at KIA + HYUNDAI. Alright before we start off another WWE in here, lets just think about the rest alright? 1st I also do believe that Proton is part of the blame although not taking away the fact that UMW ‘believe’ they have power to jack up prices. As we all know Proton Is Malaysian-Born. our govt carries out protectionism which means protection on the local industry but how? Simple, my taxing other related industry hence prices of BMW, Merc, TOYOTA, HONDA, and many other cars. At the end of the day, once our country do not need to protect any more industry, only then we will all enjoy quality cars at affordable prices. therefore as long as there’s proton no matter 50 years + , 60 years + or 100 years + . Our govt will always protect proton and hence, we would all have to be happy with our ‘Cheap Inspira’ and ‘ Cute Myvi’ without safety features and some less airbags. Thansk for your time !
1)Admit that the current gen camry is uglier than the previous gen.
2)Whenever there is a toyota related website almost 90% people will hammer it to maximum but i have a question for your all as below:
a: The Toyota sales figure never lie base on the figure on MAA !
b: The toyata never put the gun on the consumer head to force to buy their product right?
c: I believe the human in the world is not stupid why there still brought Toyota product. Die hard friend won’t be simply brought the car there must be some reason.
3) I am just curious and i wish to find out why the toyota still can conquer the automobile market. Please help we all together to find out the root caused
4) Anyhow i not a die hard toyota friend but i am the owner of current gen Altis 1.8CC and the car got nothing to shout about it had bad handling, bad interior design but other than that it serve we very very well for all aspect.
And most of all, the Corolla is a proven reliable, durable and dependable car.
You can sell it off anytime with minimal loss, unlike Kia’s and Hyundai’s, which will cost you an arm and 2 legs, minimally
Camry and Corolla are tune for comfort, not performance.
If you want performance, pay RM150k+ for a Golf, and pray that the DSG doe not give way. Alternatively, have the tow truck operator number on your cellphone speeddial
The new (old) Camry.
Designed by Old People.
Driven by Old People.
Forget TOYOTA get Volkswagen. Das Auto
Like it or not, for the next few years The Camry is will perceived as the corporate car, and the choice of businessman, especially those typical ones. There is a possibility of technology shock if these people sits a VW, the camry is downright straight forward no dummy vehicle. It will take sometime for these companies to transition to VW. Don’t forget on maintainence and service wise Toyota is still preffered by companies.
VW sui kwan or not?
Resale value is based on demand. No demand = bad resale value. Don’t take much to see camry’s resale value dipping from this generation onwards.
And I could not see the RV of Korean makes improve either
I have concern here buddy ! I plan to buy new car ! I was waited almost 3 months once after i lost my car to get new car especially new Camry . But sadly when i compare the price of Honda 2.4 and Camry 2.0G almost the same .But then , i hate the new look of so call Camry ! Help me to advise which one i should go then ?
Get the ACV40
Well all that someone talks about the Camry is reliability.But how reliable are Toyota cars in present day compared to pre-VVTi’s? And yes the Korean cars resale value is worse but definitely has changed a lot with the current batch of cars.The resale value difference between Japanese and Korean cars is now down to less than 10%. The fact is the Koreans have improved a lot, more than what people actually think.As long as consumers are not willing to give others a chance they deserve, the Japs’s are gonna continue to milk our hard earned money!!! 5 years back we didnt have much choices, but today we have many cars in the same segment.
I used pray to God that Korean Cars will have a better resale value some day.
I am still waiting
By the way, my prayers did not come true. Sold the kimchi at a massive loss
To me this new Camry is a write-off. Saw the Accord in Honda Japan website and its quite elegant. Wonder if this model will be introduced here. Otherwise, thinking of buying a Preve or Exora only to save some hard earned money.
Well guys, dont complaint about being expensive, no good specs, conti’s and koreans are better, etc etc.. I say vote with your money! take the risk of your RV and buy those conti’s/korean cars that you love so much. make a difference, and maybe the jap automakers will listen to your woes when you really start to look elsewhere, big companies will realise when their market share is plumetting. so unless the camry doesnt make top seller this year, nothing will be improved. Well you can take the risk of having less Service Centre’s, lower resale value, parts availability, higher service cost, reliability? well, at least you will be happy knowing you voted with your cash and not just rambling about it without doing anything.
I realise most of these people who comment so much on cars here, does not have the buying power.. Kia and Hyundais may look better than Japanese cars.. When it comes to reliability and resale value, they are by far as bad as continental cars such as peugeot, Citroen, etc.. These people have never owned these kinda cars that’s why all they can do is comment on it’s looks and specs but in actuality they have never owned cars like these to compare them.. I have owned both continental cars and Japanese cars and close friends have Kias and Hyundais.. All of them agreed that Toyota has the best reliability and korean cars are at the moment, still at the bottom… So stop hammering the Camry.. It’s the best selling car of its class for a reason.. HIGH RESALE VALUE AND HIGH RELIABILITY STATS… Most of these people here doesn’t even know how to compare a car if u are getting one.. How on earth are u supposed to compare a Camry and a Perdana? If u have the buying power, u won’t even think of a proton… That’s just stupid… And of course a Toyota is better than a proton.. So stop commenting at u rather buy a proton because if u had 200k to play around for a car, you won’t choose a proton and that’s reality!
The previous version looks 10x better!!! But ah peks will continue to support this car for sure. Well, at least Toyota know how to select hot looking babes… who look even better standing next to the Camry!
I agree. ACV40 looks “tai fong”
But XV50 is just a cosmetic upgrade, ala MyVi and Lagi Best MyVi.
2 new features are electric power steering and Dual VVti engine.
Features omitted are VSC and all the so called ABC’s
BraVo BelifiMa5%
yeap..one of the not best design from toyota…they are going to lose the market share again in this segment..admit good service..reliable car…good resale value and my 1st choice last time to buy my 1st new car…due to the uncle untie design I choose the other Jap brand
UMW’s decision to assemble Camry locally with low specs will be one which will cause them lose sales.
Just went to the UMW showroom in Subang Jaya. The Black 2.5V with bodykit and another 2.0G White basic model.
Both of them had uneven door gaps, bonnet gaps and boot gaps, which essentially means that the built quality is just like Proton.
Had a look at Pearl White ACV40 parked outside and the built quality, paint quality and interior quality is miles ahead. Furthermore, the local white unit is a normal white, not Pearl White.
OMG, UMW-T wake up. Import the new Camry from Thailand that comes with much higher specs and lower prices
This new Camry design looks dissapointing on photos.. Not sure how it will look on the road.
The Body kit makes it looks cheap …and its way too expensive for a Toyota
I wont be rushing to a Toyota showroom anytime soon
You all really anti-TOYOTA…….be realistic…..you like it, you buy it, you don’t like, don’t buy it. NOTHING IS PERFECT IN THIS WORLD, don’t you agree with me!
Some people have sour grape syndrome
Many people make instictive buy call when they see a kimchi. So, they will defend their buy and condemn T&H having good resale value in hope that used kimchi car prices do not plummet at fast.
You will have to forgive them, as they will lose 1/2 the value in 2-3 years, if lucky.
I was one sorhai like that many years ago. Never will I make a wrong judgement like this ever again
kah! kah! kah!…joke of the century…KERETA KEBAL ke sedan ni??????????????
You are right, Sam Loo. There are many choices out there…..have one and have fun!
and once again, its damn UGLY,JOKER and EXPENSIVE, this what happen when u wanna try to design like latest accord…..damn funny design hahaha
Hi Flannel, you get what you pay. “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” You never try, you never know! Everything has it advantages and disadvantages. Be positive thinking and ‘look far’ than you feel better……:)
R.I.P xv50…you have been shot….
I’ll suggest you wait for the new coming mazda6 [by end 2012] which confirm blow its competitor away
Cold Door leh
we shall wait for the new mazda. Hey guys, what you say about Volkswagen – CC ? Plan to get one :)
This is a Camry XV50 forum
You can say all u want about this Toyota Camry about it being ugly and all… But it’s a fact that the Americans prefer this Camry then their version of the Camry as this one looks more professional and Executive..And yes it may be uncle to most of you ah bengs.. But to the people who are able to buy this car, they are the one with the money and I doubt many ah bengs can afford it.. So yeah.. Smart uncles/ well intellectual man will rather choose a car that looks professional, rather than buy a toy looking car.. It’s called looking professional
hi all, I have tested the new camry yesterday and wow……especially its steeeeeeeeering……light force needed when the car moves slow and high force when the car moves fast…..it is a great improvement!I asked the when can we get the car if i were to book today…..wow……average 4 months….it is too long! Is anyone of you receives your car in two or three months time?
Nothing can beat the resale values of any THs. One reason why uncles prefer to buy ‘ugly’ T or H models is because of their best resale values. Having owned 4 Accords/Camry ,2 Protons, 1 Hyundai and 1 recond-Merc which I all traded-in over a period of 25years+; actual experience tells me that the Jap. make gives you the best resale value. Sure…if you go for looks,Hyundai has the best stying – but sorry to say, bad depreciation when you trade it in and also not so reliable and expensive spare parts. Conti, yeah…power and posh but expensive to buy and maintain – but only Merc or Beemers has the best resale for this category, other than that poor resale guys.. I stick to my T or Hs. BTW just traded-in my 4-year old Accord for a Camry, still managed to get 10X K+ for it, ie 10% depreciation per annum only….can Hyundai, VW top that? Sorry guys, this uncle being calculative when it comes to RM
Kia/Hyundai will lost 1/2 its value in 3 years
Sad to know that i am not qualified for the Toyota Merit :( The reason that they gave was the accomulated point was too low!!! How come??? I bought my Toyota Corolla Altis in 2004 and all the required services were done at Toyota from 2004 to Nov 2011.What a shame they did that to me! They in directly tell me ‘off’. My parents suggested me to consider WW or Nissan Teana. I think it s a good idea as well.
Compare to Toyota Altis 1.8G spec, I think the “ALL NEW 2012” Toyota Camry 2.0G spec is way too LOW spec, OUTDATED engine and UNSAFE on less-ideal road!! Well, please see the below comparisons for the spec [pls note that despite these 2 cars is on different segment, but I’m pointing the comparison on the spec, rather on segment of the car]:
Toyota Altis 1.8G spec Toyota Camry 2.0G spec
1) Dual VVT-i with ACIS DOHC with VVT-i
(New engine) (Old & Outdated engine)
(More power & torque) (Less power & torque)
(Consume less fuel) (Consume more fuel)
2) Super CVT-i with 7-Speed Super ECT with 4-speed
(better fuel efficiency) (less fuel efficiency)
(Advance gear box) (Old gear box)
3) Safety on less-ideal conditions (such as on rainy day, slippery road & uneven surface road)
– with VSC & TRC – without VSC & TRC
(MORE SAFE!) (UNSAFE!)
(Hope God will bless you then!)
MY PERSONAL CONCLUSION: Driving a Toyota Altis 1.8G is seems to be MORE SAFE on the road than driving a New Toyota Camry 2.0G!! Yet, you need fork-out additional RM35,000 for a LOW spec, OUTDATED engine and UNSAFE “ALL NEW 2012” Toyota Camry 2.0G!! UMW TOYOTA is very “BRILLIANT” on “hiding” the above spec comparison when come to promoting this New Camry! You don’t see info of VSC & TRC in 2.5V (indeed 2.5V equipped with VSC & TRC, but not for 2.0G or 2.0E). No “comparison” info means less awareness to the potential buyer, especially those Uncles!!
Well, I’m also a Toyota car owner at the moment. But to upgrade to this New Camry, I would put on hold until UMW TOYOTA upgrade the spec of this Camry or look for some other cars. Simply Not worth buying this New Camry at these kind of LOW spec and OVER-PROFIT by UMW TOYOTA!
In fact, couples of days ago, one Toyota salesman told me that there was quite number of cancellation of booking order for this Camry 2.0G or 2.0E. Simply b’cos the potential buyer disappointed with this LOW spec Camry. To buy 2.5V with HIGHER spec is overpriced at RM181K!
Get the ACV40 pre-owned instead
You can opt to buy the Sonata/Optima 2.4 @RM165K, only to find out that in 3 years time, the Korean make will only be worth less than RM80k.
On the other hand, the worse case scenario for the Camry 2.5 is 30% loss
i agree with the above….1.8G altis is much better than 2.0G. The only plus point is the exterior of Camry 2.0G.
Toyota’s main focused is the 2.5V, not the other 2 variants. all new 2.0G and 2.0E are make available for the medium low incomers that to upgrade their ‘status’.Those above medium incomers normally will go for 2.5v. Toyota is aware and they knew the pros and cons of all new comry, especially 2.0G and 2.0E varints. They knews that demand is still high as the 2.0G and 2.0E are for medium low incomers and thesee group of peoples are the majority in our country. Even now there are some called off due to the market now is very competitive. Many cakr makers are working hard to get some shares from the medium low income group. They will get some shares but the winner will still goes to TOYOTA, simply because the high quality, high reliability and very promising cars that they make.
Altis is C-Segment car
Although Altis is C-Segment car & Camry is D-Segment car, but what I’m try to point out is UMW TOYOTA is selling more higher spec on Altis 1.8 G and “TRYING” to selling lower spec on Camry 2.0 G, eventhough both cars is same G spec!
Despite Camry is much better on exterior looks, but the spec of Camry 2.0G shall deserve more or less the same as Altis 1.8G since both cars is same G spec, especially the extra SAFETY feature, such as VSC & TRC that equipped in Altis 1.8G! This VSC & TRC extra safety feature might able to safe you and your passengers when you are driving on less-Ideal road conditions and on emergency situations, such as on rainy day, slippery road & uneven surface road. Is UMW TOYOTA trying to IGNORE extra safety of the driver and the passengers of new Camry 2.0G !? while put EXTRA ATTENTION of extra VSC & TRC safety on the driver and the passenger of Altis 1.8G instead!? The price of VSC & TRC is just mere few thousand Ringgit only! Of course, the rationale behind by not equip VSC & TRC on Camry 2.0G is make EXTRA profit on D-Segment car for UMW TOYOTA lah!! more UNTUNG lah!!
Moreover, Camry 2.0 G is Old and Outdated engine and gearbox, and with lesser fuel efficiency, whereas 1.8 G is equipped with more Advance engine and gearbox, and with more better fuel efficiency.
For me, Altis 1.8 G is definitely “MOVING FORWARD” by TOYOTA, but for Camry 2.0 G is “MOVING STATUS QUO”!!
That why I said Camry 2.0 G is not worth to buy!
seriously you have a point there. VSC is so useful, quite scary without it la, luckily the XV40 has it.
come on toyota! what are you thingking? a four speed tranny on a volume seller? you must have thought there are lots of rich people out there who only buys the 2.5l car. we worked hard for our money. we also like your car but can only think of buying the 2.0 version. but if this is what I’ll get, i think i will look else where to the likes of the sonota, optima k5 and vw passat. they are some much more reasonable than you, toyota. they offer reasonable price and very competitive product. something you must have forgotten along the way. please do yourself justice and change to be more relevant. i used to like toyota and i use to have some like the seg ae 101 and the 1zzfe corolla altis. but your product now are a tad a little boring. sorry
damm, this car really look nice on the road, shouldn’t get my ct200h that early.
is the toyota 2.5v with 4 air-bags or 6-airbags? i have read an article in te Star news papers pew days ago an the writer review that the toyota camry 2.5v is with 6-airbags. Which one is which?
you mean NST? This is right. NST is wrong again. Seriously they need to check before publishing. Look and learn from Paultan.
yes, from nst and the star.
it is good looking car. not as claimed like uncle car.
lol, this is the kind of delusionals NST and The Star creates when toyota throws enough ad money at them
The model beside the car look alike a man..
Wondering whether it applies for the car design too..
It up to you to judge the photo.. hehehe
NO OFFENCE PLEASE