In a surprising move, Toyota has just introduced the Camry ESport to the Thailand market. Instead of being a bodykitted version of the standard Camry though – like Corolla Altis ESport Nurburgring Edition – this sportier variant gets a completely different look to the rest of the range.
By different, we really mean different. The new ESport model matches the look of the American– and Australian-market Toyota Camry, with unique body panels all around. And yes, that includes the doors too.
It’s a far curvier look, with an aggressive gaping grille up front that’s befitting of a sports-oriented model. Twin tailpipes and a prominent bootlid spoiler adorn the rear end, which again, bears little to no resemblance to the Camrys that we are familiar with.
Inside, it’s all different too, as the entire dashboard is exclusive to the ESport model. Gone are the faux-wood trim panels, replaced by a sportier treatment that includes aluminium-like silver panels. Weirdly enough, though, it retains the older air-con dials instead of the newer button-type controls introduced in our latest facelifted Camry.
The steering wheel is a three-spoke affair – the same as the rest of the Thai-market Camrys – while the foot pedals now have alloy highlights. The rest of the cabin matches that of the Australian Camry, down to the front sports seats with maroon-ish side bolsters.
Believe it or not, there are changes under the skin too. The 2.5 litre engine option has been tuned up to make 185 hp and 235 Nm of torque, compared to the standard 2.5’s 181 hp and 231 Nm. The six-speed auto’box now has paddle shifters, and even the suspension has been beefed up to fit the overall theme.
As far as makeovers go, this is as extensive as it gets. In Thailand, the Toyota Camry ESport is priced at 1,639,000 baht (RM182,000), a significant premium over the 1,569,000 baht (RM174,000) standard Camry 2.5G. So what do you think, folks – would you want UMW Toyota to offer this option in Malaysia?
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express mixed reactions to the Toyota Camry ESport launch, with some appreciating its sportier, aggressive look and updated features like the rear lights and grille, comparing it favorably to other models. Many are hopeful it will come to Malaysia, emphasizing a need for UMW to retain full safety specs and competitive pricing, as current Malaysian Camrys lack features like VSC and have high prices. Several comments criticize Toyota for perceived downgrades, safety concerns, and overpricing, urging consumers to consider Korean alternatives like the Elantra, Sonata, or K5 instead. There's disappointment over Toyota's declining reputation and poor resale value in Malaysia, with some advocating a boycott due to alleged dishonest practices and stripped-down features. Overall, the sentiment balances cautious optimism for the new model against skepticism about its market viability in Malaysia.