New Toyota Camry 2021 - test drive of the new product for Russia

The new Toyota Camry 2021 is the 8th generation, which is in great demand from the business class sedan series. The car was built on the GA-K platform, this is part of the TNGA. The factory system designated the car with its own index XV70. Because of this, the sedan was given the nickname “seventy”.

The car is produced for markets in Russia. Cars are manufactured at the Toyota plant, which is located near St. Petersburg. The Russian buyer can get acquainted with six different body styles and colors. It can be standard enamel, pearl or metallic paints.

Sedan exterior

Toyota's California studio developed the appearance of the Toyota Camry 2021. The car has a squat body profile. This is quite unusual for past Camry cars.

It has become much more functional, now the driver can make various dynamic movements and at the same time feel comfortable behind the wheel. Thanks to the Japanese manufacturer, the car received a new design, and therefore, this car is somewhat different from previous models.

Also, the design of the car was also slightly changed, namely, the number of body parts that were made from steel, which has high strength, was increased. Thanks to this, the body has become even stiffer, almost three times. Efforts to install the front subframe and rear suspension. That is, the risk of parts moving in the car in the event of an accident has decreased significantly.

Toyota Camry 2021 is entering the Russian market, which has already been adapted to low temperature environments. The Camry has heaters for the front seats, defrosts the mirrors that are designed to see what's going on behind you, and heats the bottom of the windshield.

To ensure that warm air is evenly distributed, air ducts were installed that supply flow to the rear seats. Expensive versions of this car have heated rear seats, and also have a heated steering wheel and windshield.

Fascinating design

In the “traditional” version, the new body of the updated Toyota Camry is identical to its “aggressive” version, but in the first version the owner will receive a wide - the length of the entire front part - false radiator grille on the lower part of the front bumper, while in the second version the bumper will have a sporty look with peculiar air intakes on the sides of the bumper.

Similar differences are typical for the rear of the car - in the standard version, the updated Camry has a stylish but typical bumper with a single exhaust pipe, in the second case, owners will be content with an emotion-stirring rear sports bumper with aggressive divisions into sections and a pair of dual exhaust pipes, that looks really awesome!

When making the new Camry, the Japanese focused not only on a mesmerizing design that will attract attention, they also remained true to themselves and, as always, paid great attention to safety.

The manufacturing company has increased the use of high-strength steels when creating the car, which has made its body more rigid and durable, and therefore safer for the driver and passengers.

In addition, buyers will also have access to two color options (not counting the standard white): metallic and mother-of-pearl. For the first you will have to pay an additional 21,000 rubles, for the second color option - 32,000 rubles. Prices are fixed and will not change depending on the cost of the configuration.

Toyota Camry 2021 interior

The instrument panel and center console have an asymmetrical design. Plastic inserts were specially installed on the panels, which look glossy and imitate wood. The audio system display is located in the center. The display depends on the configuration. Diagonally size 7 or 8.

The audio system can play music in various formats. Expensive versions of the car have cameras for panoramic viewing; you can see the picture on the screen. You can activate the parking brake with a button located on the center console. But older generations still use this button as a separate pedal.

The interior is finished in beige or black. The front seat cushions and backrests are designed in such a way that you can drive long distances without neck pain. Due to the fact that the lateral support bolsters have been increased in size, they perfectly support the passenger sitting in front, and, accordingly, the driver.

This is in case there is a sudden movement of the car. The basic kit has adjustments for the waist-mounted instruments for the front seats. Expensive versions are equipped with seats that have electric drive and memory. The steering column can be adjusted in two ways: thanks to an electric drive or independently, that is, manually.

Appearance

The 2021 Toyota Camry has LED bulbs built into the headlights for both high and low beams. LED optics were installed for expensive car series. The air intake was covered with a grille, which has a size of 25 mm. Because of this, there is a possibility that small stones can get into the radiator. The height of the hood was also reduced. This time at 40 mm.

If you look at the car from behind, you can say that it has become a little more massive. The stern optics were divided into two sections, which were installed on the tank lid and on the body. The basic version of the car has LEDs and lamps that accumulate. LED lights were used for expensive series.

Technical specifications of Toyota Camry 2021

Fuel consumption is the most important technical characteristic for any car. For this version, the volume was increased by 2 and 2.5 liters. This happened due to the increased weight of the car. And now, this brand weighs 1624 kg.

The version that has a 250 liter engine can consume 12.6 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in the city. And this is only one liter more than the version with 2.5 liter engines. If you drive along highways outside the city, then the most economical engine is 2 liters. At a speed of 90 kilometers per hour, it consumes only 5.6 liters of gasoline.

Dynamic performance depends on how powerful the engine is.

On rollerskates

At first glance, the Camry demonstrated unexpected results in the test with rollers: the car confidently overcame our test, simulating zero grip with the road, with the stabilization system turned on, but as soon as the system was turned off, the much advertised limited-slip differential did not help. Although the ability to completely turn off electronics is a definite plus for a driver’s car and a rarity in these days.

Self-locking differential, come on, help.

Test drive Toyota Camry 2018

Due to the changes to the gearbox and suspension, the car is now more stable when driving at high speed. Improvements were achieved because a multi-link rear suspension and rigid subframe mounting were introduced. Each lever was made of steel. In this case, aluminum was not used. Thanks to the fact that the electric amplifier was transferred to the rack, the steering operation is initially much more accurate.

The chassis has a connection with speeds up to 160-180 km/h. The car can maintain straight motion, without swaying or shifting to the sides on uneven roads. Due to the fact that the body height was reduced, the developers were able to set the center of gravity 20 mm lower.

Thanks to this, the car will no longer lean to the sides when cornering when driving at high speed. System stabilization supports the vehicle to be as stable as possible. Also, stabilization has a changed operating procedure. The system only starts working in cases where sudden movement occurs.

The developers also changed and improved the brake mechanisms. They were the ones who were criticized on the previous version of the Camry. The front wheels have discs that are ventilated. Their diameter was increased. The monolithic discs located at the rear have retained their diameter, but have increased slightly in thickness.

Toyota Camry sizing changes in 2021

If we compare the new Toyota with previous models, we can say that the car has become a little longer and wider, while the length of the body has changed. Also, the roof and hood line were lowered.

In order to compensate for all the changes, the length of the wheelbase was increased by 50 mm. Car dimensions in 2021:

• length - 4886 mm; increased by 36 mm compared to the previous model;
• height - 1456 mm; reduced by 26 mm;
• width - 1842 mm; increased by 16 mm;
• base - 2825 mm.

The luggage compartment holds 490 liters. It all depends on what the trunk is equipped with.

The spare wheel with alloy wheels was placed under the floor. The trunk lid can be opened independently; there is no electrics provided.

"NeproGeely": enjoying the new Toyota Camry

“We won’t make boring cars anymore!” — Akio Toyoda uttered this historical phrase back in 2011, but its “echo” has only now reached us in the form of the new generation Toyota Camry.

How do we remember previous Camrys? Large, reliable, popular, in some places even status-bearing, but “bland”, like overcooked fish without seasoning. They were loved for their space and reliability, but nowhere and never did they sound like “gambling”, “driver’s”. But now - in every test drive in every publication. Is it really true that the Toyota Camry has finally ceased to be a boring director’s “sofa”?

Marketers love the word “new,” or better yet, “completely new.” The optics were changed, the stamping on the bumper changed - “meet the completely new one!” But the current Toyota Camry with the factory index XV70 is really new. Although marketers and engineers have decided to keep some things from the previous model. But first things first.

Formally, the new generation is made on the same K-platform as the previous one, but so many changes have been made that the word “new” is absolutely appropriate here. Firstly, at the rear, instead of McPherson struts, a full-fledged “multi-link” finally appeared, with spaced shock absorbers and springs. Secondly, the body itself has become torsionally stiffer by 30% (!!!), a spacer has appeared in front between the McPherson struts, and the subframe has become stiffer by 20% and lighter by 15. And this in itself speaks of a more “driver-friendly” design. character of the new Camry. But that's not all! In addition to the rigidity of the body, the new generation should also add another steering scheme: the electric power steering has “moved” to the rack, and it itself has become “shorter” by half a turn - now the steering wheel makes 2.6 turns from lock to lock. Why not a “driver car”?!

The appearance of the new Camry also hints at a shift in emphasis from the “sofa” mood towards excitement and controllability. No, the exaggeratedly large “lip” has nothing to do with it, it just looks slightly amorphous. It's about proportions. Visually, the new Camry seemed to be spread out on the ground, clinging to it, like a predator about to pounce. And this is not an illusion, it is true. The wheelbase has increased by 50 mm, and this has made the body proportions more correct. Following the base, the body itself has spread: the new Camry is 35 mm longer and 15 mm wider, the height has decreased by 25 mm. Previously, the Camry looked slightly “pot-bellied” - now it is very dynamic and squat. And although it still can’t be called a masterpiece of automotive design, we like this style much better.

No less revolutionary changes have taken place in the interior, in several directions at once. And if the creators of Camry dabbled in experiments with its design even during the restyling of the previous model, now they have moved much further. The first and most pleasant surprise is the completely different ergonomics of the driver’s workplace. Of course, no one asks the drivers of “member trucks” how comfortable they are, but those who have owned a Camry for personal use would probably like to sit lower and pull the steering wheel more towards them. The reference points in this regard have always been European models such as VW Passat, Ford Mondeo, Skoda Superb - their ranges and adjustment capabilities made it possible for everyone to fit comfortably: from fragile short girls to two-meter-tall former wrestlers. Today, the same capabilities are available in the Camry: the height-adjustable driver's seat is initially located 25 mm lower and can move 50 mm further from the steering wheel, that is, the range of its adjustments has become noticeably wider. But the range of adjustment of the steering wheel in terms of reach is even wider - the column can be pulled towards you by as much as 60 mm! In general, if earlier the description of Camry ergonomics ended with the phrase “not bad, but...”, now we write boldly: everything is good!

The second good news is the updated “multimedia” with a 7 or 8-inch screen, as well as the appearance of the second generation Toyota Safety Sense package. It includes all the latest active "assistants": recognition and informing the driver about road signs, warning of unintentional crossing of road markings and a lane return function, monitoring and informing about driver fatigue, frontal collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian recognition function , cruise control with the function of maintaining a safe distance to the car in front and an automatic switching system from high beam to low beam. The Safety package is available starting with the Elegance trim level, which is offered on 2.5- and 3.5-liter versions.

And since we’re talking about engines, we’ll also tell you about the “new things” in the engine compartment. Only one power unit is “new-new” here - the flagship 3.5 with 249 hp. In addition to the greatest power, it also has the most advanced automatic transmission - 8-speed, with a sports mode and shift paddles under the steering wheel.

The same automatic transmission, according to rumors, will be offered for the new 2.5-liter engine, which should appear next year. In the meantime, version 2.5 is on sale with a 181-horsepower engine from the previous generation Camry and a 6-band automatic transmission. The same gearbox is offered for the basic two-liter version with a power of 150 hp. According to the old tradition, equipment versions are “tied” to the cubic capacity of the engine; more about this can be found in the “Pricing” section.

We are returning to the cabin, for now - to the back seat, which is the traditional “haven” for the bulk of Camry buyers. After all, this is probably the most popular representative of the corporate park tribe among both officials and businessmen.

Formally, the back row should become more spacious, because the wheelbase has increased by 50 mm, as we remember. But the visual impression is completely different: there is now less “air” in the cabin, the seats have become more profiled, which makes you feel a little squeezed. However, some people even like these sensations - they feel a sense of security. As for comfort, the disadvantages include the appearance of a rather solid central tunnel (“hello” from the rigidity of the body), and the advantages, as before, are a separate sofa with electrical adjustments on the top versions. And of course, the “scepter” is very impressive: a separate control panel in the armrest of the rear sofa - the touch panel looks very cool and is convenient to use.

The trunk volume has decreased slightly: to 493 liters for versions with conventional rear seats and to 469 liters for cars with separate seats and electric drives. But the trunk lid does not have an electric drive even in the top version, which is a little strange. But in the underground there is a full-size spare tire on a cast disk, there is a convenient hook for packages, and the opening is as wide as possible.

Well, now - the “delicious” part. For the first time I get into a Camry with anticipation of something interesting, exciting, exciting. And Camry doesn’t deceive me: from the very first meters it demonstrates that it has become completely different. The fit is perfect, for the first time in this model I don't have to adjust anything to get a comfortable fit. The salon is excellent. Stylish, fashionable, youthful, the interface is quite convenient. And finally this archaic clock has disappeared - I can’t even imagine where it could be placed in this fashionable interior.

We start the engine - a pleasant, dull, but non-irritating sound. The new “direct” selector is excellent and convenient. Although the selector pad is made of some very simple plastic, which stands out from the general style. Go?

The steering wheel is very sharp - you didn’t even have to intercept it when leaving the parking lot; you turned it almost all the way in one movement. The sound of the engine is not audible, there is almost no external noise. At least until you get into “sandblasting”, but at city speeds you can’t even hear it.

Dynamics - excellent! The good old “automatic” is a separate pleasure. With modern turbo engines and preselective “robots”, we are already accustomed to the fact that a car can be fast and high-torque, but for this it constantly shifts “down”, as soon as you press the gas a little harder. Here the feeling is completely opposite: you press the gas and you simply accelerate, you drive “on traction” and not “in gears”. A sweet, almost forgotten feeling.

But the real thrill is the turns. I can’t believe I’m writing this about the Toyota Camry, but the chassis has acquired a pleasant edge. Just as a well-chosen sauce can radically change the taste of a dish, so the new settings turned the Camry from a relatively healthy steamed cabbage into a harmful, but incredibly tasty steak. And if you used to “move” in a Camry, now you enjoy it, taste it, savor it. Here's a great ending - how much? 70? 80? 90? This is beauty! Excellent, ideally tuned neutral handling, when the car does not “plow” the front axle, and at the same time does not frighten with overly sharp reactions. We can safely say that Camry’s habits have become “European”. Previously, we admired them in Passat, Mondeo, Superb, and today we can safely put the new Camry in this row! By the way, another hint at driving qualities is the ability to completely disable the stabilization and traction control systems - a rarity in these days.

Interestingly, with all its “driving” transformation, the new Camry has not become any tougher. The sway of the body has disappeared, its roll has become noticeably less, but Toyota has not turned into a “counter” of joints and irregularities. Yes, it no longer feels “sofa-like”, but for such progress in handling and driving pleasure this is not the biggest price to pay. I wouldn’t be surprised if officials start driving themselves more often.

And I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if soon the Toyota Camry completely ousts its competitors from this segment, leaving them with crumbs of interest. She already had many trump cards: reliability, status, image, and for private buyers also liquidity. Competitors put pressure on more refined finishing, better equipment and handling, but now the Toyota Camry has all this! And even in combination with a very interesting price... All on Camry?

Prices and options

On the Belarusian market, the new Toyota Camry is offered with three petrol engines: 2.0 (150 hp), 2.5 (181 hp) and 3.5 (249 hp). All versions are available exclusively with automatic transmission, but in the first two variants it will be a 6-speed automatic, and on version 3.5 there will be a new 8-band.

As before, the equipment level depends on the engine power. The basic two-liter version is available only in the initial trim levels “Standard” (from 47,566 rubles), “Standard Plus” (from 50,966 rubles) and “Classic” (from 52,666 rubles). Buyers of cars with a 2.5-liter engine choose between “Standard Plus” (from 55,182 rubles), “Classic” (from 57,902 rubles), “Elegance Safety” (from 61,812 rubles), “Prestige Safety” (65,620 rub.) and “Luxury Safety” (from 70,108 rub.). Well, the top version with a 3.5 engine is offered only in two higher trim levels - “Lux Safety” (from 73,644 rubles) and Executive Safety (from 79,594 rubles).

Pavel KOZLOVSKY Photo by Olga-Anna KANASHITS ABW.BY

The editors express gratitude to the official Toyota dealer in Belarus for providing the car for testing

Disadvantages of Toyota Camry 2018

The disadvantages of the Camry include the fact that the ground clearance has been reduced; not everyone likes the way the interior is decorated; retained some of the power units. There is plastic in the interior, which is glossy. Such inserts were placed on the instrument panel and on the doors. Due to the smooth surface, road dust is attracted, which is very noticeable on the surface.

Another drawback is aerodynamic noise, which occurs during movement when the car moves at 90 kilometers per hour or more. The noise comes from the front of the roof pillars. This flaw was found only on cars that were assembled in Russia. This is a consequence of the fact that production did not finalize the car.

They also criticize the suspension, which has become much stiffer. The car can react to joints on the road, which appear in the form of patches and manholes. If there are a lot of unevenness on the road, then the rear end will quickly wear out and control ability will deteriorate.

Behavior on the road

The sensations from driving a car and its “ability to stay on the road” when test driving a Camry are quite contradictory, because there is no outright dissatisfaction with the car, but there are no downright enthusiastic responses either. And the whole point is... For example, the gas pedal is quite sluggish - it seems as if it is in a kind of jelly, which is why you have to constantly press and release it while driving. This state of affairs cannot please, but there is also nothing to be annoyed about here.

The same half-hearted feeling comes from the brakes. On German cars, which are known for their rigidity, when you press the brakes hard, the car stops dead in its tracks. On the new Camry, the suspension ensures smooth movement, therefore, when braking, it begins to gradually bow forward, and when starting, back. This may give you a feeling that the brakes are not working effectively, but it is important to note that this is just a feeling.

In general, the car stays confidently on the road, goes smoothly, and small holes and bumps are practically not noticeable when hitting, because the car’s suspension “eats everything.” Handling is excellent, but it can be characterized by a certain regularity - on the updated Toyota Camry you will not feel any sharp jerks or jerks. In fact, the tested car is very suitable for those who are committed to a quiet ride and do not expect racing performance from the car, although it cannot be accused of being slow.

New level of security

Thanks to the advanced systems, vehicle safety has been increased several times. The system has a built-in function that recognizes pedestrians when the car is on the road. This reduces the risk of collision.

Using the radar installed in the car, you can track the distance to the car that is in front of you. Thanks to this built-in system, the car sometimes brakes on its own until it comes to a complete stop and then automatically starts moving. This function only works when the cruise control is automated.

Safety

According to crash test results from the IIHS, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the latest generation Camry received the highest rating. It couldn’t have been any other way for the Japanese from Toyota. They are zealous about protecting the person in the car.

We list the main security systems and devices installed in the car:

• airbag – 10 pieces, front, side, curtain, knee;
• blind spot monitoring;
• pedestrian control;
• obstacle detection;
• various safety systems ABS, EBD, ESP, BAS, LKA, TSC, AFS, DAS;
• rear and front parking sensors;
• monitoring the driver's condition;
• Cruise control,

and also much more.

2018 Toyota Camry models

Available information suggests that the Toyota Camry will be available in seven trim levels.

Toyota Camry Standard

This is a basic model, which is called crude when comparing similar cars that were produced by American and Chinese manufacturers. The car has the following equipment:

• climate control;
• the multimedia system has four speakers and a seven-inch touch screen;
• the front seats are heated and manually adjustable;
• there are power windows on all windows;
• the mirrors are electrically driven and have a protection system to prevent the windows from icing up;
• multifunctional steering wheel, that is, you can control certain systems of the car;
• keyless entry;
• the light can switch automatically;
• The car is equipped with six airbags.

The “Standard” model can produce up to 150 horsepower.

Toyota Camry Classic

This model has some differences from the standard model:

• There is parking sensors, which have been slightly modified. Also, there is a rear view camera;
• cruise control, as on the “Standard”;
• automatic window cleaning is activated;
• The multimedia system has been updated and has built-in telephony.

This model also has a leather interior, the front seats have 8 positions that can be adjusted. The engine has a volume of two liters, a working volume of 2500 cubic meters.

Elegance Safety

• cruise control has automatic adaptation;
• built in a proprietary navigation system;
• built-in steering wheel heating function;
• rear seats are heated;
• There is an additional airbag, which is located near the driver’s knees.

Exclusive Safety

This model has a more extended optional list:

• 9 airbags for your safety;
• the front seats have a ventilation function;
• climate control has a three-zone type;
• the multimedia system has additional controls;
• there is a system for all-round control; so that the driver can see everything around him.

Reviews of Toyota Camry 2018

Most people don't like the new look of the car. But still, the updated technical characteristics of the new car model attracts many car lovers.

Drivers say that the car obeys the steering wheel perfectly and drives smoothly along the road, because when they change speed they don’t feel any jerking at all.

Read: Toyota Mirai hydrogen cars

Summarizing

Thanks to the fact that some characteristics of the car have been changed, young buyers want to purchase such a model. Among the shortcomings of the car, we can emphasize that there are not many shades of colors, there is no sunroof, panoramic roof, or digital instrument cluster.

The 2021 Toyota Camry comes in a variety of price ranges. The most expensive model costs about 2.5 million rubles. Today it is difficult to evaluate the sale of the car, because the sale began relatively recently. But business class cars have most options that are not inferior to the Camry in terms of dynamics and characteristics.

Interior

Comparing the interior of the new Camry XV70 with models of previous generations, you feel a paradigm shift: a lively, modern design of the front panel, the center console is slightly turned towards the driver, and the adjustment ranges now allow you to sit comfortably behind the wheel, regardless of body size.

The only area in which Toyota has maintained continuity is the central tunnel, covered with “plastic” wood: loyalty to the traditions of the brand. For the first time, the Camry is equipped with the Auto Hold function: the option allows you not to hold the brake pedal in traffic jams.

Moving away from the square theme, the interior became noticeably more interesting. The list of options includes ventilation of the front seats, wireless charging for a mobile phone and other amenities. Finally, the foot-operated parking brake is a thing of history.

The roofline has become lower. Of course, there is enough space in the back, but there is not much reserve. But there is a lot of legroom.

Although the Camry has become longer and the wheelbase has grown, the space in the cabin has decreased - American dealers report a decrease in cabin volume by 70 liters. There are several reasons - a change in the profile of the seats, a more massive central tunnel, and a reduction in the height of the roof.

The back seat of the Camry did not become cramped: rather, a feeling of security appeared. The space above your head has decreased slightly, and the luxurious touch control panel for controlling the settings of the rear seats, the climate control unit and the audio system in the armrest hints that the fifth one is superfluous here.

Acoustic comfort is another advantage of the new product. It’s unlikely that anyone seriously considered sound insulation to be one of the weak points of the previous generation Camry, but, nevertheless, the new car feels much quieter than its predecessor, both from the driver’s seat and from the passenger position.

The engine is practically inaudible in the cabin, and the road noise, even in the area of ​​the rear arches, has become much quieter.

The new Toyota Camry 2021 has lost trunk space. To accommodate our needs, Toyota put a full-size spare tire in the trunk, creating a hump on the floor and making the already low trunk feel very cramped.