Traditionally, eco-conscientious drivers have had to back up their green convictions with their wallets. Although they may have saved at the pumps, hybrid vehicle prices packed such a wallop it was unlikely owners would ever break even on their investment.
Somewhat overshadowed by its famous sibling, the Prius, the Toyota Camry Hybrid ranks second in the top-ten most fuel-efficient family vehicles in Canada - and it boasts Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle certification. Yet unlike the typical hybrid—it’s only marginally more expensive than a regular top-of-the-line Camry.
Unlike Prius, the Camry Hybrid is devoid of any statement-making eco-geekiness cues, in fact, other than some discreet badging it’s almost indistinguishable from the gasoline variant. And other than the overwhelming silence when powered by the electric motor alone, the Camry Hybrid operates just like a regular vehicle.
At a local motorsports club meeting, it was amusing to see smirks at my sedate ride give way to enthusiastic interest when the silver test car’s hood was popped.
Among a die-hard group boasting serious racers, grassroots build-from-scratch wrenchers, a couple of engineering degrees and one or two exotic car ownerships, there wasn’t anyone who could immediately identify all the engine bay components. And most expressed disbelief that a vehicle could operate with such an absolute lack of sound.
Powered by a dual-mode gas-electric hybrid powertrain, the Camry Hybrid can run entirely on the electric motor while cruising around town (the gas motor usually kicking in seamlessly around the 50 km/h mark). Like others of its ilk, there’s a push-button start and only a “ready” gauge light to let you know the car is indeed, running.
Although the Camry Hybrid claims fuel consumption ratings of 5.7 litres per 100 km. in the city, and 5.7 L/100 km. on the highway - I only managed 6.9 and 6.1, respectively, during what could hardly be called spirited driving. For all its impeccably smooth drivetrain and manners — the Camry’s somewhat lacking in excitement.
Those looking for performance and handling might be better served by Nissan’s Altima Hybrid - which shares identical hybrid components but on a much firmer platform.
Inside, the Camry’s focus is on comfort. Although utilitarian, the design theme is simple, yet attractive. Visibility is excellent, and there’s plenty of head and legroom.
My tester had what I mistakenly called “velour” seats; they’re actually “Fraichir” silk protein and synthetic fibre that, Toyota boasts, is much “gentler” to the skin. I sit corrected.
Trunk space is compromised by the hybrid’s battery pack - 10.6 cubic feet of storage space down from 15 cubic feet in the regular Camry.
Crisp blue instrumentation is easy to read. Instead of a tachometer, there’s a gauge showing fuel and kilowatt consumption. Frugal driving, with the needle hovering in the “green zone” is rewarded at shut down by an “excellent” evaluation on the information display. The centre stack gadgetry is simple and easy to operate, there’s nothing fancy or superfluous in the layout.
The Camry rides softly and comfortably - if the enthusiast bemoans the lack of road feedback, others will applaud its insulated silence. Power output is well-matched to a continuously variable transmission; acceleration is smooth, gradual and linear without any lag or lurch.
What it lacks in excitement, the Camry Hybrid makes up for in execution. Comfortable, refined and unobtrusive, it helps make hybrid technology more palatable to the mainstream buyer—by its very appearance of normalcy. [Lesley Wimbush / autonet.ca]