2018 Toyota Camry sees the light of day in Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR; With a starting price tag of 1,445,000 baht (roughly RM 181,427), and available in 4 variants, the 2018 Toyota Camry has finally been launched in Thailand. The different trims offered are 2.5 HV AT, 2.5 HV Premium AT, 2.0G AT, and 2.5G AT.

The base variant, 2.0G AT houses in an E85-compatible 6AR-FBS 2.0-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated mill that can produce a max power of 167 PS at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 199 Nm at 4,600 rpm. A 6-speed automatic unit takes care of power delivery. This engine also features D-4S port and direct injection by Toyota along with VVT-iW on the intake and VVT-i on the exhaust.

Second in the line-up, the 2.5G AT features an A25A-FKB 2.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated powertrain churning out 209 PS of max power at 6,600 rpm and a peak torque of 250 Nm at 5,000 rpm. This engine features VVT-iE on the intake and VVT-i on the exhaust, along with D-4S. Here, an 8-speed unit delivers the power to the front wheels. This soldier is also called the Dynamic Force Engine by Toyota and runs on E85 Ethanol.

Other two trims, the 2.5HV AT and 2.5 HV Premium AT are hybrid in nature. The A25A-FXS 2.5-litre engine that produces a max power of 178 PS at 5,700 rpm and 221 Nm of peak torque from 3,600 to 5,200 rpm. Complementing the engine is an electric motor that can pump out 120 PS of max power and 202 Nm of peak torque.

The hybrid variants of the 2018 Camry pack inside a 6.5 Ah nickel-metal battery and are fueled by E20 Ethanol. The battery is housed under the rear seats which helps in achieving a better centre of gravity but reduces the fuel-tank capacity by 10-litres when compared to the non-hybrid Camry.

The foundation of the new Camry is laid on the Toyota New Global Architecture. The 2018 model measures 4,885 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,445 mm in height. The wheelbase is now 2,825 mm and the suspension duties have been assigned to MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbone suspension at the rear end of the sedan.

One can find 206/65 tyres wrapped around 16-inch wheels on the 2.0G AT trim, while the 2.5G AT gets 18-inch wheels with 235/45 tyres. 17-inch wheels with 255-15 tyres can be seen on the hybrids. The saloon comes with features such as LED headlamps and taillights, sunroof, and twin exhausts (depending on the variant).

Leather upholstery, 8-way powered front seats, wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry with start, sunshades at the rear, and a multi-information instrument cluster display are standard across all the variants.

Touchscreen air-conditioning controls, triple-zone climate control, lumbar adjustment for both driver and front passenger, ventilated front seats, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 9-speaker JBL audio unit, and a head-up display all come along the top variant.

T-Connect telematics system featuring vehicle locator, emergency services hailing, onboard hotspot, concierge service, SOS, roadside assist, and service reminder & appointment is part of the Camry hybrids.

In terms of safety, all the 2018 Camry trims feature at least 7-airbags, and the 2.5 HV Premium AT comes with nine airbags. There are also ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, blind spot monitor, hill-start assist control and rear cross traffic alert on each and every model of the 2018 Toyota Camry.

However, the Toyota Safety Sense suite, that features Lane Departure Alert, Pre-collision System, Automatic High Beam, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is only to be seen in the top-spec variant.

The 2018 Toyota Camry in Thailand can be taken home in various color choices such as Phantom Brown, Burning Black, Graphite Metallic, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, Platinum White Pearl, and Premium Red.

Although no official word has yet been made, we expect the 2018 Toyota Camry to arrive on the Malaysian shore very soon.