Surprisingly stylish

The Toyota Camry is undoubtedly one of the most popular marques in the kingdom. Many people see it as a sensible ride, perhaps not the most exciting but definitely a safe and durable vehicle.
 
When I first learned I would be taking one out for a test drive I thought ‘hmmm been there, done that’ and I didn’t really think much of it. However, the minute I shifted into drive, all that changed and I realised why Camry is known for being one of the best-selling cars in Bahrain.

Its makers say the new Camry 2012 has evolved to shape next generation comfort, performance and style, making it the best Camry ever built ... and I can’t argue.

Everything about the marque has been upgraded, updated and restyled to the point where it looks and feels like you’re driving a completely different car altogether.

It’s available in three grades, SE, GLX, and GL, all are equipped with a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 181bph Dual VTT-i engine.

Since it’s a Toyota after all, safety is a big factor and this model packs an impressive list of credentials including vehicle stability control, driver and passenger airbags, ECO meter for fuel efficient driving and even a tyre pressure gauge. Also worth noting is the rear-view camera and parking sensors which make reversing into a space a doddle.
 
Inside the Camry 2012 GLX model I was driving, the new layered and stitched dashboard gives the cockpit an inviting ambiance and even the faux wood trim looks the business. The controls are clearly laid-out and simple to use and the leather-wrapped steering wheel also features audio and telephone controls.
 
There is a touch-screen display panel which gives you information about the vehicle, radio stations, and Bluetooth settings.

For me, the really impressive thing about this model is the surprising amount of power at its disposal. It also handles significantly better than the predecessor model, especially when taking corners at speed.
 
The main problem I have with sedans is that they often lean around corners but, because of the improved power steering and stability controls, the Camry 2012 deals with transitions and recoveries much better.

As I was cruising along, the drive felt well balanced, thanks in no small part to the car’s light-weight design.

After the devastating earthquake and tsunami that ravaged Japan in March last year, the fact that Toyota still managed to release this car – only marginally behind schedule – is a testament to the brand’s reliability.

For many people the Camry is the sedan of choice—quiet, smooth, comfortable, reliable, and, perhaps most importantly, affordably priced.

The seventh generation Camry 2012 expands on everything drivers already love about the car and offers a few new surprises too.

After dropping off the Camry at the Toyota showroom and giving the keys back to sales manager Henry Mark, I made my way back to my trusty Rav4. However, I guess the Camry had a bigger effect on me than I realised because I found myself walking towards it instead.

The Camry had made a lasting impression.

The model I drove costs BD10,200 on the road. For more details, contact the Toyota showroom on 17730730 or visit www.toyota.com.bh