Toyota has just launched the hybrid version of the Camry in India. The Camry Hybrid is a much more fuel efficient car than the petrol powered version. The car is built at Bidadi, Bangalore, from CKD kits. So, it becomes the first hybrid car to be assembled in India. CKD assembly also means that Toyota has managed to price the Camry Hybrid at 29.75 lakhs, ex-Delhi, a price that's about 5 lakhs more than the petrol powered model.
The Camry Hybrid also comes with more mileage, extra features and lower pollution levels to justify the higher price tag. The Camry Hybrid is powered by a 2.5 liter VVT-i engine that pumps out 158 Bhp-213 Nm and an electric motor that outputs 140 Bhp-270 Nm. The petrol engine and the electric motor combine for a 205 PS peak power. This engine returns 19.16 Kmpl (ARAI claimed), which is more than the 12.90 Kmpl mileage of the petrol model.
The transmission option on the Camry Hybrid is an e-CVT automatic unit, very different from the 6 speed automatic gearbox on the petrol model. The e-CVT transmission is a vital part of the Camry Hybrid, as this transmission controls power and torque outputs from the electric motor and petrol engine, automatically toggling between the two whenever necessary.
Coming to the styling, the Camry Hybrid gets LED headlamps, new grille and bumper job and 17 inch alloy wheels. Apart from these styling differences, the car also gets changes to its interiors. Rear arm rest controls, electrically reclining rear seat, new instrumentation and a front head rest that collapses for better view for the rear seat passengers are the new features on the hybrid car.
Safety wise, 2 more airbags, hill assist, traction control and vehicle stability control are the various new features that are added to the car. Toyota has sold more than 5 million hybrid cars across the world, making the company the most successful one in terms of sales of hybrid cars. The Camry Hybrid launched in India will aim to make that reputation stronger.
