New-gen Toyota Camry spotted testing in India

-    Will be launched in India by mid-2019.

-    The new-gen Camry will get additional features, new design and revised powertrain.

-    Expected to be slightly more expensive than the current model.

Toyota unveiled their best-ever Camry at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show. The sedan entered its eighth generation. And now after more than a year and a half, the new-gen Camry was spotted testing in India for the first time. It is expected to be officially launched in the country next year, probably by mid-2019. 

The test mule spied in Bangaluru was a hybrid model, which means it will only be available in one trim, just like the current one. The new-gen Camry moves to Toyota’s new TNGA platform which underpins all modern day Toyotas and Lexuses. This platform also underpins the recently launched Lexus ES 300h. This means it grows in size compared to the current model. Furthermore, even after adding a host of features, the new Camry is not heavier than the model it will replace. 

Appearance wise, the new Camry is a lot more aggressive now with a gaping grille up front similar to the Lexus’ spindle grille. Toyota calls it the new 'Keen Look' design language. But the Indian-spec model will get the other grille which is a lot more subtle and has a large air-dam with horizontal louvres for lower grille and a rather sleek upper grille. The headlamps are new and the bonnet creases are also more prominent. The silhouette is elongated yet simple. And the rear is new with sleeker tail lights and a boot lip spoiler. 

The interior of the cabin will be a major upliftment over the older model. The centre console will get a new eight-inch touchscreen unit with a digital screen for instrument console. The driver-focused cabin will also get practical storage places, soft-touch material, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and a spacious cabin with powered seats. It will also be one of the safest cars in its segment with no less than 10 airbags and a host of active and passive safety equipment. 

Under the hood will be a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 175hp/221Nm which will be mated to an 88kW electric motor. The 208bhp hybrid powertrain will be mated to a six-speed CVT automatic transmission. The sedan will have four driving modes – Normal, Eco, EV and Sport. 

When launched in India, the next-gen Camry will rival against its current competition which includes the Honda Accord Hybrid, Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat. It might also be slightly more expensive than the current model.

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