Peter Lyon
December 28, 2024
Malaysia’s UMW Toyota Motor did not waste time after it debuted the new XV80 Camry Hybrid at this year’s Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show. The car is already on sale.
The brand-new Camry 2.5V model is RM27k cheaper than the hybrid, with a retail price of RM221,800 on the road and without insurance.
As you’d expect, the powertrain is the primary distinction between the two with the flagship boasting a 2.5-litre normally aspirated inline-four engine with 204 horsepower and 246 Nm, mated to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox that powers the front wheels of this non-hybrid 2.5V.
Although the latest Camry 2.5V has a slightly higher top speed of 210 km/h compared to the hybrid’s 180 km/h, it takes 1.7 seconds longer to reach the 0-100 km/h sprint (8.9 seconds).
The 2.5V weighs about 80 kg lighter than the hybrid version without the hybrid battery and motors. It also has a bigger petrol tank, holding 60 litres as opposed to the 2.5 HEV’s 50 litres. Nevertheless, the hybrid is obviously the most fuel-efficient of the two, using only 4 L/100 km as opposed to 6.6 L/100 km for the 2.5V.
Both versions, however, have very similar equipment aside from the powertrain. The standard features include the nine-speaker JBL sound system, the twin 12.3-inch internal displays, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, LED combination tail lamps, and 18-inch wheels.
As you’d expect, this car’s safety systems includes the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance suite, eight-way powered front seats with seat ventilation, rear air-con vents, black leather upholstery, wireless steering wheel adjustments, a wireless charging pad, built-in front and rear dashcams, and wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity.
However, despite being the less expensive option, the Camry 2.5V still lacks a few features, such as the panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control rather than tri-zone like the hybrid, and—most importantly—the power-reclining “tauke” seats at the back, as well as the dedicated control panel in the centre armrest.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Does the decreased kit make sense given the RM27K lower price tag? Or would you want to purchase the more advanced, well-equipped vehicle and hope that the future fuel savings will offset the price difference? We look forward to your comments.
