Peter Lyon
December 2, 2024
After making its premiere in Singapore in August and Thailand in October, the ninth-generation 2024 Toyota Camry was most recently introduced in Vietnam, becoming the third ASEAN region to do so. And we can expect it to land in Malaysia very soon.
Only available in hybrid spec in Thailand and Singapore, the new Camry boasts a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine pumping out 188 horsepower and 221 Nm while being mated to an e-CVT gearbox and an electric motor generating 136 horsepower and 208 Nm. This gives the car a total output of 231 horsepower.
For its entry-level model, Vietnam does, however, have a pure ICE option, keeping the outdated 2.0-litre naturally aspirated inline-four engine that produces 178 horsepower and 210 Nm.
Considering that Malaysia’s current Toyota Camry only comes in a 2.5L version, we expect to follow Singapore and Thailand’s lead and only offer the hybrid version. With the Camry and Corolla Cross Hybrid teased under the brand’s “Beyond Zero” electrification name, the company’s teaser suggests as much.
New model to employ ‘hammerhead’ grille design
The new ninth-generation Camry has received a comprehensive redesign in addition to the new powertrain. The most notable change is the addition of the brand’s new “hammerhead” grille, which features on the Prius and Crown Sport. A pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the infotainment display and the other for the digital instrument cluster, highlight the newly designed horizontal dashboard, which has also undergone a major revamp.
Naturally, specific details will vary depending on the model, but according to Thai specifications, the range-topping variant will have 17- to 18-inch wheels in addition to interior creature comforts like a nine-speaker JBL sound system, ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a wireless charging pad.
For comparison, the new Camry is priced in Thailand at THB1.45 million (about RM187k), which is marginally less than the sticker price of its predecessor upon introduction, maybe as a result of the country’s advantageous subsidies for hybrid cars. When it was last on the road, the outgoing Toyota Camry in Malaysia cost RM219,800 without insurance.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
It just so happens that the current model Camry was also introduced in Malaysia at the 2018 KLIMS. It is one of Toyota’s best-selling models around the globe due to its packaging, design, ride, comfort and cost performance. And the new model’s adoption of the hammerhead grille styling and sleeker exterior lines plus an efficient powertrain make it even more appealing.
