Fuel efficiency

How fuel efficient is the Hybrid Camry?

Hybrid Camry has the lowest fuel consumption of any Australian-built car. With its Hybrid Synergy Drive? system and improved aerodynamics it achieves a combined fuel economy figure of just 6.0 litres per 100km*. This is significantly less than all petrol alternatives in its class, and closer to the efficiency of a compact car, than a medium-sized vehicle.

How does this compare to other Australian built cars?

Hybrid Camry is the most fuel efficient car ever built in Australia. Its combined fuel economy figure of just 6.0L/100km* easily surpasses most cars in its class and comprehensively surpasses the efficiency figures of even the most frugal Australian 6 cylinder vehicle. Hybrid Camry is 31.8% more fuel efficient than its petrol counterpart, and 35.5% more fuel efficient than a Australian 6 cylinder. This comparison against other popular Australian V6s is even more pronounced during urban driving, where Hybrid Camry can produce efficiency figures up to 39.4% better than its most frugal Aussie-built V6 counterpart.

How much can I save at the petrol pump?

By driving a Hybrid Camry you could save at least 1100 litres of fuel in a year of average driving compared with other locally built six-cylinder vehicles. Even more if your driving is predominantly urban-based. This means that over a year, based on an average of 20,000km of driving, this adds up to a saving of at least $1320, based on a pump price of $1.20 a litre for regular unleaded petrol. While the Hybrid Camry is extremely efficient around town - especially in stop-start traffic - it's also really economical on the open road.

What are Hybrid Camry's CO2 emission levels?

Hybrid Camry produces 142 grams per kilometre of carbon dioxide^. This is equivalent to a small car with a 1.3L engine.

How does the Hybrid Camry rate on the Australian Government's ''Green Vehicle Guide''?

Hybrid Camry is rated five stars in the Australian Government's Green Vehicle Guide. In doing so, it becomes the first Australian built vehicle and only medium-sized vehicle to hold this honour.

Design

What unique style cues does Hybrid Camry have?

Hybrid Camry has exclusive styling that seamlessly blends aerodynamic efficiency with impeccable good looks. Uniquely hybrid signature blue headlamps, satin-chrome grille, bold front fascia design and integrated fog lamps distinguish the face, while power-saving LED clear lens tail lamps, and a rear spoiler on the Luxury model, complete the exterior treatment. The chassis has been meticulously crafted to reduce air resistance, resulting in a drag co-efficient of a low 0.27, vastly improving both fuel efficiency and performance.

How big is Hybrid Camry's boot space?

Inside and out, Hybrid Camry has been designed to maximise the space available to driver and passengers. The cavernous boot space gives you 389 litres of storage, and 60/40 rear split-fold seats give you the flexibility you need for those harder to carry items. And if you think that's clever, we've also managed to equip Hybrid Camry with a full-size spare alloy wheel, through carefully planned design and the inclusion of a slimline hybrid battery.

How silent is the cabin?

Whether diving on electric power, petrol power or a combination of both, Hybrid Camry's cabin has remarkably low interior noise levels. At rest, Hybrid Camry's engine is barely a whisper. In motion, the sound-insulating windscreen and inclusion of a number of noise-absorbing materials dampen exterior noise.

What's the benefit of LED tail lamps?

Hybrid Camry has fast acting Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) tail lamps rather than conventional bulbs because they provide improved visibility, have a faster response rate and use less power.

What's the benefit of LED tail lamps?

Hybrid Camry has fast acting Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) tail lamps rather than conventional bulbs because they provide improved visibility, have a faster response rate and use less power.

Handling and Safety

What sets Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) apart?

A Toyota first, VDIM monitors your driving and then instinctively integrates the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-skid Braking System (ABS), Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Traction Control (TRC) systems. The systems cooperatively work together to ensure a prompt response from all on-board safety technologies, comprehensively managing the balance and handling of Hybrid Camry in even the most trying conditions.

What is a drive by wire braking system?

Drive by wire braking is an electronically controlled brake system. This technology uses electrical connections instead of mechanical connections to reduce weight and provide more advanced and reliable responsiveness. The system converts brake pedal pressure into electronic signals which provides optimised braking control on any surface, in any weather condition. We call this Electronically Controlled Braking, or ECB.

Technology

How does the dashboard of the Hybrid Camry differ?

Hybrid Camry's dashboard features a purpose-designed instrument cluster that varies the intensity of illumination to match your fuel economy while you drive. The gentle blue glow of the in-dash Optitron combination meter, trip computer and instrument cluster give you constant feedback on important trip and vehicle information. The unique Optitron combination meter includes an instantaneous fuel economy meter, Eco Drive Level display and Eco-zone display which continually monitor your driving performance and is designed to ensure you're always driving at your most efficient. Optitron provides outstandingly clear readability - leading to less eyestrain - and enhanced driving concentration, whatever the ambient light conditions.

What difference does electric air conditioning make?

Uniquely, Hybrid Camry's advanced air conditioning system is electrically driven. You can keep the temperature inside the car at optimal levels even when the petrol engine is switched off. An innovative ?Eco mode? reduces the load on the engine so you won't lose efficiency while keeping the car cool.

What is Smart Entry/Smart Start?

The Smart Entry/Smart Start system provides new levels of convenience. With your smart key in your pocket or bag, all you need to do is clasp the door handle to unlock the car doors. You don't even have to use your car key. Then with the push of a button you can start Hybrid Camry courtesy of Smart Start.

Servicing and running costs

Does it cost any more to run or service the Hybrid Camry?

The running and upkeep of a hybrid car is comparable to any other Toyota Passenger vehicle. Hybrid Camry owners can expect to pay no more for servicing to 100,000kms, parts or any other secondary costs associated with running their vehicle, such as insurance. In fact, due to potential fuel savings, all things being equal, running costs would be expected to be substantially less than a similar sized petrol engine vehicle. Toyota is well-known for its low cost of car ownership. Hybrid Camry has routine service costs similar to our other models. Our Toyota Service Advantage initiative further provides capped price servicing over 3yrs or 60,000km of driving (whichever occurs first) for new Toyota vehicles. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit http://advantage.toyota.com.au for more information.

Batteries

How does the Hybrid Camry battery recharge?

While driving. The batteries that power the Hybrid Camry recharge automatically as you drive. They can very cleverly recoup energy from driving situations where energy would usually be lost in a regular car, times such as braking or coasting downhill. This is called regenerative braking.

Will I ever have to replace the Hybrid Camry's battery?

Almost certainly not. Our hybrid batteries are designed to last the typical life of your vehicle. We're so convinced with the outstanding reliability track-record and longevity of our hybrid batteries that our warranty has recently been extended to 8 years or 160,000km (whichever occurs first). There are many corporate and taxi fleets operating hybrid vehicles around Australia. For these businesses reliability is essential as these vehicles travel tens of thousands of kilometres per year.

What is the warranty coverage on the Hybrid Camry's battery?

Toyota Australia provides 8 years or 160,000 kilometres warranty (whichever occurs first) from the warranty commencement date. The 8 years or 160,000 kilometre warranty (whichever occurs first) is fully transferable to a new owner of a vehicle.

General

Is hybrid technology a fad?

Quite the opposite. We have been working on hybrids for more than 40 years ? long before the arrival of airbags, anti-skid brakes and climate control air-conditioning. Toyota is committed to hybrid systems as a core technology moving forward. Globally, our goal is to reach one million hybrid sales per year during the 2010s. At the same time, it is our intention to have a hybrid version of every model in our range by the 2020s.

What sets Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive? system ahead of its competitors?

These days you'll see several vehicles claiming to be ?hybrid', but often they fall short of genuine power sharing ? with the electric motor only adding extra power from time to time, without ever taking over completely from the petrol engine. Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive is a ?full hybrid? system, that can run on electric motor alone, engine alone, or a combination of both. This makes Hybrid Synergy Drive significantly more capable and efficient than less sophisticated systems.

Why would I choose a Toyota powered by Hybrid Synergy Drive??

Toyota leads the world when it comes to hybrid technology and hybrid car sales. Since the launch of Prius in Japan in 1997, we've delivered over 2 million hybrid cars worldwide, far more than any other manufacturer. Closer to home, more than 13,000 Prius have been sold throughout Australia, in cities, country and even the outback. We've also been honoured with a number of awards for our hybrid cars, along with 10 awards for Hybrid Synergy Drive?, Toyota's superior hybrid technology.

Are there any additional hybrid models planned for Australia?

Toyota has currently committed to importing Prius and building Hybrid Camry in Australia. Worldwide, Toyota has plans to build hybrid variants of all major model lines by the 2020s. While there are no short-term plans to introduce any additional hybrid models into Australia at this time, Toyota Australia continually monitors local demand and its model range to ensure we deliver to Australian customers cars they want to own and drive.

What is the difference between pure electric cars and hybrids?

Pure electric cars run on electric power alone. While it is true that they emit zero emissions, there are still significant hurdles ahead before electric cars become viable to a wider audience. At present, they are expensive to produce and purchase, and there is limited infrastructure available to support them. However, Toyota remains committed to best solutions motoring, and we will continue to research and develop alternative technologies, including pure/plug-in electric cars, as part of our worldwide goal to approach zero impact. At present, we believe that hybrid cars offer the best solution, with least compromise, that consumers expect from their motorcar.

Why did Toyota decide to build the Hybrid Camry in Australia?

Toyota's decision is the culmination of an intensive study which included discussions with the Federal and Victorian governments, which have a strong desire to see new, environmentally-friendly technologies introduced to Australia. Both governments continue to provide strong support to the Australian automotive industry and shared in this historic announcement which is positive for Toyota, local car manufacturing and the Australian community. The growing appetite for hybrid vehicles also confirmed that there is a need for a wider selection of cars powered by Hybrid Synergy Drive? in our line up.

Is the Hybrid Camry Australia's first local hybrid?

Hybrid Camry is the first commercially available hybrid vehicle manufactured in Australia. The decision was announced in June 2008 to begin manufacturing a hybrid version of the Camry sedan at the Altona plan in Melbourne from the beginning of 2010.