While it�??s never going to attain bedroom pin-up status, the Toyota Camry Atara SX offers a slightly edgier take on the standard four-door family chariot.
The Atara SX assumed the role of the �??sportiest�?? Camry in the range in 2011, when Toyota ditched the familiar Sportivo grade nameplate and ushered in the seventh-generation Camry using the Atara badge.
Priced from $35,990 (before on-road costs) the Toyota Camry Atara SX sits under the range-topping Atara SL and above the $33,490 Atara S variant.
While it might be tagged as the sportiest Camry, it seems the title refers to looks alone �?" there are no extra kilowatts hiding under the bonnet of the Atara SX that would place it above the rest of the Atara line-up, although it�??s slightly up on the base grade Altise.
So what we get is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 135kW/235Nm, and a Toyota Camry adorned with a body kit.
Like its Sportivo predecessor, the Atara SX gets a unique rear bumper, rear lip spoiler and black-tinted headlamps.� That�??s on top of features such as the sports bumper and grille, side skirts and dual exhaust it shares with its lower-grade Atara S stable mate.
There is a clearer style differentiation for the interior, with the SX-grade variant picking up leather-accented sports seats and door trims, along with sports pedals.
Other features shared with the Atara S include steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Standard equipment includes keyless entry and push-button start, front fog lamps, reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, electrically operated driver�??s seat, six-speaker audio unit with Bluetooth phone and music streaming and a 6.1-inch touchscreen.� Unfortunately, the Atara SX misses out on satellite navigation and reverse parking sensors.
While the Camry has a relatively neat and uncluttered interior, several features such as the faux-leather dash with accompanying faux stitching look a little on the cheap side for a vehicle priced at almost $36,000.
Clear instrumentation and a simplified switchgear layout are positives, however, as is the multi-function steering wheel with audio and phone buttons.
There�??s also a decent amount of passenger space inside the Camry, (plenty more than several rivals) �?" a legacy of the 46mm of extra rear-seat legroom and extra elbow space added over the previous-gen Camry.
There�??s no shortage of storage space, either, with stacks of cubbyholes scattered throughout the car and a thoroughly useful 515 litres of boot space, despite the full-size alloy spare wheel sitting underneath the cargo floor.
The latest Camry also offers much-improved ergonomics over its predecessor, with a fine driving position and a tilt- and reach-adjustable steering wheel that settles the driver snugly into the car.
The seats themselves are nicely cushioned, but lack sufficient side bolstering for those more enthusiastic driving moments.
With a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 9.8 seconds, the Camry�??s 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is no firecracker, but it is smooth revving and lively enough in the mid-range to provide a reasonably rewarding drive.
Engage the sports mode on the standard six-speed auto and you get some extra aural pleasure via the automatic throttle blipping on downshifts.
Not so pleasant is the Camry�??s ride, which is fidgety and overly firm despite the fact Toyota claims it has been tuned specifically for Australian roads.
The culprit is the Atara SX�??s sports suspension, which comprises stiffer spring rates and damper settings.
The result is noticeably less compliance than its regular Camry siblings and a jittery ride over relatively small bumps and ruts. Even those harmless-looking freeway expansion joints are felt inside the SX�??s cabin.
The electric power steering lacks on-centre feel and precision and is prone to �??wander�?? �?" demanding regular corrections of the wheel �?" leaving it well adrift of the Mazda 6 and Honda Accord Euro in terms of handling finesse and steering feel.
There�??s a decent level of grip on offer from the Bridgestone Turanzas, though higher-than-expected road noise can be an issue over coarse-chip surfaces.
Toyota claims combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.8 litres per 100km for the Camry range, with CO2 emissions averaging 183g/km. We recorded consumption of 12.1L/100km in a test comprising city and freeway kilometres, as well as some harder driving on country roads.
As expected, the entire Toyota Camry range boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating. All models are equipped with seven airbags, stability and traction control systems, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.
While there�??s plenty to choose from in the competitive mid-size playing field �?" the Camry has no fewer than 11 well-respected rivals �?" the sporty Atara SX is a decent package.
It might not excel over the competition in any one area, and it struggles to find a satisfactory ride and handling balance, but the car gets the basics right �?" it is very roomy, has a strong engine and is reasonably economical.
Add to that the cheapest capped-price servicing around ($520 in total for the first three years/60,000km) and the Toyota Camry Atara SX makes a decent case for itself as a pragmatic family car.
0 comments:
Post a Comment