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SCMP Reporter

IF there is one word to describe driving the new Toyota Camry, it is smooth.

  It has been developed with studious attention to detail.

  Walking up to the car, you notice features such as the flush-fitting body panels and recessed door handles.

  Elements such as these show the effort that has gone into making the Camry one of the most refined packages in its price range.

    Turning the ignition key brings to life a fluid, 24-value, V6 motor that complements the other components of the Camry perfectly.

  The engine offers hardly a hint of vibration. In fact, you could be forgiven for forgetting that it is there at all.

  When pulling away from the lights, the engine offers a surprising amount of power from idle; a feature greatly appreciated when you are trying to dart out along Hong Kong's busy roads.

  As the tempo increases, the engine is able to deliver ample power for overtaking manoeuvres on the expressway.

  An electronic engine-management system constantly monitors the motor's behaviour and adjusts the fuel-injection system to maximise its power and fuel efficiency. On paper, the engine delivers peak power of 138KW, at 5,400 revolutions per minute.

  You will find maximum torque of 255Nm at a slightly more leisurely 4,400 rpm. The four-speed automatic transmission offers two settings, power and economy.

  Hong Kong's many hills will make the power setting the ideal choice for most occasions.

  The transmission changes gear in such a refined manner that you really need to watch the rev counter to know it is happening.

  A gear indicator, located on the dashboard, helps make sure that you do not select the wrong gear by mistake.

  To ease your progress over the potholes, Toyota engineered for the car a suspension that inspires confidence, even in the worst road conditions.

  It feels like Toyota's engineers have really worked hard on chassis stiffness and have been rewarded with a body which takes the roughest of roads without flexing.

  All-round independent suspension makes the most of this body stiffness.

  Hard cornering produces little body roll and bad roads do not intrude on the interior calm of the cabin.

    Speed-sensitive power steering comes as standard with the Camry. Low-speed manoeuvres are a breeze.

  When the pace increases, the steering firms up to provide good feel of the road.

    Ventilated disk brakes front and rear, coupled with an electronic anti-lock braking system, provide a firm, but sensitive, braking system that allows you to hit the brake pedal hard without the worry of an unexpected lock up.

   Alloy wheels shod with Yokohama rubber complete the suspension line up.

   The test model came equipped with electrically operated windows and glass sunroof, as well as an electrically adjusted driver's seat.

  The dashboard is well set out with all the instruments clearly visible through the height-adjustable steering wheel.

  Air-conditioning is provided as standard and features a fuss-free automatic setting which allows you to keep your mind on your driving, rather than on the heating controls.

  For those with an eye on their insurance premiums, the Camry sports a Toyota-approved alarm system.

  Music is provided courtesy of an integrated Fujitsu radio, cassette and CD sound system.

  CDs are stored in a multichanger unit in the boot.

    Forward visibility is good but the high boot lid, combined with a rear spoiler, makes rear visibility rather limited when reversing.

  In these situations, the electrically adjusted, built-in door mirrors can be a real help.

    All in all, the Toyota Camry is a well-designed package which is hard to fault.

  While it does not have the out and out sports pretensions of some other saloons in the class, most buyers looking for an executive saloon will find that it represents an excellent choice.

    The price for the Camry 3.0 V6 GX4 is $329,500.



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Toyota

Camry proves smooth operator