Toyota adds the gear the Atara SX should always have had, and beefs up the rest of the Toyota Camry range with improved safety and convenience features.
WHILE TOYOTA made a big deal about the Camry Atara SX the features, for the money, always seemed to be a little light on. And we ran one as a long-termer. While the exterior of the thing has copped some minor revisions, including new 18-inch alloy wheels and eye-catching red inserts along the lower edge of the front grille and rear-bumper diffuser, but it’s on the the inside where Toyota’s done some really useful work.
For instance, the Atara SX now gets satellite navigation and expanded Toyota Link connected mobility operated via a larger seven-inch screen, as well as a JBL premium audio system and digital (DAB+) radio. Atara SX also gains a convenient power sunshade for the back windscreen and its reversing camera image now offers superimposed predictive guidelines that move as the driver turns the steering wheel for easier manoeuvring.
The revised range goes on sale from June 6 with the only price change being an extra $1500 for the Atara SX, “which is more than justified by the added equipment,” Toyota said. I don’t agree. These features should already have been on the Atara SX… And for just a few thousand more, you could opt for the Subaru Liberty 2.5i Premium which offers a safety suite the Atara SX can’t match, it’s also a better car to drive.
More than this, all new Camrys, starting with the Altise, now get ISOFIX mounting points in the rear seats, while Camry’s petrol and petrol-electric engines have been certified to Euro 5; many competitors are releasing vehicles with Euro 6 engines.
All Camry Atara models now have front and rear corner parking sensors. The interior of the petrol Atara S now features a full-colour 4.2-inch thin-film transistor multi-information display.
At the top of the range, the Atara SL features new technology with a wireless phone charger which won’t work with all phones, and some may need to be upgraded to benefit… The 18-inch alloy wheel package, which includes a “sporty suspension set-up”, is optional on the SL.
Toyota’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the “latest upgrades across the range demonstrated the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and the long-term future of Camry”.
“Toyota will continue to build on Camry’s success with advances in technology, safety, comfort and convenience, value and driving enjoyment, ensuring it remains one of Australia’s favourite cars for many years to come,” Mr Cramb said.
Altise models have a folding key, 6.1-inch display audio and static guidelines for the rear-camera display. Altise hybrid has keyless entry and ignition and auto dual-zone air-conditioning.
From Atara S upwards, all variants adopt these features as well as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-accented steering wheel and Toyota Link connected mobility. All Atara petrol grades employ paddle gear-shifters mounted on the steering wheel and dual exhausts.
Atara SX’s “sporty nature is further highlighted by suspension settings that simultaneously provide impressive body control and ride comfort”. A fast-ratio electric power steering system delivers a connected driving feel. The model also features a sports mesh grille, rear lip spoiler and leather-accented sports seats.
Atara SL is equipped with advanced safety technologies that use radar sensors and a windscreen-mounted camera: pre-collision safety system, active cruise control and lane departure alert. Its other features that contribute to safety and convenience include automatic high beam, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
The range-topping SL variants also offer leather-accented power-adjustable front seats with driver’s memory function, premium audio with a seven-inch screen and satellite navigation&. Atara SL has a rear-lip spoiler. A tilt-and-slide moonroof is optional for Atara SX and SL.
Camry is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with up to five standard scheduled services at $140## each during the first four years or 75,000km (whichever occurs first).
## Maximum payable for standard scheduled logbook servicing (normal operating conditions) until first of 4 years or 75,000kms (whichever occurs first) (up to the first 5 services). Excludes Government & Rental vehicles.
“Atara SX’s sporty nature is further highlighted by suspension settings that simultaneously provide impressive body control and ride comfort.”
What clown comes up with this crap. A bowl of porridge has a more sporting nature than this dud.
Sorry about that, the quote marks were missing… that was a direct quote from Toyota… yes, sadly a bowl of porridge is more dynamic than the Atara SX. – Isaac