For the first time in many years of quiet, reliable servitude, Toyota's latest Camry was designed with some eye toward driving satisfaction. We're not talking about the sort of "Hey, it didn't break!" satisfaction that's led millions to purchase Camrys over the years, either. Toyota actually tried to instill some fun in the 2015 Camry, even going so far as to create a pair of sporty versions. Sure, there isn't a manual transmission available, but after driving the new Camry we detected . . . something. A pulse. Still coming to grips with this strange feeling, we decided to explore the Camry's configurator tool in search of the 2015 model that we'd actually consider buying—and before anyone asks, no, it's not painted beige.
MODEL:
2015 Toyota Camry XSE (base price: $26,975)
Right off the bat, we're going to narrow down our choices for the 2015 Camry lineup for you to just the SE and XSE trim levels. (There also exist gas- and hybrid-powered LE and XLE trims.) Both sport-oriented models come with firmer suspensions, paddle shifters for their six-speed automatic transmissions, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and the more aggressive of the Camry's two available grille motifs. The SE starts at $24,665 and comes with dark-finish 17-inch wheels and the buyer's choice of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional V-6, but were we slapping down our own hard-earned cash, we'd spring for the higher-zoot XSE. In addition to the SE's standard equipment, the $26,975 XSE ups its wheel size to 18-inchers and adds leather-and-ultrasuede seat upholstery, headed front seats, an eight-way power-operated driver's chair and a four-way power passenger's throne, dual-zone automatic climate control, and standard Entune infotainment with a 6.1-inch touch screen.
OPTIONS:
Ruby Flare Pearl paint ($0)
Entune Premium Audio ($685)
As is quite clear, the Camry XSE comes extremely well equipped for just shy of $27K, but we did add one option to our fantasy build: Entune with navigation. This $685 option adds directive capability to the Camry's head unit, as well as size—the dashboard display swells from 6.1 inches to 7.0. In terms of power, we're actually okay with the Camry's base 178-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It's not the most exciting engine in the family-sedan space—those kudos go to the 2.4-liter four in the Honda Accord—but it provides reasonable pep while avoiding the understeer-exacerbating effect the heavy V-6 has on the Camry's newly balanced chassis. Plus, skipping the V-6 saves $5220 and having to deal with torque steer. Other options we skipped include the $915 sunroof, as well as a $4575 package that brings that sunroof plus navigation and a host of driver-assistance nannies like blind-spot monitoring and a pre-crash system. We can pay attention and use our mirrors just fine, thank you.
- 2014 Ford Fusion 2.0L EcoBoost AWD Tested: A Quiet, Rational Revolt Against Boring
- 2016 Mazda 6 Premieres with Fancy New Cabin and Subtly Tailored Body
- Toyota Camry Research: Full Pricing, Specs, Reviews, Photos, and More
For our paint color, we chose Ruby Flare Pearl, a striking shade that contrasts nicely with the XSE's dark-colored grille trim and wheels. Toyota offers buyers two interior color schemes, Ash/Black or all Black with red accent stitching, and we went with the latter to ensure our Camry came out as, er, menacing as possible. In case you were wondering, Toyota does sell the XSE in a sort-of beige color dubbed "Creme Brulee Mica"—we are not making that up, and neither are we kidding when we say that the color should be avoided like the plague. Besides being, well, beige, the color doesn't do the new Camry's newfound athleticism justice. Does the new Camry nip at the heels of the athletic Honda Accord or Mazda 6? No, but it marries the nameplate's traditional proficiencies—smooth and quiet operation, value, and safety—with a dose of style and spice frequently absent from the breed. Hey, it got our attention.
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
Put the internet to work for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment