Toyota Camry test drive since 2009 sedan
Our Camry
You know, reader, I again believed in the Russian auto industry and his bright future. Especially after one of the most technological cars in the world began to assemble Toyota Camry in our country. I was at the factories of a Japanese company in Japan, in Turkey and in Russia only on a scale. But until recently, I admit, anyway, somewhere in the depths of consciousness, doubt lurked, will we be able to do the same as the Japanese? You managed! I can safely say this, after several weeks of daily operation of the Camry of the St. Petersburg assembly.
To begin with, I recall that the enterprise, which invests about 5 billion rubles, organized a full cycle: body welding, painting, assembly and quality control is performed here. Naturally, at the factory, where 600 people in one shift are now working, the well -known principle of Toyota Production System (TMS) was implemented, which we have repeatedly talked about more than once. However, additional measures are also introduced to ensure the legendary quality of products. In particular, special stations of intermediate control have been created, measurements of the thickness of the paintwork are carried out. In parallel, the localization process is in full swing. So far, seats, glass and tires are produced in Russia.
American version Even during the first acquaintance with the model, which took place in 2006, I thought that Camry is unlikely to be obsolete in a few years, when competitors would present a new generation of their home-graders. Now there is no doubt about this, the car still looks fresh and original. Nevertheless, it was not for nothing that they worked on Camry not in one, but in several design centers of the concern in Australia and the USA, France and Japan. As a result, not even one, but two cars that differ from each other were born at once. Our Russian version, exactly coincides with the American one.
When you go to Camry every day, you involuntarily notice other drivers treat you respectfully. Probably, they are also attracted by the expressive and at the same time solid appearance of the model. And let them say that in the appearance of Camry you feel the influence of Lexus what? Although personally it seems to me that this is not at all so. The exterior is quite distinctive. But in our case, another quality assembly and coloring quality is much more important. So, neither I nor my colleagues found any flaws. The size of the gaps is minimal and the same throughout the body. There are also no claims to the quality of the coloring of neither spots, nor any chips or blots. And even Russian glasses are practically no different from Japanese. The difference is perhaps in shades relatives are slightly more green. However, more precisely, we will install it soon, when in return for the Russian car we take a Japanese version for a couple of weeks. Then we compare.
Let me remind you that compared with the car of the previous generation, the wheelbase of the new Camry is increased by 55 mm, and the track of the front and rear wheels is expanded by 30 and 40 mm, respectively. Hence a very spacious salon, in which, I will say sincerely, it is very pleasant to be.
We have a top version of a mighty V6 on the dough in the dough in the suite. Therefore, all the adjustments of both front seats are electric. Moreover, the seats themselves, despite their Russian origin, visually and to the touch are no different from the Japanese. They are soft, comfortable and well profiled, although located quite high from the floor. However, you quickly get used to it. As you know, there are no problems with the correct landing at the wheel, which is facilitated by, inter alia, and the steering column adjustable in height and departure. The steering wheel sheathed with genuine leather has wooden inserts, as well as the hilt of a 6-speed automatic transmission. By the way, on the steering wheel there are not only buttons to control the audio system and an on -board computer, but also the keys responsible for the temperature and cleanliness of the air in the cabin. The climatic installation not only pleases with the softness and noiselessness of the work, but has other advantages. For example, it is equipped with a Plasmacluter air ionizer. It creates the correct ionic environment, providing the right ratio of positively and negatively charged ions, and at the same time helps to fight unpleasant odors and harmful bacteria. For example, in Moscow traffic jams, especially in the center, Plasmacluster works almost constantly, trying to do everything possible to clean the capital air. And this, let's say, is not an easy task However, we will return to the cabin and note that the puffy plastic used in the decoration and looks very good. The accuracy of fitting parts at the corporate level, as well as the build quality in general. We have already hired more than three thousand kilometers, and in the cabin, there is still complete silence. By the way, excellent sound insulation is a distinctive feature of Camry. In the salon, with closed windows, it seems that it does not penetrate extraneous sounds at all. The only thing in this sense is a complaint to Michelin tires. The thing is that Camry Russian assemblies are equipped with Michelin Energy rubber produced in our country. So, not only are these tires extremely noisy, they also leave much to be desired. If on dry asphalt, what is called, wherever went, then in wet weather the pleasure of driving disappears. The tires can’t cope with the drain of water, the wheels now and then seek to go into slipping, and the stabilization system comes into business. In a word, the company should think about changing the Michelin Energy tires, I’ll say right, the tires are bad, and a solid car is not suitable.
Smooth move As already mentioned, for a test drive to the editor, we got a powerful version with a 3.5-liter gasoline V6. He develops 277 hp. Power and torque at 346 Nm. As a result, we get excellent dynamics. To accelerate to 100 km/h, the machine requires only 7.4 seconds. Moreover, this process is so pleasant and quiet (with the exception of the noise of the tires) that you are amusing. You will not have time to blink an eye, as the speedometer arrow shows the numbers that make you remember the monstrous fines. Moreover, transfers of the automatic transmission are switched very smoothly not only up, but also down. And this does not mean at all that the machine is thoughtful. Nothing like this! He reacts perfectly to the work of the accelerator and allows you to feel confident in any situation and on any highway. In addition, there is not only the sports operating mode of the automatic transmission, but also the ability to manually switch the programs. I must admit that I used all this, then exclusively for experimental purposes. With everyday ride, I emphasize this in the summer, additional opportunities are required extremely rarely.
At the same time, I cannot but note that Toyota Camry is still not a car for racing. Yes, it is good in dynamics, and the brakes inspire confidence. However, safe settings are felt on the turns. This is expressed in insufficient rotation, or, simply put, in the fact that the body begins to slide the front axle out of the turn, it is worthwhile to overdo it at speed. It is simply unrealistic to achieve a skid that for the vast majority of drivers is good. But safety and excellent smoothness. Even on our, not the best roads in the world, pendants work fine. We never heard a knock or even more so breakthrough. Moreover, not only is the energy intensity at the height, but also a decent clearance of 16 cm allows you not to worry about the body when driving on roads eternally built in Moscow or when crossing the curbs.
In conclusion, I will note one more point. Despite the decent capacity of Camry V6, the car cannot be called unnecessarily voracious. The average fuel consumption in the city cycle is about 14 liters per 100 km, which is an excellent indicator for such a machine.
This is only the beginning We have already said that the beginning of Camry in Russia has reduced the costs associated with import duties. Thus, the new recommended prices for Toyota Camry cars sold in the interior of official dealers were reduced by an average of 9%. Now the lower price bar is 790 thousand rubles, regardless of the place of production of the model. The car we tested, in the maximum configuration, costs 1,090,000 rubles, which, against the background of most competitors, makes the car very attractive.
By the way, we will return to Toyota Camry more than once, which continues to be in the editorial office. In the next issue of AI-Fleet application, we will try to evaluate the prospects for the model in the corporate sales market. Of course, providing at the same time information that is especially interested in flit managers.
Andrey Osipov
