Review: Toyota XV40 Camry Hybrid (2009-11)

Overview

Australian production of the Toyota XV40 Camry Hybrid commenced in December 2009 and it was officially released in February 2010. Manufactured in Altona, Victoria, the Toyota XV40 Camry Hybrid was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine (Toyota’s 2AZ-FXE ) and a 650 volt electric motor which drew power from a nickel metal hydride battery pack.

Fitted with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the petrol engine would shut down and almost seamlessly restart when required. Kinetic energy not required for propulsion was converted to electricity a gear lever enabled the driver to select ‘B’ for an engine braking mode. The Hybrid Camry also had an electric-only mode which enabled the vehicle to travel up to 2 km without the petrol engine).

Comparison with XV40 Camry

Compared to the standard XV40 Camry , the Hybrid Camry could be identified by its unique head and tail-lights, front bumper, fog lights and grille. The Hybrid Camry was also fitted with an acoustic windscreen, electric power steering and retuned suspension to cope with the additional 150 kg of weight imposed by the hybrid powertrain. As a result of its nickel metal hydride battery pack, boot space was reduced from 460 litres to 389 litres.

Dimensions and suspension

The Camry Hybrid was 4815 mm long, 1820 mm wide, 1480 mm tall and had a 2775 mm long wheelbase, while its drag coefficient was 0.27 Cd. The Camry Hybrid had a kerb mass of 1610 kg, while the Camry Hybrid Luxury was 1645 kg.

Safety equipment

Standard safety for the Toyota Camry Hybrid included with dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The XV40 Toyota Camry Hybrid had 296 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs and 286 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2010 Camry Hybrid received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 28.22 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for both front occupants. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and pelvic injury for the driver.

Following the introduction of improved knee protection for the driver and a front passenger seatbelt reminder in May 2011, Hybrid Camry models produced after this date received five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.22.

Features: Camry Hybrid and Luxury

Like the XV40.II Camry Altise, standard features for the Camry Hybrid included a six speaker sound system with an MP3-compatible CD player and 3.5 mm auxiliary input, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat (with lumbar adjustment), cruise control with speed alert, automatic headlights, steering wheel audio controls, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a 12 volt power outlet, tinted windows, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Hybrid Camry, however, was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, a six disc CD player, front fog lamps, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, Optitron instrument lighting, keyless entry, push-button start, a trip computer and scuff plates.

The Hybrid Camry Luxury was further equipped with leather seat and door trims, four-way power adjustable front seats, rain-sensing wipers, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and rear spoiler.

Brochure

• Brochure: Toyota XV40 Camry Hybrid (January 2010)

Related links

• Press Kit: Toyota XV40 Camry Hybrid (February 2010)