2018 Toyota Camry Debuts In Japan, Hybrid Only

Toyota Motor Corporation has introduced the all-new 2018 Camry in Japan with sales starting nationwide at Toyopet, Toyota Corolla and Netz dealers. 

For Japan, the company is offering the 2018 Camry with just one engine choice, the new 2.5-litre Dynamic Force A25A-FXS four-cylinder petrol engine that does 178 PS and 221 Nm, mated to the company's Toyota Hybrid System II. The electric motor contributes another 120 PS and 202 Nm. Drive is sent to the front wheels via an eCVT. This combination allows the Camry to return a fuel efficiency of 33.4 km/L for the entry-level Camry X. The mid and top spec Camry G and G Leather return 28.4 km/L due to the vehicle's weight. Both fuel efficiency figures are achieved under the JC08 test cycle. 

According to Toyota, those opting for the optional panoramic moon roof will see a weight penalty of 30 kg and the Toyota T-Connect navigation system adds another 10 kg to the Camry's weight.

Similar to the USDM 2018 Toyota Camry, the Japan market model is also underpinned by the same TNGA-based platform. For the first time ever, Toyota has fitted the Camry with hydraulic engine mounts to minimize vibration and noise from entering the cabin. Unlike the rest of its rivals, the 2018 Toyota Camry gets rear double wishbone suspension set up with newly-developed MacPherson struts up front.

Toyota utilizes ultra-high-tensile hot-stamp steel throughout the construction of the Camry to reduce overall weight whilst keeping the body structure strong. Elsewhere, the Camry gets a ring-shaped frame that reduces torsional movement to improve handling. Laser Screw Welding and structural body adhesives are used to further enhance the Camry's body rigidity. 

Outside, the 2018 Toyota Camry receives the company's latest design language with a slim upper grille with a bold lower grille.

Standard for all variants of the Camry include:

• Bi-Beam LED headlights
• LED front fog lights
• LED third brake light and side mirrors with LED turn signal with heater

The range-topping Camry G and G Leather variants get LED tail lights, whilst the entry-level Camry X gets bulb-type rear combination lamp. Rear fog lamp is available as an option, with 5 red LEDs integrated into the driver side light housing. 

The entry-level 2018 Toyota Camry X will come with 205/65R16 steel wheels with plastic covers, whilst the upper grade Camry G and Camry G Leather gets 215/55R17 and 235/45R18 alloy wheels respectively. 

As the name implies, the 2018 Toyota Camry G Leather comes with full leather upholstery, whilst the Camry G and X get fabric upholstery. Power adjustment for the driver side is standard across the range, with the Camry G and G Leather receiving an eight-way power adjustable driver seat, whilst the entry-level Camry X gets a six-way power adjustable seat. Only the Camry G Leather gets a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, the other two variants will have to make do with manual adjustment type. 

Other standard equipment include: 

• 60:40 split folding rear seats
• back seat pockets
• console tray
• automatic dual-zone air-conditioning with humidity sensor
• Panasonic Nanoe air purifier. 

In terms of safety, the 2018 Toyota Camry is fitted with Toyota Safety Sense P as standard for all variants, which includes Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Automatic High Beam and Adaptive Cruise Control. Optionally, buyers of the Camry G and G Leather in Japan can opt for Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert or rear sonar with Rear Cross Traffic with Auto Brake. Other safety features include ABS with EBD, VSC, vehicle proximity sensors, emergency stop signal, Hill Start Assist and seven airbags including a driver knee airbag.

Assembly is done at Toyota's Tsutsumi Plant, with a sales target of 2,400 units a month for Japan. Prices start from JPY 3,294,000 for the entry-level Camry X, whilst the Camry G costs JPY 3,499,200. The range-topping Camry G Leather will set buyers back for JPY 4,195,800.