The Toyota Camry Hybrid To Replace Avensis Model For U.K. Market

Toyota Europe has confirmed that it will reintroduce the Camry to the UK market after a 14-year hiatus. Starting in 2019, the Camry Hybrid will be sold in the UK and Western European markets, as a replacement for the European market specific Avensis model.

Upon its entry, the Toyota Camry Hybrid will be the eighth hybrid model to join the Toyota line-up for the European market, alongside the Prius, Yaris, RAV4, and Auris hybrid models.

Toyota Europe has said the Camry Hybrid will be powered by a 2.5-litre engine coupled to a self-charging hybrid system, but have not revealed further details. In Japan, however, where the Camry Hybrid is currently sold, it is powered by the 2.5-litre Dynamic Force A25A-FXS four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 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 transmission. Combined system output is in the region of 208 hp. 

First unveiled at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, the Camry Hybrid is based on the TNGA platform which offers greater driving dynamics, better build quality, and highly efficient packaging.

The Camry also utilises ultra-high-tensile hot-stamp steel throughout its construction, while laser screw welding and structural adhesives are also used to enhance the body’s rigidity. Elsewhere, its ‘ring-shaped’ body frame reduces torsional movement, improves safety, and improves driving performance.

The eighth-generation Camry also introduced Toyota’s latest Human Machine Interface (HMI) which relays information through three interlinked displays: a 10-inch colour Head-Up Display (HUD); a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster, plus an eight-inch audio and navigation display and air-conditioning control panel that is integrated into the centre console. 

Given the all-new Toyota Camry will now only be offered as a single global model, the US-market Camry will, for the first time in many years, also be sold in Malaysia. According to sources familiar with the matter, the locally-assembled Camry model could be slated for a local introduction towards the end of 2018.