The Many Faces of Toyota Camry

Earlier this year, pictures of the new Toyota Camry were released and made their way onto the Internet. The new Camry looked sleeker and far more streamlined than the old Camry.

But that would not be the new Camry that makes its way to Malaysian shores. The reason is that the sleeker, more streamlined Camry is for the Japan market, whereas the overseas market would get the wider bodied, longer wheel-base version.

From a styling point of view, the new Camry - overseas version - looks more imposing due to its angular lines that make it appear somewhat bigger than the older version. But get inside and it's pretty much a Camry designed for the "senior executive" market - senior as in age and position, though not necessarily wealth.

This is affirmed by its driving feel, which prioritises passenger comfort over sports handling, albeit the VVTI that comes with the new Camry.

For the young and upcoming or the young at heart, the new Camry - like the old Camry - is rather "ho-hum". It's an old man's car that doesn't quite excite.

Ah! Well, that's what the current market wants, probably, which is why the Camry has been the top selling executive or E-class sedan. 

Nonetheless, if you're looking to distinguish yourself without blowing a wad of cash on a higher-end E-class car, the new Camry is not the only good choice around - there's the new KIA Optima, Hyundai Sonata and, of course, the Mazda 6. All you need is to be brave enough to break away from the "pack" that's all into Toyota cars...