ROAD TEST/ Toyota Camry: The big Toyota - it's the most popular car in the US, but can it up its game in Europe? MICHAEL McALEER finds the new Camry comfortable, safe, spacious and, well, not quite the stuff of drivers' dreams
It may be the top-selling car in the US, popular with middle-America suburbanites, but the Camry has failed to make its mark in Europe. This, it seems, has led its designers to concentrate on satisfying American desires.
Perfect business sense, of course. But in return, the Camry has become a focus of derision in Europe for its rather bland appearance. And, in the States, the price of its popularity has been its association with rather humdrum lifestyles. In American Beauty, the Camry featured as the car of choice for middle management America - it's one of the symbols of Lester Burnham's suburban lifestyle which he trades in for a 1972 Pontiac GTO, "the car I always really wanted". How many Camry drivers would follow his lead?
The latest Camry has not dramatically changed from its predecessor and remains very much influenced by large-set Americans seeking a smooth ride on those long meandering highways, rather than more squat Europeans demanding more agile handling and a striking design presence.
One suspects that at boardroom level, Toyota is content to push its stylish executive marque, Lexus, as the standard bearer for European tastes and for those Americans with an eye for more agility and dare we say, panache.
Europeans, it seems, look for a strong pedigree in their executive stables, and the Lexus is far more of a contender against the Teutonic dominance of the executive market than the Camry is ever likely to be. It may be venality, but on this side of the Atlantic it's all about the badge. Few are willing to drive an executive car that carries the same logo as a Starlet.
However, despite its obvious leanings towards our American cousins, Toyota has no intention of throwing away market share. So the Camry is duly launched onto the European markets to soak up any potential customers who seek a more docile approach to transportation.
That's not to say that Toyota, with its reputation for quality and reliability, is not a worthy contender here in the executive class. It remains a well-built reliable option meeting the high standards set by the marque across its range. It's also remarkably quiet and spacious inside.
It's not as sporting as your average saloon at this price, but it's soft-edged, comfy, and American. That eerie quietness and a gliding, composed ride means the Camry is more comfortable than many "proper" executive cars which cost significantly more.
Before you even sit into it, there are little tell-tale signs that this car was built for bulkier sorts. In the US, size matters and, while the Camry manages to hide its dimensions at the front with a slanting nose, the rear end carries a great deal of weight (Less polite reviewers would say this is in keeping with many of its American owners - but not us).
Overall, the new car is roughly the same length as an E-Class Mercedes. However, that's where the comparison ends. Like someone trying to hide the signs of over-indulgence, the designers have chosen to dress the car in baggier lines, particularly around the rump. The longer slant on the rear window and the oversize rear pillars seem an attempt to cover up the additional space added to give more cabin room.
The boot is one of the most cavernous we've seen in a car of its class - at 587 litres, taxi drivers must fall over themselves to get their hands on these cars. It could easily transport the luggage of four jet-set shopaholics to and from the airport without a problem.
Behind the wheel and the latest version comes in two petrol options: a 2.4-litre four-cylinder and 3-litre V6. With Toyota's reputation for reliability, it's one of those cars that you could routinely expect to complete high mileage with limited servicing.
We tested the 2.4-litre and found it in keeping with the general theme of getting you to your destination relaxed and without too much effort. The 2.4 VVTi we tested had 150 bhp - unspectacular for such a relatively large capacity motor. For example, Toyota's own Avensis 2.0 VVTi produces 147 bhp. But then this is a much bigger car. Acceleration is again average by class standards with 0-60 mph coming up in 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph.
On a more positive note, fuel economy is quite good for a large car, with a claimed 33 mpg achievable on the combined cycle. Steering is light to the touch and, for its size, it copes well with our more demanding cornering. Yet the soft suspension detracts from any possibility of it being a true driver's car.
Overall, the Camry is a very easy and relaxing car to drive. According to the press release, the engineers concentrated on NVH - noise, vibration and harshness. If this was their criteria for success, then medals all round. Smooth, soft and silent are all adjectives eminently suited to the new Camry.
Ergonomics are good, if the lack of steering wheel controls for the stereo is disappointing in this class. The driver's area is spacious while rear seat passengers will have no complaints about either leg- or head-room. Space for oddments is also on a par with contemporaries.
Visibility is pretty good. The wing mirrors in particular give a wide view. We were, however, disappointed with the dash fascia and central console layout. It's more reminiscent of a 1980s or early 1990s car, and could have done with a serious makeover.
Popularity with Americans is not a bad thing in terms of safety. Their attention to safety means the Camry comes with twin-front and side airbags as standard, as are ABS and seat-belt pre-tensioners. There's the standard remote locking, alarm and immobiliser.
Competing with such German notables as the ubiquitous BMW 5-series, Saab 95, Audi A6, it always has its work cut out. It may offer more appeal from a financial rather than aesthetic point of view. After all, its reputation in the US is as the standard for value. It's also much bigger than most cars at this price - and it doesn't lack their quality in terms of finish or reliability.
If, however, a decent bonnet badge is worth a few euro in itself, then the Camry will never offer enough. We cannot see many opting for the Toyota over the rest, if money is not the primary deciding factor. Yet half a million Americans can't be wrong. Can they?