July 1999 Volume 80 Number 7
"serving the protectors"
| July 1999 Volume 80 Number 7 "serving the protectors" |
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| Tourer's Comfort Assured | |
| By Jim
Barnett |
With its spirited acceleration, Toyota’s new Camry Touring Series is a delight to drive. Good braking and excellent steering response are major features of this latest addition to the Camry/Vienta line-up.
Other features include:
- A sports-handling package.
- Dual airbags.
- ABS brakes.
- A premium-grade, six-speaker audio system with single CD player.
- A unique plush-knit seat fabric.
- Leather bound steering wheel, gear shift knob and handbrake lever.
The handling package includes locally developed handling calibration designed to provide:
- Reduced body roll.
- Improved steering response.
- Enhanced rough road stability.
Toyota claims particular attention was paid to achieving improved handling without sacrificing ride comfort.
All suspension features independent MacPherson struts with double-acting gas-pressurized dampers and stabilizer bars. Front and rear springs are firmer by 9% and 20% respectively when compared to the standard Camry Conquest V6. Machine-finished alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin 205/65 R15 Vivacy tyres.
Toyota hasn’t messed with the standard 3.0-litre V6 engine. This light-weight, all-alloy, quad cam, multi-valve engine pumps out a healthy 141kW of power at 5200rpm, and offers 279Nm of torque at 4400rpm.
Performance is brisk with the manual version capable of 0 - 100 km/h in a very respectable 7.8 seconds. The auto is slightly slower at 8.7 seconds.
This tourer remains flat and predictable as it corners confidently around winding roads. It offers a smooth and supple ride, even with a full load of five adults. It performed impressively on loose gravel and demanding corrugated roads when tested by the Police Journal.
Through its range of enhancements, Toyota has provided for those with the urge to personalize their Tourers. GTP performance and styling enhancements reflect Camry’s dominance in the Australian GT Production racing series.
The GTP kit consists of:
- A mesh radiator grille.
- Front bumper extension.
- Side and rear skirts.
Spoiler risers are available to add up to 50mm in height to the standard rear spoiler. More aggressively styled 16-inch and 17-inch diameter, six-spoke alloy wheels are also available to complement the GTP body kit.
Future development could see the car substantially lower and exhaust modifications that offer a sporty exhaust note and more power.
With prices from $34,930 for the manual version, the Touring Series is a worthy addition to the Toyota stable.
Test vehicle from Toyota Australia, Dudley Park, SA.
Line drawings for illustration purposes only. Pricing for new vehicle exclude dealer delivery of $995 plus Reg and Gov stamp duty costs.
Vehicles in stock at time of ad preparation. Price applies only while 1999 stocks last.
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