Best selling Top 2 premium luxury Sedans from Toyota in India
In this article we will do a detailed review of best selling Toyota sedans that will enable you to make an informed choice. Toyota is not only known for its quality but also comfort and this review will enable you to check both among its premium models viz. Camry and Yaris.
1. Toyota Camry Review
The Toyota Camry is a great luxury premium sedan car for the kind of person who enjoys luxury without flaunting it. The car may not be sporty to drive, but ticks all the right boxes for a premium sedan. Camry is smooth hybrid drivetrain, has spacious cabin, and a plethora of features with class-leading rear-seat comfort. It's a self charging electric hybrid vehicle that makes it an even more likable choice.
As already said, it's a luxury without noise. The new Toyota Camry is more than meets the eye. Let's just have a quick review of its best and not so good features that will set the right tone for you to decide on making it your own or skipping it. Best features of Camry
Engine
Toyota Camry is a hybrid car and the most efficient feature of this car is its engine. Petrol and an electric motor propel the Camry engine.
The Camry engine is 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol version that makes 176bhp and 221 Nm of torque. Now add to this the electric motor, total combined adds up to an impressive 220bhp.
The electric motor kicks it off by getting the car in motion and in start-stop traffic after which the petrol motor takes over. In electric mode, the Camry is silent as a stone. Surprisingly, one can hear the engine only under full bore acceleration when the CVT gearbox gets the rev-counter swinging.
Even though it is powered by 220bhp, this isn't a sports car. The powerful engine glides it easily to triple digit speed. Even the CVT has been tuned in so gently that it does not like to be hustled with.
The engine has a nice relaxed character with a strong midrange that helps to get up to triple digit speeds with ease. Even the CVT has been set in line with a relaxed tune and does not like to be hustled with.Styling that is Sleek and Sharp
Just a look and your eyes will get glued to the looks of Camry. With all the cuts and creases and sporty stance Camry is quite a stunner.
The new Camry sets itself apart from its predecessor with its aggressive stance which is made possible by wider and lower body. The headlights flaunt a lot of details and get a triple-layer daytime running lights. The Camry has 18-inch wheels, that are brilliant to look at. Camry does look big and gives the feel of luxury sedan. Loads of Equipments
Camry is a premium luxury car and Toyota ensured that it feels so. The car is loaded with electrically adjustable front seats, a head-up display, paddle shifters, JBL audio system with nine-speakers, three-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging, electrically adjustable steering column, nine airbags, ABS, traction control and more.Comfortable ride
When you pay for luxury then you expect luxury and the Camry will make you feel it. With its plush suspension it will lap you in comfort. The Camry rides are typical luxury, extremely compliant and insulated at slow speeds but a bit wallowy over a highway, especially over dips and elongated humps. The city drive will be a charm to ride in.Extremely Comfortable Rear seat
Luxury is not driven but felt and the rear seat is the place to be. Camry owners will feel this comfort when they spend time in the rear seat. Believe me, it's more comfortable than the words can explain.
The seat back and the base are perfectly cushioned & bolstered and provide comfort one pays for. The back feels like a cushy arm-chair. The comfort does not end here as the back seat has an electric recline function added with a touch-sensitive control panel for the audio system and AC.Shortcomings of Toyota Camry
Spirited driver – not this one
Camry is a luxury sedan and not a sports car and for the same reason the owner would prefer the rear seat rather than the driver seat, as Camry isn't really the car to enjoy spirited driving.
The steering is electrically assisted and tends to become vague off centre. The suspension is too soft to allow you to test its limits. As already updated, Camry is a big car and the dimension and weight does not help in spirited driving. The best of it can be felt on highway cruising in comfort.Summary features:
Engine Displacement: 2487cc
Transmission: Automatic (CVT)
Seating Capacity: 5 seater
Price: Starting price Rs 39.02 lakhs (Ex-Showroom Price – Delhi)
BHP: 314.5
Mileage: 19.16 kmplConclusion
The Camry is a luxury sedan that offers comfort and premium looks. With loads of feature and top class rear seat comfort, this hybrid powertrain checks all the right boxes. And, yes it a car for those who prefer comfort over spirited driving. Camry will appeal all those who are out there demanding luxurious comfort.2. Toyota Yaris Review
Exteriors
The Yaris (earlier known as Toyota Vios) upfront gives a striking looks courtesy the aggressive slim headlamps, two-tone bumper and the sporty nose element which has been a common look is all its models. Apart from front looks the rest of Yaris looks plain and even the crease that runs across the doors is a bit flat which may not be very inspiring. It comes with 15-inch alloy wheels but are a common or generic to look at. The boot section makes up for the side plain view with a well detailed wrap around tail lamps and the bulging rear bumper.Interiors
The dash design of Yaris does not carry anything exciting, as all conventional shapes and curves are used. The centre console has waterfall design which looks nice and the screen has been placed a little high on the dash makes it convenient to use. Ergonomics are good too, important controls have been placed logically for easy reach like the air-condition buttons are big as well as placed high to avoid looking for them. Yaris with VX variant has Pioneer touchscreen system which is considerably sensitive and the processing speed is good too. You also get a DVD player in this system. The other lower variant V of Yaris has the Panasonic unit which has a better screen and graphics, but lacks navigation and it isn't as intuitive as the Pioneer unit.
In terms of quality, the interiors are decent but not great. Like, the rear armrest cup holders and some of the dash plastics isn't of the highest quality. Even top model having faux stitching on the dash top panels which somewhat looks fake lowers the interest. As far as comfort is concerned Yaris steals the spot. Seats are well contoured, the cushioning is soft and under thigh support in front and back row is ample too.
Yaris interiors fares really well with a lot of cup holders, big door pockets and a deep cooled glovebox too. The boot space at 476 litres might sound small, but it is deep, well-shaped and the loading lip is nice and low.Yaris really excels when it comes to standard features.
Even in the base J variant features like keyless entry, projector headlamps, music system, driver seat height adjust, 60:40 split folding rear seat and projector headlamps are built in.
The higher G variant adds keyless go, auto climate control, roof mounted air vents, rear parking sensors and touchscreen infotainment system among others.
The higher V variant comes with additional features like alloy wheels, auto headlamps, LED tail lamps, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, rear disc brakes and front parking sensors.
The top VX variant is packed with even more unique features. This includes leather seat upholstery, daytime running lights, rear sun blind, powered driver seat, a higher grade touch screen with gesture control and navigation, ESP and hill start assist.
Toyota steals the limelight with seven airbags, ABS and ISOfix seats as standard across the range. So it doesn't matter which Yaris variant you buy, it will come loaded with features. Drive Experience
The Yaris petrol engine displaces 1496cc which produces 105 bhp of power and a max torque of 140Nm. The manual version comes with 6-speed gearbox while automatic CVT engine has 7-step gearbox.
The engine is quiet and vibe free while idle. As soon as you shift to gear you will really appreciate the low-end torque this engine delivers as the Yaris pulls off the line in a strong yet linear manner.
Automatic CVT Drive review
Driving the CVT transmission in traffic is very easy and it doesn't have a lag (typical of a CVT gearbox). The transmission is better calibrated than its competitor Honda City which fares far worse. On highway, the Yaris automatic does a splendid job and cruises at three digit speeds with ease. In line with other CVT gearboxes it also coasts off-throttle in pursuit of saving fuel.
A downside of Yaris automatic is that there is no engine braking whatsoever and you have to shift to manual mode especially descending down a steep / mountain road. The CVT transmission works like charm on city roads and quite well on the highway.Manual transmission review
The manual version with 6 gear shifts are extremely positive and ease of use make it a joy ride. This gearbox is extremely well configured with the torque of engine and the solid 1.5 litre engine pulls the train cleanly and strongly at any rpm.
It's a charm to drive in 6th gear even at al low speed of 50 kmph. The engine will become noisy past 4000 rpm and its best to shift early and make use of its powerful torque to get the best of this machine.
The powerful engine is complimented by its absorbent ride. Yaris may feel a pull at low speed but it will surprise you with solid suspension and composure over the worst of potholes. At high speed to Yaris is well balanced and will prove to be a good long distance companion. The steering is well weighted at high speeds but a tad too heavy while in the city. Summary features:
Engine Displacement: 1497cc
Transmission: Manual & Automatic (CVT)
Seating Capacity: 5 seater
Price: Starting price Rs 8.87 lakh to Rs 14.31 lakh (Ex-Showroom Price – Delhi)
BHP: 314.5
Fuel type: Petrol
Mileage: 17.18 to 18.1Conclusion
Complementing its brand Toyota, the Yaris is a capable, practical, reliable, well equipped, but falls short in terms of spark which this segment (highly competitive one) demands.
When compared to its rivals Hyundai Verna or the Honda City, on the outside or the inside, it lacks the flair of look and even space. Anyhow, it has compensated on its emotional appeal with practical approach with a strong petrol engine and a good automatic option. The seats on both rows are comfortable, it is highly equipped and the ride quality is absorbent too.
