SUV’S now represent 57.5 per cent of the new vehicle market whereas the trusty passenger sedan segment is down to 15.4 percent. Having said that the Toyota Camry still dominates the medium passenger car segment under $60,000, well represented with 65 percent of sales. It’s been around a long time with an enviable record for serviceability and reliability. At times its somewhat bland styling has labelled it white goods on wheels however Toyota has just released a new model that will answer the styling critics. Still recognisable as a Camry but with sharper lines and a much-improved interior. And it comes with a fifth generation Hybrid electric powertrain featuring more power and improved drive performance and yet, according to Toyota, reduced fuel consumption of up to 11 per cent. And with more active safety technology and more comfort and convenience features. Toyota has had enormous success with its RAV 4 hybrid SUV, but we sometimes forget the Camry Hybrid is the taxi operator’s vehicle of choice. Whenever I get in one, I ask the driver how his car is performing – one told me recently he had covered 480,000 on the same engine and transmission in 18 months with downtime only for regular servicing. Impressive to say the least. I’m David Berthon.

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