Toyota looks for happy medium with Camry upgrade

The upgraded Toyota Camry. Photo / Supplied

Toyota's upgraded Camry has gone on sale, with better fuel economy and tweaks to its innocuous face. The range includes a five-speed manual or auto transmission and an auto Sportivo, but drops the GLX variant.

Toyota is trumpeting the car's improved economy, the 2.4-litre four-speed petrol auto sipping at 8.9 litres/100km - an 11 per cent improvement over the previous model. It credits engine tweaks, plus more efficient lock-up control for autos to moderate the torque converter clutch.

Meanwhile, lift off the throttle when decelerating, and fuel injection will resume at a lower rpm rate, while gearshift points have also changed.

Cabin changes include Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and auxiliary input port, with a USB jack, colour monitor and reversing camera added to Sportivo's spec list.

There are modifications to the bumpers and grille, headlights and LED tail light, while the Sportivo gets a more aggressive-looking front spoiler.

Toyota will be hoping the Camry changes pull buyers back into the decreasing Toyota fold.