Best Medium Car under $50,000
Its new athletic look and perfect 10 for fuel economy has helped the eighth-generation Toyota Camry claim the title of Best Medium Car under $50,000 at this year’s awards.
What sets it apart from the rest
It’s the first time in 30 years the car-making giant has offered a fully imported Camry range to the Australian market. That in itself is pretty special, but it’s a complete redesign and an attractive price-tag of about $33,000 that has made the Ascent Hybrid faster and quieter and left competitors struggling to keep up.What’s it like to drive
The new 2.5L, four-cylinder engine provides 11% more power (now 160kW) and 4% more torque (423Nm) than the previous model. The engine is also rated as one of the most thermal efficient in the world – that’s when the energy that enters the engine is used and not wasted as heat. The redesign has also improved fuel economy to a 4.2L/100km, with Toyota receiving top scores in this area.
What it’s got
- A pre-collision safety system, which uses radars to detect pending crashes and alerts drivers to brake.
- Lane-departure alert with steering assist.
- Seven airbags.
- All-speed active cruise control.
- Auto high beam.
- Reversing camera.
- Upgraded multimedia system, including seven-inch display audio and 4.2-inch multi-information display.
- Electronic reclining seat to support the driver’s back.
Is this the car for you?
The Ascent Hybrid is a smart buy, largely because it won’t put you out-of-pocket down the track, as judges scored its price, depreciation, insurance costs and overall performance better than other cars in this class.How the finalists fared against the Toyota Camry Ascent Hybrid
