Wheels Australia – August 2019

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TOYOTA CAMRY

Model Toyota Camry SL V6

Engine 3456cc V6 (60 0 ), dohc, 24v

Max power 224kW @ 6600rpm

Max torque 362Nm @ 4700rpm

Transmission 8-speed automatic

Weight 1625kg

0-100km/h 6.7sec (estimated)

Fuel economy 8.7L/100km

Price $44,090

On sale Now

Space and comfort

In terms of overall space, the Camry offers slightly

more room inside the cabin. Both have decent

glasshouses but the Camry does offer greater head

and toe room for rear passengers. However, despite

the Toyota’s size advantage, it’s the 6’s cabin that

feels lighter and airier.

If boot size is a priority, then the Camry offers the

most capacious at 524 litres. Sans hybrid tech, the

floor is flat and the opening is wide. However, at 474

litres, you’d hardly call the 6’s boot small. And if you

need more space, Mazda has a wagon version.

Cabin ambience is an area where the 6 shines. It

looks and feels like a more expensive product. The fit

and finish, as well as the materials, are top-notch.

The Camry can’t match the level of quality in the

6. The Mazda’s high-end touch points and Audi-like
   design make it a space you really want to be in.

How they drive

Both the 6 and the Camry have enough power for their

respective front wheels. In some conditions there’s too

much for the front axle – especially with Toyota’s

3.5-litre V6 feeding it all 224kW. Tied to a slick eight-

speed auto, the Camry is surprisingly energetic.

There’s also a level of dynamic ability that starts to

contradict its cardigan-wearing reputation.

While the Mazda might be down on kilowatts, it

makes up for it with a strong 420Nm, meaning the 6

feels almost as fast – although neither car is trying to be

overtly sporty. The Mazda’s six-speed auto is intuitive

and obedient, while the steering feel is more natural

and road noise is better suppressed. The Camry has the

tauter suspension, but the 6 remains engaging despite

having a waftier nature.

Ultimately, both offer variants that are more fuel

efficient, while the 6 is the more rewarding drive.

While the SL V6 has a lot to offer, the fuel-friendly Ascent Hybrid is

where you should be looking within the Camry range. In this company,

the 6 proves the more premium product, both in terms of interior

quality and mechanical polish. In GT guise, the four-door Mazda

provides European-esque luxury and quality at a high-end Japanese

price. In terms of a car to buy with your own cash, it’s very appealing.

THE

VICTOR

Hit for 6

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