Minus the headlight washers, the ASEAN-spec Camry is identical to its European cousin down to the very last detail. The front is decorated by a multi-level horizontal upper and lower grill, complemented by a pair of sweeping projector HID head lamps and triangular fog lamps. Specs also highlight a hydrophobic-coated windshield and a special aerodynamic fin fitted on the side mirrors to reduce air resistance.
Overloaded with toys, there's a centrally-mounted 6.1-inch LCD touch screen that's stuffed with a navigation system, backup camera, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. They kind of overdid the steering wheel, unfortunately; so it looks somewhat like a game console controller with the heap of buttons they've stuck to it. At least the power rear window sunshade, 8-way power adjustable front seats, and six-speaker sound system might act as good distractions. We're not sure if the premium JBL 10-speaker 5.1-channel option will be offered locally though.
In Thailand, Toyota has downsized the engine options with the hopes of getting better fuel economy and reducing carbon emissions. It now conforms to stricter EURO 4 standards and is certified to run on E20 unleaded gasoline. The entry level version comes with a 1AZ-FE four-cylinder 2.0L VVT-i engine that produces 148 hp and 190 Nm of torque, and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the 2AR-FE four-cylinder 2.5L Dual VVT-i engine found on the top-of-the-line units is rated at 181 hp and 231 Nm of torque. It also benefits from a new six-speed sequential shift slush box. It's a pity if they're really sending the 3.5L V6 to the chopping block due to the downsizing.
We're still guessing when Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) will officially debut the all-new 2013 Camry in the Philippines, but some sources hint at a mid-year release. And when it does come here, don't expect that we'll get all the built-in goodies that the Thai's are getting, including the cool-looking Japan-spec Camry hybrid.
Bringing you all this info didn't come easy. We had to dig through three pages worth of crudely-translated Thai press release. So if we missed out on something or misinterpreted a few details, please do accept our apologies. We'll just make it up to you when the all-new Camry lands on our shores.
