Toyota is a brand known for reliability, luxury and class globally. This Japanese brand came to India back in 1999 with the very well known Qualis. Since then, Toyota has introduced cars like Innova, Fortuner, Camry and Etios. Toyota Camry is one of the top sellers in the American market. But the Indian market has remained dud for this premium sedan. Nevertheless, it’s time to visit the Toyota Camry XV30, the first Camry that came to our shores. This particular generation outsold its rivals in America. What was the case in India? Let’s find out!
2002: Camry XV30 Launched
The market had 2 options in the D-segment: Ford Mondeo and Mercedes C-Class. The segment was a popular one among the elite masses of India. So, Toyota decided to launch its globally renowned D-segment sedan, the Camry XV30 in India. Toyota Camry that was introduced is the fifth generation of Camry sold globally.
Toyota brought in the Camry from Japan via CBU unit attracting a hefty excise duty of 120%. The Camry came in with two variant options: V1 priced at ₹17.9lakh and V3 priced at ₹18.5lakh (Ex-showroom).
Now it’s time we take a look at the engine specifications:
Toyota Camry XV30 | Engine Specifications
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| Engine | 2.4-litre In-line 4-cyl 16V Petrol |
| Power | 141hp@5,600rpm |
| Torque | 205Nm@3,800-4,200rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
| Mileage | 10.2kmpl |
Toyota Camry was powerful as well as fuel-efficient (for a luxury sedan). There was no automatic transmission at the offer though. To harness the power, the Camry XV30 was given disc brakes at both ends.
Toyota claimed that the cabin of Camry XV30 was the most spacious in the segment at that time. The luxury like no other interiors with wooden inserts at door panels, dashboard and the centre console made the cabin stand a class apart. The car came loaded with features like power-adjustable seats, a 2-din audio system with a 10-CD changer, automatic climate control, a front and rear armrest and so on.
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Toyota has been known for being reliable, Camry was no exception. The Japanese company introduced plenty of safety features such as front dual airbags, side airbags, ABS with EBD, emergency brake assist system, traction control system as standard and curtain airbags as an option. Do note that even now, there are a majority of cars that do not offer such safety features.
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Toyota Camry XV30 | Verdict
It was surely a premium sedan. As for the looks, the front grille with an aggressive stance, the elongated sleek headlamps, the low ride height and jewel-like tail lamps ensured that the sedan is premium inside out. The ride quality was great and the engine was powerful enough. The comfort level inside the spacious cabin can be said to be one of the best in the segment at that time, and even now.
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So, what do you think about the sedan? Was it a good one and deserved a better chance at the Indian market? Do let us know in the comments section below.
