Ninth-Gen Toyota Camry Launches In Thailand – Hybrid Variants Only, Malaysia Next?

The new ninth-gen (XV80) Toyota Camry has bowed in Thailand, and it sees three hybrid-only variants on sale too.
(Image: Headlightmag)

As expected, it’s the turn of our neighbours to the north to receive the new ninth-generation Toyota Camry D-segment luxury saloon. Bearing its new XV80 chassis code, the Land of Smiles sees Toyota offer three variants of the new Camry and, notably, they are all hybrids (HEVs).

As a refresher, Toyota first debuted the new ninth-gen Camry almost a year ago in North America solely with its HEV hybrid powertrain. After which, Toyota did launch petrol-only variants in select overseas market before arriving in neighbouring Singapore back in Aug in hybrid-only form.

For the Thai market, Toyota is marketing the new Camry in base Smart, mid-specced Premium, and range-topping Premium Luxury guises. (Image: Headlightmag)

Toyota’s decision to introduce the new ninth-gen Camry in Thailand in HEV-only forms is telling. This perhaps signals that Malaysia could be next in like to receive it and, given how Toyota is marketing it in arguably one of the region’s largest markets, Malaysia-bound versions will also likely arrive in hybrid-only forms too.

With that, we can now assume that UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has scrapped plans to introduce the outgoing eight-gen Camry HEV model it previewed here sometime back. This is perhaps good news and, based on what we’re seeing in the Thai-spec model, there’s plenty to look forward to.

The hybrid powertrain setup drives the front wheels and offers four selectable drive modes - EV Mode, Eco, Normal and Sport.
(Images: Headlightmag)

For the Thai market, Toyota offers its evergreen D-segment nameplate across three variants – base Smart, mid-spec Premium, and a range-topping Premium Luxury. Aptly, each offers varying levels of kit, luxuries and amenities on board, but all share the same powertrain package.

Under the hood, all three share the same 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol Atkinson Cycle base engine. Typical of Toyota, said mill is paired with an e-motor and compact battery pack. On its own, the petrol mill offers 186 HP and 221 NM, whereas the electric side brings 136 HP and 208 NM into the mix.

Combined, the package offers a peak total system output of 227 HP, all of which managed and sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT automatic box. If all this sounds familiar, you’d be right – it’s very identical to what Toyota primed in the Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV MPV.

The Camry in ninth-gen form continues to feature a long wheelbase of 2,825 MM. (Images: Headlightmag)

As for footprint, the new Camry sits some 4,920 MM long with a 2,825 MM wheelbase, 1,840 MM wide and 1,445 MM tall. As for rolling stock, the base Smart guise rides on silver-finished 18-inch wheels whilst the higher two guises get larger 18-inch two-tone wheels instead.

All three also rock automatic LED DRL and projector headlamps matched with full-LED taillights. Compared to the North American model, Toyota has toned down on the contrasting exterior accents motif in favour of a simpler single-tone approach instead.

Range-topping Premium Luxury guise continues to be the most richly-equipped variant of the lot. (Images: Headlightmag)

Moving on to kit and, naturally, much of the desirable bits are reserved for the higher two guises. Highlights include panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable sunshade, paddle-shifters, larger 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster and heads-up display (HUD), amongst many.

Also reserved for the range-topping Premium Luxury is a nine-speaker JBL audio setup, tri-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, as well as power-reclining rear seats. Aptly, much of this was predicted as it somewhat mirrors how its predecessor was specced.

Higher two guises also get the larger 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument binnacle pictured. (Image: Headlightmag)

As for advanced safety and ADAS features, the new ninth-gen Camry for the Thai market sees the inclusion of blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with safe exit assist, pre-collision safety, lane-departure warning with steering and lane-tracing assists, as well as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with curve speed reduction.

As usual, all the features listed in the last para comes on top of basics such as ABS, VSC, traction control, as well as front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags primed across all three variants.

On sale in Thailand now across four exterior paintjob options, the new ninth-gen Toyota Camry commands THB1,455,000 million (RM 187,193) in base Smart guise, THB1,639,000 (RM210,866) in Premium form, and THB1,789,000 (RM230,164) for the Premium Luxury range-topper.

Should it make landfall in Malaysia, would you still fancy the new Camry over a crossover SUV rival?

Locally, we can perhaps expect UMWT to launch the Camry sometime next year at the earliest. We can also expect the firm to mirror the Thai-market version detailed and see any and all variants of the new Camry marketed here in hybrid-only form too.

And when it does, the new Camry will see itself facing off against crossover SUV alternatives instead of its traditional rivals like the Honda Accord. To that, we pose this question – would you still fancy the Camry over said lifted alternatives? Share your thoughts in the comments below…