Introducing the new 2016 Toyota Camry SE SE. That’s right. No, Toyota hasn’t created a new department of redundancy department.
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| Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
And to be fair the original “Sport Edition” nomenclature that’s been reduced to its abbreviated SE form for so long that most can’t remember what it originally stood for is followed by Special Edition this time around. So in effect it’s the Camry Sport Edition Special Edition, which is much less redundant.
While the name might be a bit awkward the car certainly isn’t. In fact, this might just be the best handling Camry to ever zigzag its way out of the model’s Georgetown, Kentucky plant (or Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana facility that also builds North America’s best selling car). Its 2.5-litre four-cylinder hangs less weight over the front wheels for quicker turn-in with less oversteer, its stock fully independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension gets sport-tuned for reduced
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| Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
roll and a firmer, more planted feel, its 18-inch alloys on 225/45R18 Michelins are built for traction and speed (despite my tester’s being dedicated winters added by the manufacturer for safety’s sake), and its modest assortment of features means that it’s 1,475-kilo (3,300-lb) curb weight is 85 kg (180 lbs) lighter than a fully-loaded Camry XSE.
It’s not without features, mind you, the base SE already coming stock with a gloss piano black sport grille, auto on-off projector-style halogen headlamps with black sport trim bezels, auto on-off DRLs, a rear spoiler, smoked taillights, keyless remote entry, aluminum doorsill scuff plates, heatable power-adjustable body-colour side mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, powered windows with auto up/down
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| Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
in front, a tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a high-resolution TFT multi-information display within the primary gauge package, cruise control, filtered air conditioning, an upscale 6.1-inch high-definition colour infotainment touchscreen featuring a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio with USB and aux inputs, sport seats, a folding centre armrest in back, split-folding 60/40 seatbacks expanding on the already large 436-litre (15.4 cubic-foot) trunk, and much more, plus of course Toyota’s Star Safety System that in the Camry’s case includes ABS-enhanced four-wheel disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control, as well as Smart Stop Technology (SST) that reduces engine power when the brake pedal is fully pressed. Additionally
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| Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
all Camrys get an electronic immobilizer for security, plus Whiplash-Injury-Lessening (WIL) enhanced seats, tire pressure monitoring with a direct pressure readout, and all the usual airbags as well as two for the front occupants’ knees and two rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags for a total of 10.
As you can see, for just $25,700 plus freight and dealer fees a Camry SE buyer will hardly experience duress for any lack of comfort or convenience features, whereas more gets added to this SE Special Edition. First off, my tester’s Blue Streak Metallic paint is exclusive to this model, as are the unique machine-finished alloys with black painted pockets and the chromed blue-slashed and black lettered “//SPECIAL EDITION//” plaque below the chromed “SE” model designation already attached to the trunk lid, while proximity-sensing keyless access gets you inside, pushbutton ignition starts the engine, and the cabin gets special
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| Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
floor mats with Special Edition badging (although mine was outfitted with all-weather rubber mats due to wet winter weather), the soft-touch dash top gets unique blue contrast stitching across its leading edge, as does the simulated leather shifter boot and the sport seats’ black SofTex pleather-trimmed bolsters, whereas those seats’ inserts are covered in an exclusive triangular-patterned blue and black sport fabric, the front cushions get heat and the driver’s benefits from eight-way powered adjustment including powered lumbar support, the woodgrain trim across the dash is given a blue henna rinse, the HVAC system is upgraded to single-zone automatic climate control, the infotainment system is stretched to 7.0 inches in diameter and satellite radio added, ultra-handy Qi wireless charging also gets the nod, as do illuminated vanity mirrors,
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| Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
rear reading lights, and a powered glass sunroof sheds natural light or a moonlit night overhead, all of which push the price up to $28,045 before adding on freight and fees.
I have to admit the Camry SE Special Edition looks good, its flashy blue paint eye-arresting, big glossy black sport grille with mesh inserts a serious attitude readjustment, the Camry’s stock vertical DRL/fogs already great looking, upgraded rims and rubber a superb choice for both style and performance, bold rear spoiler adding spice to the Camry’s understated rear design and matte black diffuser-style rear valance adding sizzle.
Also notable, the premium-quality soft-touch dash mentioned a moment ago flows along the door uppers too, while the leatherette door inserts are even softer and therefore
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| Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
easier on the elbows, the rubberized door handle/armrests comfortable as well, and padded leatherette centre armrest ideally placed for performance driving or relaxed cruising. I wouldn’t consider the “sport” seats actual sport seats as their side bolstering isn’t to the level of an FR-S, per se, but the nicely shaped steering wheel gets a sporty three-spoke design along with stitched leather all the way around plus thumb spats at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions for optimal grip, while the leather-clad shift knob receives glossy black lacquered trim for a sportier look.
Most important for this performance-oriented model are those shift paddles I noted earlier. They’re not fixed to the steering column, my preference, but rather follow the wheel in rotation behind each spoke, although they properly echo the standardized
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| Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
right-side upshift and left-side downshift configuration, truly making the SE more engaging to drive, while just ahead of these is an absolutely unique and attractive white-faced gauge package with aluminum style rings around each dial, blue meters and blue needles. It looks fabulous, and really sets this Special Edition apart.
What might be the most interesting element of this interior redesign, however, is the most bizarre faux woodgrain I’ve ever seen. I noted it before but it deserves special attention, so therefore in homage to this MS Word grammar-defying Sport Edition Special Edition I’ll purposely repeat myself (unlike the many other times when I unwittingly repeat myself). The blue-coloured woodgrain, which doesn’t even attempt to look or feel remotely genuine, stretches from the steering column leftward and centre stack rightward. Weird is an understatement, but it certainly sets
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| Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
a sportier theme than a more authentic looking brown wood-tone would. Then again a grey-stained wood would accomplish the same task without summoning the ghost of the late great Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Jennifer Rachel Abergavenny “Betty” Slocombe (from the British sitcom "Are You Being Served?"), aka Mollie Sugden (RIP). Like other Camrys in the line, Toyota finishes the steering wheel spokes off with nice genuine looking aluminum style accents, while the same satin-silver metallic trim gets used around the centre stack and lower console, as well as across the doors and for the door handles.
Most of the switchgear is good, with tightly fitting buttons that are also well damped, although three of the four knobs on the centre stack were a bit wiggly. This certainly wouldn’t be a deal-killer for me. A dealmaker, or at least a feature I appreciated a lot, was the sunglasses holder in the overhead console. After all, every sport sedan needs a place to stow Ray-Bans.
On
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| Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
that note, the SE Special Edition feels a lot sportier through serpentine stretches of tarmac than the regular SE that’s shod with 17s, while the paddle shifters prompt more manual use of the six-speed autobox, its shifts reasonably quick considering this automatic was chiefly designed for smooth operation and fuel-efficiency.
So equipped the Camry is thrifty with regular unleaded, achieving a five-cycle EnerGuide rating of 9.7 L/100km city, 6.9 highway and 8.4 combined, which is pretty amazing for a large four-door family sedan. Of course, factor in its relatively low curb weight, which believe it or not is actually 108 kilos (238 lbs) lighter than a Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe (there’s something very wrong with this fact), albeit the Camry SE’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder is somewhat less energetic at 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of
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| Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
torque despite its dual overhead cams, 16 valves, and dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Of course I’m only teasing with the 911 comparo, the base Camry powerplant a staggering 402 horsepower off the mark albeit amply suited to commuting duties, yet still a bit lacking when powering out of an apex.
I’m guessing most Camry SE Special Edition buyers will want one for its styling and well-priced equipment upgrades anyway, but these owners will nevertheless be rewarded with a car that’s also plenty of fun to drive down a twisting road. That it’s impressively finished, stingy on fuel, 5-star NHTSA crashworthy, and about as reliable as four-door family sedans get won’t hurt matters either.
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