Toyota relaunches Camry RZ

Toyota has announced a new batch of the sportier Camry model that was previously launched over 12 months ago, but the new version is offered with standard satellite navigation – just like the Camry Atara S that was recently upgraded.

Based on the Camry Altise, the Camry RZ is priced from $29,190. According to Toyota, the Camry RZ represents $5000 worth of extra value, for a price $2700 higher than the Altise. Production is capped at 700 units, 400 fewer than the first production run.

The satnav system features SUNA traffic updates and runs through a seven-inch touch screen that is also the interface for the car's audio system, which incorporates digital radio (DAB+) and voice recognition.

Additional items fitted to the Camry RZ include 18-inch alloy wheels in a gloss-black finish, low-profile (45-series) tyres, sports suspension, faster-ratio steering, a twin exhaust system, floor mats and exclusive exterior graphics. Coordinating with the wheels, the mesh radiator grille, headlight cluster inserts, exterior mirror shells, boot-lid spoiler and rear diffuser are all finished in gloss black.

Two opaque and three (optional) metallic colours are offered: diamond white and cherry, plus silver pearl and graphite (metallic) or eclipse black (mica). The optional colours add $450 to the vehicle's purchase price.

Australian Toyota engineers have tuned the suspension for the Camry RZ to suit local consumers and the exhaust system lifts power and torque for the Euro 5-compliant engine to 135kW and 235Nm (up 2kW and 4Nm respectively). Official fuel consumption remains 7.9L/100km.

Standard features for the Camry RZ include front/rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, three-spoke steering wheel and keyless entry/starting.

Rated five stars by ANCAP, the Camry RZ is fitted with seven airbags and a reversing camera. It is sold with Toyota Service Advantage providing up to five standard services for $140 each during the first four years or up to 75,000km, which comes first.