We haven’t completed two weeks of January 2022, and Toyota is already up and running to spice things up a notch. What you see here is the new Camry Hybrid, one that first broke cover in late 2020. As before, Toyota has devised just one fully-loaded variant of the sedan, and it costs Rs 41.7 lakh. It costs a modest Rs 50,000 more than the pre-facelift model.

So, what’s new? Well, let’s put it this way – the changes on the outside are so subtle that you’d have to be a car nerd to spot them. For instance, the front bumper is slightly different, with larger air intakes and a sleeker grille. Then, move over to the side, and the new Camry Hybrid reveals its new dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels. And at the back, the taillamp enclosures boast a darkened treatment in their profile.

You can say that it is a refreshed model once you step inside. The dashboard has received some design revisions, with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system replacing the 8.0-inch unit. Camry buyers will also welcome the support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Even the AC vents have been repositioned at the bottom of the larger display. Besides that, Toyota has garnished the dashboard, centre console, and armrests with new upholstery.

Coming to the list of features, it is pretty much the same as before. It includes 10-way powered front seats with ventilation, a head-up display, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and three-zone automatic climate control. Other features, such as a 9-speaker JBL sound system, wireless mobile charger, auto-dimming IRVM, an electric sunroof, and LED DRLs, are also part of the package. Safety and assistance systems include 9 airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic parking brake, vehicle stability and traction control and Hill Start Assist.

Propulsion comes courtesy of a self-charging hybrid powerplant that includes a 2.5-inch naturally-aspirated petrol engine and an electric motor. The former, all on its own, pumps out 176bhp/221Nm. The latter, on the other hand, produces 118bhp/202Nm. Toyota says that the combined system output is nearly 215bhp. A CVT unit handles gearbox responsibilities, whereas the claimed mileage is 23.27kmpl.

In India, the Toyota Camry Hybrid falls in the same price range as the Skoda Superb, Audi A4 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. How do you like the refreshed Camry?