On paper, the ninth-generation Camry takes on the Skoda Superb and Audi A4.
Toyota India has introduced the new Camry with a price tag of Rs 48 lakh, putting it squarely against the Skoda Superb in the lower reaches of the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Interestingly, the Audi A4 is also available at a similar price point, while its usual German and Japanese rivals – Mercedes C-Class (Rs 59.40 lakh onwards), BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine (Rs 60.60 lakh onwards), and Lexus ES (Rs 64 lakh onwards) – sit a little higher in the segment. So, let’s find out how the ninth-gen Camry fares against its main rivals, on paper.
Toyota Camry vs rival’s dimensions
| New Toyota Camry vs rivals: dimensions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Camry | Superb | A4 | |
| Length (mm) | 4920 | 4869 | 4762 |
| Width (mm) | 1840 | 1864 | 1847 |
| Height (mm) | 1455 | 1503 | 1433 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2825 | 2836 | 2826 |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 1645 | 1565 | 1540-1560 |
| Boot space (litres) | 524* | 625 | 460 |
| Fuel tank (litres) | 50 | 66 | 54 |
| Turning diameter (m) | 11.4 | 11.1 | – |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 145* | 151 | – |
| Tyres | 235/45 R18 | 235/45 R18 | 225/50 R17 |
The new Camry not only exceeds its predecessor in length but also surpasses its current rivals – 51mm longer than the Superb and 158mm longer than the Audi A4. However, it is the Superb that is the widest and tallest here, being 24mm wider and 48mm taller than the Camry, with an 11mm longer wheelbase. These dimensions suggest the Skoda Superb has more interior space. It should be noted that the Camry is the heaviest of the lot, by a 90kg margin, likely due to its hybrid system.
Other than its fuel tank size, width, and slightly longer wheelbase, the Audi A4 lags behind on every metric, from tyre size to boot space.
Toyota Camry vs rival’s engine and gearbox
| New Toyota Camry vs rivals: powertrain | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Camry | Superb | A4 | |
| Engine type | 4-cyl petrol, Permanent magnet synchronous motor | 4-cyl turbo-petrol | 4-cyl turbo-petrol |
| Displacement (cc) | 2487 | 1984 | 1984 |
| Power (hp) | 230 (combined) | 190 at 4200-6000rpm | 204 at 4475-6000rppm |
| Torque (Nm) | 221+208 | 320 at 1500-4100 | 320 at 1450-4475rpm |
| Automatic transmission | 10-step eCVT | 7-speed dual-clutch | 7-speed dual-clutch |
The Skoda and Audi share the VW Group’s 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. However, the engine in the Audi A4 is tuned for an additional 14hp, producing peak torque for a bit longer. Audi claims a 0-100kph time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 241kph for the A4.
The Camry’s updated hybrid powertrain features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine, producing 187hp at 6,000rpm and 221Nm of peak torque from 3,600-5,200rpm, paired with a 136hp electric motor that delivers 208Nm of torque. The Camry’s combined power output is 40hp higher than the Superb and 26hp more than the A4. While Toyota doesn’t provide a combined torque figure, the electric motor should prduce EV-like instant torque. This hybrid system also helps the Camry achieve an impressive ARAI fuel efficiency rating of 25.49kpl.
Toyota Camry vs rival’s price
| New Toyota Camry vs rivals: price (ex-showroom, India) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Camry | Superb | A4 | |
| Rs (lakh) | 48 | 54 | 46.02, 50.67, 54.58 |
Interestingly, the Audi has the lowest starting price, costing nearly Rs 2 lakh less than the Camry, as it is available in three variants. Despite an increase of Rs 1.83 lakh over its predecessor, the new Camry is still priced lower than the higher two A4 variants and is a whopping Rs 6 lakh cheaper than the Superb. Considering the Skoda is a CBU and the Camry is locally assembled, that margin isn’t all that surprising.
It should also be noted that the Superb currently on sale in India is the previous-gen model – international markets received the fourth-generation of the sedan back in November 2023 – and is available in very limited numbers. The new Superb is under consideration for India and will likely be a CBU and continue to come at a premium.
This means the Camry will continue to be a well-priced and frugal, if marginally smaller, alternative to its European counterparts.
Also see:
New Toyota Camry walkaround video
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