The Toyota Camry has quite the reputation amongst the South African population. Now that there's a new one out in Europe, should it come to SA?

Toyota's Camry sedan has quite the history behind it. First launched back in 1982, the Camry has proven popular as families clamoured for big and spacious sedans. To date, more than 19 million units have found homes in more than 100 countries and according to Toyota, the Camry remains the best-selling D/E segment sedan in the world.

There's a South African connection too, as the XV10-generation Camry was assembled right here in Durban, South Africa. From 1992 to 2001, Toyota's Prospecton plant pumped out 2.2-litre and 3.0-litre Camrys for the SA market. To this day, you'll still see Camrys on the road and in good nick, testimony to their impressive long-term reliability. The car has even inspired an Internet meme about reliability.

You can sort of get the new Toyota Camry in SA already –Lexus ES 300h SE (2019) Review

Now in its 8th generation, the Toyota Camry has just gone on sale in Europe. Underpinned by the same TNGA platform which underpins the RAV4/Corolla/C-HR/Prius, the new Camry is available with a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine which delivers 160 kW and 221 Nm. Being a hybrid, it's claimed to consume just 4.3 L/100 km.

Inside, the new Camry looks spacious and modern. There'sa trio of easy-to-read, information-coordinating displays consisting of a 10-inchHead-up Display (HUD); a 7-inchMulti-information Display; and an 8-inchcentre console display incorporating Toyota's Touch®2 with Go multimedia system. Boot space was an area where the Camry shone and this 8th generation model is no exception. With a claimed500 litres for vehicles equipped with power-reclining rear seats, and 524 litres for those with 60:40 split seating, there's plenty of carrying capacity.

Despite the SUV becoming the popular genre of car, Toyota still feels as if there's some money to be made off a big sedan and given the Camry's illustrious reputation, why not? Do you think it would be a success if it were to come to South Africa? Should Toyota SA bring it here? Let us know.

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Further Reading

Toyota Prius (2019) Review

Toyota Corolla Hatch Heritage Part 1

Toyota RAV4 (2013-2019) Buyer's Guide

Toyota GR Supra (2019) International Launch Review