coolscan

That stalk is exactly the same as on a Camry I had 12 years ago, I think. Like it, one can adjust set speed up or down by - wait for it - 1.6 kph; which, of course, equates to 1 mph. Unchanged in 12 years, and still Americanised. I miss the cruise on my previous car, which could be adjusted up or down by 1 kph, and set speed was also displayed on the instrument panel. It was the most user-friendly I've ever had. Also agree it should be on the wheel. Regards, coolscan.

Hi Daz, Nice pics, car looking really nice. Congrats. I'm running 33-34 psi at present, and tyres seem to be wearing evenly, with little wear evident at 16 Kkm. Average fuel consumption is 6.0, but mainly highway and quite a few 1 km hops. Also I rarely use ECO, and never turn the A/C off. I'm waiting to see if the 10W- 30 oil they used at the service will increase consumption. So far, I have noticed that in the first 5-10 minutes of a trip consumption figures seem to be higher than pre-service; but with these cars the figures for any given trip (up to say 50km, anyway) seem very dependent on whether one starts with a warm or cold motor, and a full or empty battery.Time will tell. Regards, David.

Hi Dazzling_Darryl, I also find my HL (with Bridgestone Turanza 55 profile 17's) is overly firm, especilly at low speeds. I had been hoping to change to Michelins when they wear, and maybe improve things; perhaps it won't help. The suspension has been stiffened. Below is from toyota press kit release. "The new-generation Camry Hybrid has a unique, Australian-developed suspension and steering calibration. The development goal was similar to that of new petrol Camry - improved ride comfort coupled with greater agility. However, the hybrid model suspension tuning reflects its unique weight distribution. Toyota Technical Center Australia (TTC-Au) developed the new calibration - just one of its roles in the five-year development program for seventh-generation Camry. The TTC-Au software group develops motor generator control software for Toyota's hybrid vehicles globally, including for the Australian Camry Hybrid. The new Camry Hybrid has revised spring rates, compared with the current generation. Front spring rate has been increased by two per cent while rear spring rate has been decreased by six per cent - to meet the development target of improved rear-seat ride comfort. Front rebound damping has been increased compared with current generation Camry Hybrid, with a 19 per cent increase at low damper input velocities (for improved body control) and a five per cent increase at high damper input velocities. The front compression damping curve is similar to new-generation petrol Camry, but with an eight per cent increase in firmness at all damper velocities. Rear rebound damper rates have been significantly increased, by 12 per cent at low damper velocities and by 27 per cent at high damper velocities. The rear compression-damping curve is 17 per cent firmer at low damper velocities and eight per cent firmer at high input speeds. Camry Hybrid has a new, quicker steering ratio for improved vehicle agility and a new electric power-steering map." Most cars are tending towards a firmer ride these days. Also, if one wants to spend a little extra on a luxury vehicle, one will be lumbered with large wheels and low profile tyres that are totally unsuited to much of Australia's road system (my perennial gripe). One can choose a big-wheel option on a base car, but not a smaller-wheel option on a luxury model. They must think our roads are improving, not deteriorating!

Hello all, Car is now just under 6 months old, problem free, and has just had 15,000km service. Fuel consumption seems much the same as at 4,000km. It seems to be rattle and squeak free, as near as I can tell after discounting noises from all the junk Mrs.C accumulates in the car. My previous comments still stand. After experimenting, I don't use the Eco Mode. On the highway I'm sure it makes very little difference. In traffic it may, but I don't do enough of that sort of driving to form a definite opinion. I prefer to have full throttle response available. I note they used 10W-30 synthetic oil at the service. I thought the hybrids used 0W-20, though I see the owner's handbook lists several oils. When I questioned it I got a reply that sounded like BS to me. Probably from the same drum used for all the other Toyotas and other brands serviced there! It will be interesting to see if it affects fuel consumption. Happy motoring. Regards, coolscan.

Great km/litre pompom. Should you be running your tank down so far before refuelling? It is my understanding that the fuel pump is in the tank, and relies on the fuel for cooling, hence the rather conservative fuel warning light. Others more knowledgeable than I may wish to comment. I have now done about 12,500km, and my indicated average for the last 6,000 is 5.8 - add about 0.2 for realworld figure. There is a lot of highway in that, and quite a few 1 km trips with a cold engine. Also, the a/c is always on, and I never use Eco mode. It makes little or no difference in my kind of use (I have done comparisons) and I prefer to have full response on tap at all times. Regards, coolscan.

Rattles can be very hard to isolate. In mine the trim above the glove box was badly fitting at the console end, and had a 2-3mm gap. Was loose there and rattled. Worth a check.

Greetings solarstriker, Tried with the window down a couple of times today, but I didn't hear the noise you describe. Regards, coolscan.

Not noticed this, but I never drive with a window down either.

Thanks Faltap. Just had a quick look and your'e right, of course. I think I'm the wrong generation to find all this stuff intuitive. Regards, Coolscan.

Hi pompom2012, Hope you are having fun with your new car. Yes, the manual for the nav is a bit intimidating. If you find an option for a blank screen please let me know, as I don't really like it always lit, and I've not found a way to blank it. Your fuel consumption should improve even further (slightly) after a couple of K km I think, but that is a good average. Regards, Coolscan.

No direct knowledge, but on an American forum I did read of one chap with a faulty inverter. I've searched but can't find the post to compare symptoms. Please keep us updated. Regards, Coolscan.

Hi forum members, I have now had my 2012 Camry Hybrid HL for almost 2 months, and done just over 4,000 km. The following are my impressions. Overall appearance, fit and finish is generally good. The silver trim above the glovebox is a poor fit in my car, with a gap of nearly 2mm at the right hand end, where it has movement, and rattles. Temporary fix with a piece of card while awaiting new part. Internally, seats are very comfortable and driving position good (subjective, I know). The speedo is central in the instruments, not off to one side as so often seems to be the case these days. The gauges are well lit – no trouble to read in all lights or with polaroids on. The glovebox is huge by modern standards. The A/C seems to be an excellent unit. Hopefully it will perform as well in high summer. I have had the windows tinted. There seems to be foam padding in the headlining which will help in summer. While car-hunting I put my hand under the headlining of a Korean vehicle with one of those panoramic roofs with the blind in place, and the heat was incredible. A Toyota in the same yard was much cooler. I have no problem with the feel of the brakes. Power delivery seems smooth, and the overtaking urge is better than average, though the ICE can sound quite busy if really pushed. The suspension handles the bigger bumps very well. Ultimately it is too firm on the smaller bumps for my liking, and I have taken to running the tyres at 33 psi, which helps a little. My previous car used the same size tyres, and 33 was the recommended pressure for it, so it should not be a problem tyre-wise. I suspect the H model with 60 profile Michelin Primacy LC’s instead of 55 profile Bridgestone Turanzas would be better. The boot – I think it is adequate. Mrs. Coolscan says it’s “pathetic”. Can’t have everything. Fuel consumption meets expectations. Tyre pressures as above, A/C 23deg C and always on. We live in a small village 45km from a largish regional city. A trip to town with 30km of to and fro driving while there, over a period of a few hours, then home typically results in an indicated 5.7 l/100km. On one homeward leg, when traffic kept my cruising speed below 100kph, I actually recorded 4.9 Because there are also quite a few short (1km) trips around the village, often with a cold engine, our overall average seems to be more like 6.1 l/100km. From a couple of fills that I checked, I suspect that 6.1 indicated is really about 6.3 I have been using Eco mode, and coasting a lot. Mrs. Coolscan doesn’t know Eco exists; she can start it, knows how to turn on the music, and has ascertained that the go and stop pedals are in the usual place. No further knowledge required. She brakes later than I do, yet records very similar results. I have also experimented with and without Eco, and am starting to wonder if the gain in consumption, if any, is worth not having full acceleration on tap at all times. The Eco switch should be on the steering wheel. I am not interested in setting fuel consumption records. I just want a comfortable car with good overtaking ability that is economical to run, as we average 30,000km per year. I am starting to think that the way to go is very gentle with the accelerator unless necessary, use cruise as often as possible, and let the car do the rest! Sorry this is so long, but it may be of help or interest to some of you. I would love to hear the opinions and experiences of others. Regards, Coolscan.

Hi Luke, What did you eventually settle on? Coolscan

Hi Luke, Michelin Primacy LC are claimed to be a quiet tyre with low rolling resistance. I had a set on my previous car, and agreed with those claims. They are standard issue on 2012 TCH H model. Don't know if available in your size - and they are not the cheapest tyre around. Regards, Coolscan.

Good morning, Purchased HL model last week. 380km highway run, with some roadworks, some traffic in towns along the way, driven like normal car and A/C running - 5.7 l/100km. Seats are comfortable. Roomy, easy to get in and out. Overtaking acceleration is quite amazing. Ride is well controlled, but firmer than I'd like. I'll post an update in 3 months or so. Regards, Coolscan.

Good morning and thanks for your posts. I have been away for a few days, and while in a large Central Qld town was able to see and sit in a new H model fresh off the truck. Also got a brochure. Have booked for a test drive locally when available. Regards, Coolscan.

Many thanks to those who replied. Local dealer, who was unable to help at all last week, now says Toyota will begin wholesaleing them at the end of the month. Thanks again, Coolscan.

Hello all, Longtime reader, just joined. When will will we be able to buy the new Camry Hybrid, does anyone know? I need to buy a new car soon, so would like to get some idea if possible. Thanks, Coolscan.