Motoring Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News. Toyota’s investment in hybrid tech is paying dividends.

Having outlasted the sportier, headline-grabbing six and eight-cylinder rival sedans from Ford and Holden, the Camry has come into its own as a hybrid-powered sedan that makes sense for a huge number of buyers. The latest model even looks reasonably attractive thanks to Toyota’s latest “Hammer Head” design. It comes in main trims: the entry-level Ascent starting at $39,990 plus on-road-costs (about $45,000 drive-away), the mid tier, Ascent Sport at $42,990 plus on-roads (about $48,000 drive-away), and the top of the line Camry SL for $53,990 plus on-roads (about $59,000 drive-away).

All three are powered by Toyota’s 2.5 litre four-cylinder hybrid engine which delivers a combined 170kW of power. 2024 Toyota Camry Ascent.

Picture: Supplied Forget about acceleration or lap times, engine sizes or power figures - the Camry’s bragging point is its claimed fuel economy - just 4.0L/100km. Less than half what you could expect from an old V6.

Out test drive returned impressive real-world consumption of 4.8L/100km in urban and rural environments. Factor in servicing priced from $255 per year and the result is an impressively thrifty machine.

Stepping inside, the Camry feels familiar but yet slightly redefined. Toyota stuck with a clean and modern design that’s functional rather than flashy. The cabin is comfortable, s.