2018 Toyota Camry hybrid now available in UAE

The UAE dealer for Toyota, Al-Futtaim Motors, will now offer the 2018 Camry Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) for sale to the general public. Previous hybrid versions were only sold to taxi fleets in Dubai. Displayed at the 2017 Dubai Motor Show, the 2018 hybrid was the only variant of the all-new redesigned Camry to be revealed in the UAE so far.

It is claimed that the 2018 Camry HEV provides over 70% greater fuel economy than a regular petrol-engined Camry, thanks to a revised hybrid system. Mated to a 2.5-litre petrol engine and CVT automatic, the new Camry’s improved electric motor produces more torque and helps make acceleration even more responsive, while offering the equivalent of 212 hp. There is also a choice of three drive modes from Eco to Sport.

The 2018 Camry is also said to be lighter with a 30% more rigid body and lower centre of gravity, as well as new double-wishbone rear suspension and better sound-deadening. The HEV battery relocated from the luggage compartment floor to under the rear seat allows for more luggage space while contributing to a lower centre of gravity.

The new Camry HEV also offers safety features such as Adaptive Front Light System (AFLS), Electronic Parking Brake, Hill Start Assist, ABS, ESP, rear camera and ISOfix child seat anchors, although fancier features (found in the U.S. version) such as adaptive cruise, lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring will likely not be offered here at the moment.

Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Toyota at Al-Futtaim Motors, said: “Toyota was the first to introduce the Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology to the UAE, through the launch of the Camry Hybrid Electric Vehicle in 2008. Today, this model grew to a fleet of over 1500 Hybrid Electric taxis and is expected to cross the 2000 mark by the end of the year.”