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Best medium car under $65,000

The Toyota Camry reigns supreme once again.

By Samuel Smith
Last updated on: November 15, 2019 at 2:30 am

For the second year running, the petrol/electric hybrid Toyota Camry has taken out the title of Australia’s Best Medium Car.

Winner: Toyota Camry Ascent Sport Hybrid

Variant: Ascent Sport
Engine: 2.5 litre hybrid
Transmission: e-CVT
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars

Judges awarded the Ascent Sport Hybrid category-leading scores for smoothness and quietness.
Judges awarded the Ascent Sport Hybrid category-leading scores for smoothness and quietness.

Runners up

Second place went to the Mazda6 Touring and the Peugeot 508 GT placed third.

What sets it apart from the rest

Just like last year, the Camry won on its strengths across all 3 fields: value for money, design and function, and on the road. Judges awarded the Ascent Sport Hybrid category-leading scores for smoothness and quietness, as well as environment, and perfect 10s for running and repair costs and fuel consumption.

Much of the Camry’s convincing win is down to a superior, all-round package that came to market in its 8th generation, back in late 2017. This was the first sedan to adopt Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), which the company said transformed the way its vehicles were designed, engineered and packaged.

As an example, TNGA packaging allowed the nickel-metal hybrid battery to be moved from the boot area to under the rear seat, improving cargo space and positioning weight lower in the car to assist vehicle dynamics.

Key features

  • Class-leading smoothness and quietness
  • Created using Toyota’s revolutionary TNGA design process
  • Fantastic safety features
  • Fuel economy as low as 4.2L/100km
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • All Camry models are equipped with 7 airbags
The CVT has six quick-shifting ratios for manual-like gear changes.
The CVT has 6 quick-shifting ratios for manual-like gear changes.

What it’s like to drive

At the Camry Hybrid’s core is a new 2.5 litre 4-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine, which offers 11% more power and 4% better torque, with thermal efficiency amongst the best in the world. The new hybrid system delivers fuel economy as low as 4.2L/100km, a figure that Toyota said was better than the second-generation Prius hybrid, sold in Australia until mid-2009.

Combined with the boost in engine performance and efficiency, a host of changes to the MacPherson strut front suspension and new rear suspension brings an element of unprecedented driving engagement.

Even the CVT has 6 quick-shifting ratios for manual-like gear changes, while a new Sport drive mode has been added to the previous ECO and Normal modes, delivering improved acceleration response relative to pedal input.

How the finalists compared (scores for each category from 1-10)

Medium under $65,000Toyota Camry Ascent Sport HybridMazda6 TouringPeugeot 508 GT
Pricing762
Cost of depreciation ($)984
Running & repair costs1093
Fuel consumption1078
Warranty & dealer access876
Insurance876
Standard features467
Safety81010
Environment867
Seating comfort668
Space766
Practicality545
Ergonomics787
Build & finish quality678
Performance777
Ride877
Handling788
Braking677
Smoothness & quietness877
Overall average800782742

Images: Mark Rogers, Magnum Photography Australia

Is your car one of Australia’s best?

Check out the other winners of Australia’s Best Cars awards for 2019.

Find out

See the full lineup

Check out the full list of medium cars under $65,000 we put to the test in 2019.

Find out more

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