2014 Toyota Camry RZ Review

2014-toyota-camry-rz

The Toyota Camry has been the household name for mid-size sedan for over 30 years. With more than 15 million sold around the world, the Camry nameplate is synonymous with safe, reliable and worry-free A to B transportation.

For 2014, Toyota has drawn on the sporty appeal of its 86 coupé and Corolla hatch to dress up a new special-edition Camry, the Camry RZ. Boasting a substantial list of added features, most of which are derived from the upmarket Camry Atara variants, the RZ model arrives as Camry marks 31 years on the Australian market where it is “coming of age” in its 21st consecutive year as Australia’s best-selling mid-size car.

2014-toyota-camry-rz-rear-quarter

The $31,990 (plus on-road costs) special-edition RZ model features styling tweaks that Toyota says create an emotional link to the 86 GTS and Corolla ZR hatch. Headlining the sporty statement is the new Inferno Orange premium paint, which has never previously been offered on Camry. It joins five other colours available for the Camry RZ.

The revised frontal treatment includes the addition of front foglamps with black surrounds, sports headlamps with dark inserts, and a stylish grille that combines body colour and gloss black elements.

A sports body kit incorporating side skirts and rear bumper with dual exhaust tips, and a boot lip spoiler in gloss black, previously available only on the premium Atara SX, further lifts the RZ’s sporting appeal.

2014-toyota-camry-rz-side

Down the side, the view is dominated by gloss-black 17-inch alloy wheels (including the spare wheel), also from Atara but with a unique gloss black finish, replacing the 16-inch Altise wheels. They are set off with a black wheel ornament with chrome highlights.

Wrapping up the exterior update is special RZ decals for the front bumper, doors and rear bumper.

Inside, the RZ features black interior trim and front floor mats with Camry RZ logo. Atara interior equipment garnered for the Camry RZ includes sports combination meters, premium three-spoke steering wheel and gear-shift knob, and display audio that incorporates a reversing camera monitor.

2014-toyota-camry-rz-interior

The Camry RZ is powered by the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dual VVT-i engine as the standard model. It channels 135kW and 231Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. While there is still the lack of direct injection, the four banger is at home in city traffic with good torque down low and just as versatile in the open road. With seamless gear shifts, the RZ dispatches from zero to 100km/h in a respectable 9 seconds.

The limited-edition gains the premium Atara SX’s sports suspension to match its “bad” looks. It offers a tinge of sportiness on top of the already well tuned suspension in the standard model. The ride is typical Camry – supple and smooth – with well controlled body roll and composure around the bends.

Despite its sporting pretensions, the RZ still remains very much a large family sedan, and a very comfortable long distance cruiser. The seats are comfortable but could do with more lumbar support. You can expect all the usual features in the cabin, including cruise control, bluetooth connectivity, power-windows all round, trip computer and 6.1-inch touchscreen CD/MP3 player through a six-speaker sound system, which is surprisingly punchy.

On the safety front, there are seven airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, electric power steering and the assurance of five-star ANCAP rating.

Verdict

Our Score: 4.0/5

With a host of added features including sports suspension, the 2014 Toyota Camry RZ offers more than just sporty looks, and will continue to appeal to those looking for a value-packed mid-size family sedan.

Price (Exc. On-Roads):From $31,990, As tested: $31,990
Warranty:3-year or 100,000km
2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol (FWD) 135kW @ 6,000rpm, 231Nm @ 4,100rpm;
Transmission6-speed automatic
Fuel Consumption (Combined):7.8L/100km; As tested: 8.4L/100km
0-100km/h9.3 seconds (tested)
Body:4-door sedan; 5 seat
Safety:5-star ANCAP
Dimensions:Length: 4815mm, Width: 1825mm, Height: 1470mm, Wheelbase: 2775mm
Kerb Weight1,465 kg

The Competition

Mazda6, Honda Accord, Hyundai i40, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat, Holden Malibu, Ford Mondeo

Check Also

2023 Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport vs Land Rover Defender D300 Review

Off-road vehicles are no longer just off-road vehicles these days. Market demands have dictated that …