The choice for strong hybrid cars under the Rs 50 lakh mark has been extremely limited in India. In fact, only three models fall in that bucket – the Honda Accord, Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry. It is the hybridised Camry that has received the most amount of traction out of that lot, specifically from the hospitality industry. Come January 18, 2019, and Toyota will introduce the all-new Camry in India. Unlike its predecessor, the eight-gen Camry will commence its innings with a hybrid powertrain only.

Also Read: Toyota To Hike Prices From January 1

The new Camry was unveiled in July last year. In international markets, it is also available with petrol-only powertrains. However, the one heading to India will have a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, coupled to an electric motor. The total system output is rated at 211PS, whereas the gearbox duties will be handled by an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). That’s the same powertrain which does its duty in the Lexus ES 300h. Speaking of which, the Lexus and the Toyota also share the same TNGA platform. Toyota claims that the new Camry Hybrid has a mileage of 33.4kmpl.

Outside of India, the Toyota Camry Hybrid comes loaded with features. The list includes LED-powered headlamps, taillamps and fog lamps, automatic and hydrophobic OVRMs, three-zone climate control, powered front and rear seats, multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters and 17-inch alloys. Obviously, the list doesn’t end there as the Camry Hybrid also gets a 7.0-inch MID, a head-up display, wireless mobile charger, electric handbrake, radar-guided cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system mated to a 9-speaker JBL sound system.

With the more features and more room on offer, the new Toyota Camry Hybrid will attract a premium over its predecessor. Speaking of which, the seventh-gen Toyota Camry Hybrid was priced at Rs 37.22 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. The new model will likely nudge the Rs 40 lakh mark. Apart from the Accord Hybrid, the new Camry will also face the heat from the Skoda Superb and the Volkswagen Passat, both of which are conventionally powered.