The Toyota Camry, specifically with the hybrid powertrain, has always been popular in the hospitality industry. It seems the new one, which was launched in January this year, will not disappoint its maker either. Toyota Kirloskar Motor has announced that it has garnered over 400 bookings for the new Camry Hybrid already. What’s more, the company has already sold over 130 units of the sedan in India. Considering how hybrid vehicles are steeply taxed under GST (Goods and Service Tax), the aforementioned numbers are quite promising.

From April 1, 2019, the second phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles and Hybrids (FAME II) will come into effect. While the finer details such as incentive calculation and the value threshold on electric and hybrid cars are still under wraps, it is possible that the scheme will further boost the Camry’s sales.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid houses a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which is mated to an electric motor. The internal combustion engine, all on its own, pumps out 178PS/221Nm. The electric motor, on the other hand, produces 120PS/202Nm. The total output is rated at 218PS and that is harnessed by a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). For the record, the Lexus ES 300h, which is underpinned by the same TNGA-K platform as the Camry Hybrid, also gets the same hybrid powerplant.

Apart from a high-tech power-plant, the Toyota Camry Hybrid also comes loaded with features. The list includes three-zone climate control, 10-way electrically adjustable front seats which are also ventilated, LED-powered headlamps and DRLs, auto IRVM, nine airbags, auto headlamps and wipers, head-up display and a 9-speaker JBL sound system mated to an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Not bad for a car that currently comes with an introductory price tag of Rs 36.95 lakh (ex-showroom).

In India, the Toyota Camry Hybrid’s direct competitor is the Honda Accord Hybrid. Other models which aren’t hybrid in nature but are of similar size include the Volkswagen Passat and the Skoda Superb.