2007 Toyota Camry review: Exterior Examination

Firstly lets talk about the exterior of the car. To summarize, the designer has made a great job in changing the bland, uncle car image of the previous Camry. The model that is being scrutinized here is the Ateva - one level higher than the base model Altise. Like the base model there is no body-kits installed in this model, however the absence of this doesn't make it looks tamed, compared to the Sportivo model. Infact, I reckon the front bumper of the body-kitted sportivo is proned to damaged by hitting the kerb or when passing some ridiculously tall bump.

Camry Ateva with "model" =p


Camry Sportivo (pic sourced from www.drive.com.au)

Another reason that give this Camry aggresive look is the slightly slanted down, square headlights which gives it impression of menacing stare at the traffic.


Fog light


Lights up!!


The bulging bonnet also hammer some character into its face, making it looks more mascular


The tailights, while not much to talk, formed a pleasant look over the bangle butt (remember last generation BMW 7 series?).

The bangle-ish curve at the boot.

Overall, in my opinion, the car looks great, certainly much better than previous generation. The designers have implemented all the design cues just right to make it looks good. The only quirk I have with the Ateva is the lack of option to install the lip-spoiler. Having it there would give potential buyers to spice up the car macho factor, however lasi always say it whether with or without the spoiler doesn't make much of a difference...

Overall, the car looks good - definately better than the previous generation. Although not as sexy as Mazda 6 or elegant as the Accord Euro, it certainly has its own appeal and charisma. How would its interior fares? This will be revealed the objectives for next entry. Stay tuned!!