Toyota Camry returns to Europe as hybrid-only model to replace Avensis sedan

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It will debut in the first quarter of 2019

Since 2004, the Camry nameplate was dropped from Europe, except countries of the former U.S.S.R. where sales of the big sedan continued.

Now, Toyota is bringing back the Camry to Western Europe, and it’s the same TNGA-based generation as the one sold in North America. The difference in Europe the Camry will offer only one powertrain, the 2.5-liter self-charging hybrid.

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Toyota says the hybrid electric powertrain combines fuel efficiency and low emissions and quiet operation “with more power and greater responsiveness,” but fails to release any numbers. The truth is the European-spec Camry will only arrive in the first quarter of 2019, so it’s somewhat premature for specs.

In North America, the Camry Hybrid delivers a total system output of 208 bhp at 5,700 rpm from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine rated at 176 hp and 163 lb-ft (221 Nm) of torque, and an electric motor that makes 88 kW (118 bhp) and 149 lb-ft (202 Nm).

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The drivetrain also includes an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode and a Lithium-Ion battery. The Camry Hybrid returns 52 mpg over the combined cycle, which is the equivalent of 4.5 l/100 km. However, expect a different value for the European model due to differences between test cycles.

The automaker promises the Camry’s driving dynamics will be “specifically tuned for the European market.” That's something to look forward to, especially since the Camry Hybrid will indirectly replace the lackluster Avensis sedan, which Toyota stopped making this spring due to slow sales.

READ MORE: The mechanically-related 2019 Lexus ES is also coming to Europe at the end of this year