Because it is a Camry, it looks like one.
Daihatsu’s first hybrid passenger car, the Altis, was introduced in May 2012. The sedan’s midsize size is now transitioning to a new generation. It looks familiar again. It is simple. The new Altis is a rebadged version 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Daihatsu claims that there have been improvements to all areas of the vehicle, including comfort, performance and efficiency, as well as visibility and luggage capacity.
Although the automaker is not giving any details about the new Altis model, we can see the specs sheet for the Camry Hybrid to get them. The 2.5-liter gasoline engine has received an upgrade to produce 20 horsepower and 7 pound feet of torque, compared to its predecessor. It now produces 176 hp as well as 163 lb-ft. Add the electric motor to the mix and the total output jumps from 200 to 208 horsepower.
You shouldn’t expect a plug-in hybrid Altis/Camry, as Toyota explained that there isn’t enough space under the seats for the battery pack to be added. This would mean that the additional batteries would have to be installed elsewhere, which would increase the cost of the car. The trunk would be a likely destination for these new batteries, which would reduce the cargo space.
The new Daihatsu Altis in Japan will be available with two-wheel drive configuration and the sole G trim. This works out to around $30,500. The new Camry Hybrid starts at $27 800 in the US, starting at the entry-level LE trim. The Camry can also be purchased in Japan starting at 3,294,000 yen ($28,000.).
