Motoring with Ross Kiddie | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

Grande is a name Toyota have used a lot on their large sedans over the years, especially those on the Japanese domestic market, where their high-spec models receive an appropriate title.

I'm not quite sure why Toyota picked on a Mexican-sounding name, but it has worked well, so much so, that now Toyota Australia have taken it to their Camry range, the Camry Grande is the new range-topping model (replacing the Azura), now available here and it really is a grand car in all respects.

Toyota have recently re-aligned the Camry range in terms of badging, appointment and pricing. There are now seven models in the line-up which includes three four-cylinder and four V6 variants.

The Camry Grande lists at $49,995 and heads towards the luxury car market with its appointments and specification, although there is enough distance between it and the Lexus ES300 ($85,000), so that Toyota's sales pitch doesn't become complicated.

Standard fitment is extensive, placing the model on the outer fringes of the luxury car market. It includes climate control, electric seat adjustment up front, electric sunroof, electric windows, electric exterior mirror adjustment, central locking with remote (alarm and immobiliser), leather-wrapped steering wheel on tilt and reach-adjustable column, variable intermittent wipers, cruise control, fully integrated logic control audio with both tape and CD players, and trip computer.

The latter provided some interesting data. Not only is the engine strong and lively, it is also relatively fuel efficient. On my high country test run instantaneous readouts of 9.4 litres usage per 100km are achievable (engine speed 2250rpm at 100km in top gear), my test average of 11.6l/100km is also quite respectable, they translate to 30mpg and 25mpg respectively.

Finished in full leather (coloured beige), the Grande has an in-cabin environment that hints of opulence. Other trim materials are high quality and well co-ordinated in terms of colour and texture. A lot of woodgrain-type material is used on the door pulls, centre console and facia. The dash itself is a mixture of analogue and digital gauges and displays, the speedometer and tachometer are black-faced, hinting at a semi-sporty look.

However, it is plush inside the Grande and it pampers those on board with its vast head, leg and shoulder room. There are also a lot of features to keep occupants safe. Topping the list are dual air bags up front and side air bags, while underneath ABS works on a powerful four-disc set-up.

It is also a model that glides cleanly through the air, as such, it is quiet to ride in.

The engine is also quiet, fuss-free and free-revving in its operation. Toyota have given their 3-litre V6 Grande a variable muffler system which boosts the power output from 141kW, in Ateva, form, to 145kW and 279Nm of torque to 284Nm. Put simply, the variable muffler system creates more back pressure which translates to a higher power output.

The construction of the V6 is state-of-the-art, even though this engine has been around for a few years now. It is a quad-camshaft type with four valves-per-cylinder, they are operated by a variable timing mechanism. The great advantage of VVT-i is the way it broadens the gap between peak power and the area of maximum torque; theoretically, that gap is distanced only by 800rpm (peak power comes in at 5200rpm, torque at 4400rpm), but when the accelerator is depressed the engine management systems reacts firstly to available torque, the gearbox changing down only reluctantly.

The engine comes hooked to a four-speed automatic gearbox, and with plenty of urgency on tap the big Grande feels frisky when the appropriate gear is ushered in. Given its level of on board fitment, it is tipping the scales a little bulky at 1540kg, so its all round feisty feeling is a credit to engine strength. The Grande can make a 6.9sec 80kmh to 120kmh overtaking time using a kickdown to second gear while the straight line rush to 100kmh from a standstill can be achieved in 9sec.

These figures are pretty smart and will satisfy the six-cylinder engine buyer who likes the smooth, steady rush 3-litre engines have on offer.

Unlike the Sportivo I tested in these columns in November last year, the Grande doesn't get the firm spring and damper rates, although it does have suspension especially tuned for New Zealand roads and conditions. The four-strut system is compliant and supple, yet underneath there is a constant feeling of surety which dictates satisfactory compliance.

The Grande isn't overly taut, but the steering is informative; consequently, there is a satisfactory feeling of composure when the model is placed into a quick corner.

Riding on 205/60 x 16in Michelin rubber (up an inch from its Altise and Ateva stablemates), the tyres have good sidewall flex and unyielding grip. Yes, understeer will develop if a corner speed is too great, but given that the V6 adds a bit more weight to the front end, it still steers with good directional control much the way I remember the four-cylinder Sportivo to handle.

Fired through a series of twisty backroads, the Grande's suspension not only controls body movement perfectly, it lets the driver get totally immersed in the handling experience. Corner apexes can be clipped consistently, the steering retains maximum feel while stability from within the body and chassis combination is constantly reassuring. Just recently I had occasion to help a stranded motorist in an aged and battery-plagued Windom, a car loosely based on the Camry of a generation or two ago.

It has the venerable V6 which is similar to the engine used in today's Camry, the Windom's owner and I discussed at length the merits of that engine and how its reliability and dependability wasn't an issue.

Indeed, Toyota have been served well with that engine and, as is the case with all of their products, as time goes on you can bank on the company to keep their models fresh and appealing.