The Irish Mail on Sunday

Toyota’s Camry, the air apparent

- WITH RAY MASSEY

WORRIED about dry skin, a dull complexion or flat hair after a long drive? Try this: air-conditioni­ng that acts like a moisturise­r.

I’ve been driving Toyota’s new Camry saloon – returning to Irish roads this summer after a gap of 15 years – which comes with an air purificati­on system that provides in-car air to keep both you and your skin feeling refreshed after hours on the road.

Its ‘nanoe technology’ airconditi­oning system releases tiny particles of negatively-charged ions wrapped in water molecules into the car.

These have mildly acidic properties and ‘a gently moisturisi­ng effect on the skin and hair, while creating a crisp and refreshing cabin atmosphere’, Toyota says.

Well, after a long two days’ testing

in sunny Croatia, I can confirm I felt pretty good.

The Camry will be available only as a ‘green’ self-charging petrolelec­tric hybrid; no diesels or pure petrol versions.

There are only two wellstocke­d trim level versions in automatic: the entry level Design on 17in wheels, from €39,750.

It’s the eighth generation of a car that has sold more than 19million globally.

Launched in 1982, it was disconIt’s tinued here and in mainland Europe in 2004. But now it’s back, with order books open for first deliveries in July, and up against the likes of the VW Passat, Mazda 6 and Skoda Superb.

IT’S A SMOOTH OPERATOR WITH SPACE FOR FIVE

a smooth operator with plenty of space for five, with a big boot – suiting mid-level executives during the week and the family at the weekend.

Toyota estimate its hybrid system will achieve zero emissions for up to half a daily commute.

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor together provide 215bhp of pulling power to go from rest to 62mph in 8.3 seconds, up to a top speed of 112mph, while returning better than 50mpg.

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 ??  ?? Smooth operator: The Camry comes with a top-of-the-range air conditioni­ng system
Smooth operator: The Camry comes with a top-of-the-range air conditioni­ng system
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