Much of the credit goes to fine engineering, and no doubt Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps out a

Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) determines intake-valve timing, based on how high the engine is revving as well as how heavy your foot is on the throttle, to deliver the kind of performance the engine thinks you are demanding. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

great deal too. VVT-i determines intake-valve timing, based on how high the engine is revving as well as how heavy your foot is on the throttle, to deliver the kind of performance the engine thinks you are demanding - hence the term intelligent.

Despite a relatively meager 2.4 litres of displacement, Toyota has harnessed every cc to its best advantage, meaning that the engine does its job without sounding strained or put out, always up to the task of bringing the car up to highway speeds or navigating the congested quarters of an inner city's grid.

Of course, maneuvering through city streets and the associated heavy traffic demands good braking response and a steering system that reacts to input quickly, and while the Camry's brakes

Part of the Camry's overall smoothness is attributable to its superb electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic gearbox. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

aren't what I would describe as sporty or breathtakingly responsive, they were easily up to the task of slowing me down and coming to a stop, even when someone decided to turn left but felt no responsibility to indicate such a maneuver with his turn signals. Thanks buddy.

Anyhow, part of the Camry's overall smoothness is attributable to its superb electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic gearbox, which seamlessly shifted from gear to gear, always maintaining optimal revs for the engine to maximize its sweet spot; where it got as much torque as necessary down to the wheels in every situation I encountered. While I wouldn't label any part of the process inspiring or adrenalin-inducing, I'd expect Toyota saves such experiences for its Lexus brand, or possibly the next-generation Camry?