The Sonata, as much as I am impressed with fit and finish and value for money, completely pales in comparison as soon as you step inside, which makes sense considering the price premium needed to

In any trim level, the Camry is a step above its peers when it comes to interior style and execution. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

move up to Camry interior quality. Truly, from a design standpoint to the materials used, it's almost in a different class. I suppose, factoring in that this new Camry will also be represented as a Lexus, being the basis for the new ES 350, its interior is forced to be rise up to premium expectations, and after leaving the current ES 330 behind in design and layout, at least, the Camry trumps everything currently being sold in this class, other than VW's new Passat; which, next to the Camry, should only be compared to Audis, BMWs and Lexi.

What is it exactly that sets the Camry apart from its competition? Still only focusing on interior design and execution, everything. From the perfectly sorted steering wheel with its array of ancillary switchgear framing a gauge package that houses stylish Optitron dials, to a centre stack, elegant in its overall tapered form and finished in realistic metal surfacing plus ultra-cool green glass-like plastic, the Camry, also much roomier than in previous iterations, is worlds apart. When "environmentally friendly" simulated wood accents are added throughout the XLE's cabin, that are so well done that I had trouble figuring out if they were real or not, I start wondering why there's any need to upgrade to a premium brand.

Interior roominess is way up compared to the old model. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

I suppose there are always details such as the specific grain of plastic or leather used, but unless placed side-by-side I'd find it difficult to fault the top-line Camry in this area, as everything looks and feels very upscale.

Even the seats, which are often used as a true litmus test for weighing entry-level status from premium, are superbly crafted, offering generous support and decent side bolstering, necessary when taking the new Camry through the corners. Yes, it handles, not surprising to those who, like me, have already waxed poetic about the Avalon's merits. The new Av was the first to ride on Toyota's new midsize, front-drive architecture, and while its ride quality is firmer than any

The centre stack is superbly detailed, especially so in top-line XLE trim. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

previous flagship Toyota sedan, it rewards with an uncanny stability mid-corner than ever before. The same holds true for Camry, which now, even in non-SE trim, SE being the sportiest of Camrys, is an enthusiastic performer.

At the launch Toyota took us on a journey that included some spirited curvy sections, interspersed between long stretches of highway travel. Of course, most current Camry owners will be happier to hear that their updated ride is adept at overcoming highway expansion joints, uneven pavement and otherwise discomforting road surface irregularities, much ado to its longer wheelbase and up-rated suspension components, although there will be some in the crowd that will be elated to hear of its composure when that highway tightens up and begins to wind. The Camry is by no means a sports car, but in SE trim comes close to sport sedan status. It really takes to the turns well, transitioning from one corner to the next with confidence and transmits a decent amount of feedback through its electro-mechanic rack-and-pinion steering system, an ability which bodes well for any accident avoidance measures it's ever asked to perform.