The first and most likely of such avoidance measures it will need to execute will be braking, and thanks to discs at all for wheels and standard antilock with electronic brake force distribution.

It's hard to make out, but that's me in the driver's seat, piloting the new Camry down the highway. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

Even before testing for at-the-limit stopping power and control, which it executed without distress, the Camry's brakes displayed a nice progressive nature, smooth on and smooth off, as if they were on a mission to teach drivers how important being smooth is to maintaining overall speed.

Also on such a mission is the Camry's velvety six-speed transmission, among the bonuses achieved if opting for the six-cylinder upgrade. Featuring manual mode, an effective system which I only used for testing purposes, the six-speed's transition through each forward gear is almost CVT-like if only moderate pressure is applied to the throttle. Adding power allows for a more noticeable gear change, suitable to a more assertive driving style.

A significant

The Camry's V6 is among the most powerful in the entry-level midsize class at 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

part of that assertiveness comes directly from under the Camry's hood. The said 3.5-litre V6 is much more potent than the old 3.3-litre unit, now pushing 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels, aided by dual overhead cams and four-valves per cylinder, as well as Toyota's VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) technology. While delectably smooth, the 3.5 is a tremendous performer when called upon, necessitating the inclusion of standard traction control to keep the front wheels from breaking traction every time the driver's right foot gets over-exuberant. Toyota's very effective Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), standard with V6-powered SE and XLE trim levels and optional with the LE V6, seems less

Even the four-cylinder SE's interior is impressively detailed, and the five-speed manual quite sporty. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

overbearing when tackling turns, although still ready and waiting to intervene when the tires lose traction and the Camry begins to sway wayward.

I also drove the 158 horsepower four-cylinder Camry, but only in five-speed manual SE trim. So equipped it's quite sporty, not only to drive but also to look at. The shift lever features a leather- and metal-clad knob, ideal for rowing through the gears, and when doing so resulted in fairly quick acceleration and rewarding fuel economy; the latter government rated at 9.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway. A five-speed automatic equipped four-cylinder Camry only saps slightly more fuel from the tank at 6.5 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 on the highway, while the V6 is still impressive at 7.7 and 10.7 L/100 km respectively. Of course, in real world conditions you shouldn't expect to achieve such stingy fuel consumption, but everything is relative. Compared to other vehicles in the field, the Camry's miserly operational requirements are surprising to say the least.

As far as features go, the list is long and complete. The base LE comes well

Although an XLE is shown, base models get an iPod plug too. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

equipped, with a decent sounding 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 and WMA compatibility, air conditioning with cabin air filtration, a height adjustable driver's seat, silver-accented interior trim, plus a jack for iPods or other MP3 players, as well as a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, cruise control, dual remote heated power mirrors and an engine immobilizer for $25,800. Add a V6 and the price jumps to $29,400 - a small price to pay for all that power and the benefits of a six-speed manual-mode equipped automatic.