Living in the Lap of Luxury on a Budget
Not too long ago I spent a week in Toyota's all-new Camry Solara coupe. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to be so
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| Beautifully designed, and expertly executed, I was impressed by the new Toyota Camry Solara. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
impressed. For sure, the previous model's refinement was good, especially its comfortable ride, silky smooth powertrain and high-quality switchgear. It included many creature comforts too, all designed to pamper occupants. Yet as good as it was, the old Solara's styling left me a bit flat and its performance was, well, nothing to get excited about. The 2004 Solara was an entirely different experience. At first sight the stylish new model promised a sportier experience, delivered by its more powerful V6 engine and tighter, yet still compliant suspension. But it was the Lexus-like interior that had me shaking my head, wondering just how any domestic manufacturer would ever catch up to Japan's top brand. Beautifully designed, expertly executed, it brings premium styling and
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| The Solara convertible lacks nothing in features when compared to its coupe counterpart. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
quality to a class that doesn't get to experience such refinement very often. Now Toyota has transformed this refinement into a convertible, and it lacks nothing in features when compared to its coupe counterpart. The aluminum-look audio interface is still as intriguing to look at as a high-end Macintosh, mirrored by an equally attractive and easy to use automatic climate control system. I like the 3D clear plastic trim separating the upper portion of the center stack from that beneath, but the heated seat switches placed within only feature one setting. With Chrysler's Sebring Convertible managing to incorporate 6-way heated seats, a single setting seems fairly low-rent.
