Toyota Camry awarded five stars

Safety-conscious car buyers can now add the Toyota Camry to the list of five-star ANCAP rated vehicles after minor tweaks by the local car games maker
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One of Australia's most popular medium cars, the Toyota Camry, has just been awarded a five-star safety rating by the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

The Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles manufactured from May 2011 will be certified as five-star ANCAP rated vehicles, joining local manufactured stablemate, the V6 Aurion, which has already received the maximum possible safety rating.

Previously given a four-star safety rating, the two Camry variants got the top safety rating after being re-tested with two minor changes to the car.

All Camry models sold in Australia feature stability control and ABS, but the Camry was only given the full five-star rating when a passenger seatbelt warning light (and audible chime) and extra padding on the steering wheel were added.

The Camry is also offered with six airbags, including curtain airbags covering front and rear passengers.

The senior executive director (sales and marketing) for Toyota, David Buttner, said: "ANCAP testing has confirmed that Camry and Hybrid Camry, produced here in Australia, are strong cars that provide excellent protection for occupants This was no surprise because Toyota's own extensive tests ensure all our vehicles meet or exceed safety standards in every country in which they are sold.

"In addition, the Camry range offers advanced safety features that are not activated during ANCAP crash-testing," added Buttner.

"Every Camry is fitted with vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-skid brakes - features which have been shown to help save lives."

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