The gasoline-electric version of Toyota's new Camry propels hybrid automobiles closer than ever to the mainstream. Its combination of a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder gas engine, two motor-generators and a 245-volt battery pack endows this roomy midsizer with near-V6 acceleration (0-100 in 8.6 seconds); yet fuel economy betters that of most 4-cylinder compacts -- a real-world 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg) in our hands. And all this for a price ($31,900) that's well within the norms for a well-equipped midsize sedan -- and the Hybrid is well equipped. Downsides? The electric power steering feels artificial, the engine isn't as smooth as some rivals' conventional units, and space stolen by the battery pack chops trunk volume to just 300 L (10.6 cu.ft.).

Amazing blend of performance and economy

Small trunk, not a fun drive