” AUTOMOTIVE Wagon’s versatility impresses From page 23 This engine has a _ surprising amount of pep even with seven passengers on board. it’s quick off the mark and offers adequate mid-range acceleration to merge onto the freeway. Cruising is relaxed, with the engine turning over 2,300 rpm at 100 km/h in fourth gear. Under hard acceleration, the engine releases some sporty sounds, but otherwise, the Camry’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine is one of the quietest, smoothest four-cylinder powerplants I’ve ever en- countered. Average gas consump- tion with the four-cylinder is 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres (30 mpg), slightly better than the V6 engine. In my opinion, there is really no need to pay extra for the optional V6 engine if most of your driving is done around town. Almost overshadowed by this great engine is the Camry’s superb electronically controlled four- speed automatic transmission. It slides virtually imperceptibly from gear to gear and hardly ever jerks, even when kicked down. It offers driver-selectable ‘*tPower’’ and “Normal’’ modes to make the transmission shift sooner for per- formance, or later for improved fuel economy. The automatic transmission also has a_ shifter- mounted on/off button for over- drive (fourth) gear, an effective tool for preventing the transmis- sion from lapsing into overdrive during sJower, city speeds. Front disc/rear drum brakes are standard on the four-cylinder model while the V6 model offers disc brakes on. alt four wheels. Ordering the ‘optional ABS package avtomatically gets you four-wheel disc brakes. As the largest mid-sized Japa- nese car in its class, the Camry’s interior is particularly spacious. It is noticeably wider than many competitors and front and rear legroom is generous. The floor supports for the front seats are mounted on the side, freeing up room for rear passengers’ feet. Camry controls are very user- friendly. Most ave backlit and are easy to see at night. The large, pushbutton controls for ventila- tion and stereo, the rotary fan and temperature control dials, and the stalks for lights and wipers have a soft, easy-to-use feel. A driver’s side airbag is standard, but as yet, passenger’s airbag is not available. Overall, I was impressed with the Camry Wagon’s versatility and ease of use. The combination of a smooth, quiet powertrain, soft suspension, user-friendly controls and excellent visibility contributed to a very pleasurable driving expe- rience. The Camry has a reputa- tion as one of the most reliable sedans on the market, too. Camry Wagons are not inex- pensive, though. Base wagons start at $19,628, and a fully equipped V6 LE model with ABS brakes is priced just under $30,000.