HAVING introduced the island to the first hybrid in 2008, Toyota Jamaica is now upping the ante with the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid.

And, according to Howard Foster, sales and marketing manager, the car has the full package: comfort, safety, reliability and fuel economy.

“Toyotas generally do well in Jamaica and we have the same expection for the Camry hybrid,” Foster told Auto, at his Spanish Town Road-based office.

The hybrid combines an internal combustion engine as well as a battery that powers the vehicle.

According to Foster, the right-hand drive boasts the latest technology.

The push-button start Toyota Camry hybrid comes with a seven-inch screen with integrated backup camera and navigation system as well as a USB port with full iPod integration.

Foster gave the Toyota Camry hybrid, high marks for efficiency.

“It gives 40 to 43 miles per gallon in the city,” said Foster. “That’s an improvement over the previous models.”

The four-cylinder hybrid is powered by 178 horses and moves from 0 – 100 kilometres (km) in 8.7 seconds. It clocks from 40 to 100 km in 7.5 kilometres.

The vehicle also meets Advanced Technology Partial-credit Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards.

“It’s environmentally friendly,” he said.

The sales and marketing manager sought to allay the fears of persons about the battery-powered aspect of the engine.

“The hybrid’s engine battery lasts the life of the vehicle,” he said. “And, you don’t have to plug it in. The battery charges while you drive, and when you press on the brakes.”

The sales manager said for short distances the battery powers the vehicle and that accumulates in savings.

The hybrid has a price tag of $5.3 million and comes with a 100,000-kilometre or three-year warranty.

“That’s a very good price as it’s about roughly $200,000 to $300,000 more than a regular Toyota Camry,” he said. “But, you’ll certain to make that back in fuel savings.”