Walkaround: The new Camry is larger and roomier than the previous version. And while no one is going to accuse Toyota of innovative, adventuresome styling, the new Camry is somewhat sleeker than in the past. In an attempt to recruit younger buyers, there is also a sporty, non-hybrid, SE version with special interior trim, unique front and rear fascias, 17-inch (up from 16-inch) wheels and chassis modifications that include a firmer sport suspension. Brakes are also larger, and the SE sits a bit lower.

The Camry remains the same overall length as the previous 2002-2006 generation, but the wheelbase has increased from 107.1 to 109.3 inches for a better ride and more interior room. The Camry’s track has also been widened, with wheels moved to the far corners for improved handling and a sportier appearance.

Interior: The upscale interior offers lots of room — particularly in the enlarged rear-seat area. There is also more forward-backwards adjustment for taller occupants with the redesigned front seats, and the more-forward positioned cowl augments the sense of openness and space.

Other changes include a steering wheel that now telescopes as well as tilts, larger instrumentation that is more easily readable, slimmer audio and climate controls that are simple to use, and an information display providing outside temperature, estimated cruising range, average speed, average fuel consumption and trip odometer readings.

The new dual-zone automatic climate control system in the Hybrid and XLE versions also reduces airborne mold spores, microbes, fungi, odors, germs and bacteria inside the cabin. A navigation system is also optional, and there’s a new keyless entry system that’s standard on the Hybrid, but optional for the XLE V6.

The large cargo area can also be made more spacious with the 60/40 fold-down rear seatbacks.

Under The Hood: While there are two conventional gasoline powertrains offered — a standard, but upgraded for 2007, 2.4-liter 158-horse 4-cylinder engine that can be had with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic, and a new, smooth 3.5-liter, 268 horse, V6 with a 6-speed automatic transmission. But the big news is the Hybrid Synergy Drive now offered in the Camry.

The gas-electric drivetrain, which is offered in the Toyota Prius, Highlander SUV and now the Camry — as well as several Lexus models — delivers a combined 187 horses and uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Its drive system varies power between gas and electric — and combines both when necessary. Fuel economy is impressively estimated at 40 mpg/city and 38/highway.

Behind The Wheel: The Hybrid drives pretty much like the conventional Camry — only different. It’s actually pretty fast — although not as fast as the Honda Accord hybrid, which offers 235 combined horses — but it does an acceptable job accelerating as well as in the 65-75 mph passing space. It even does the 0-60 mph drill slightly quicker (7.7 seconds) than the 4-cylinder gas version.

However, I found the Hybrid to have rather heavy steering compared to the gas version, and a touchy brake pedal because braking is electrically tied to the Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The Hybrid’s trunk also is smaller because of the battery pack located there, although it’s usefully shaped and has a fold-down rear seat to increase the cargo area.

All 2007 Camrys have anti-lock brakes, front-seat side and side-curtain airbags — and, for the first time — a driver knee airbag. The Hybrid also has a standard traction/anti-skid system, which is optional on all other trim levels. Only the SE lacks a split-folding rear seat because of its V-shaped brace, although it has a center pass-through area from the trunk.

All trim levels have a reduced turning radius for better maneuverability and larger tires for better grip and road feel.

Whines: The optional navigation system unnecessarily complicates some audio functions. Although it isn’t a hybrid, the SE is the only Camry that can be considered “fun to drive.” All the other models — including the hybrid — feel rather soft when driven even moderately hard, but that’s not news.

Bottom Line: Toyota has had great success in pioneering hybrids, so the new Camry Hybrid should sell very well. The Camry heavily emphasizes practicality, comfort, reliability and refinement — the things that have kept it a perennial “best buy” among midsize sedans. And while most Camry buyers will probably continue opting for the 4-cylinder with an automatic transmission and midrange LE trim level, here in the Pacific Northwest where environmental consciousness is a politically correct art form, the Camry hybrid will be a hot item because its “greenness” underscores those simple core values.