Test driving the Toyota Camry Hybrid in a Michael Lo Sordo oversized suit and YSL bag

We live on the precipice of an energy revolution but we are not quite there yet. Petrol cars are damaging to the environment but electric cars need constant re-charging at specialised charging points, making moving around without a worry a drag. Enter hybrid technology! Using a fraction of the petrol of a conventional vehicle, hybrid cars instead use the force of breaking to power it's electric engine, making it a synergistically self charging system. Fill it up with petrol as you would a normal car, then watch the satisfyingly fascinating display window that shows you how the high torque of a battery powered electric motor combines with the petrol driven combustion engine in an impressively efficient performance

When driving, this display shows you exactly how this clever technology works

Sure, the science of it is fascinating enough, and the savings are incredible, but for me, unless a car is luxe enough to make me feel happy driving it, everything falls apart. Genuinely however, this car feels incredible to drive with it's plush leather interiors and every mod con imaginable - think seat warmers, individual temperature controls, rearview camera, assisted parking, speed sensitive steering and many more. What's best for me as a stylist; the boot is incredibly deep and spacious- something that comes in handy on big shoots or trips.

luxe interiors and all the mod cons

While we are at trips, did I mention this baby does Sydney to Melbourne on one tank of petrol and it does it all in an addictively smooth and fast ride?  Maybe Toyota won't mind if I just drive this baby out of their sight? ; )

assisted by Eleni George

This was a sponsored post for Toyota Australia

When I was ten, I had a bicycle I named Furious Fire that I’d ride beyond neighbourhood borders pretending it was my trusty steed leading me into adventures. You’d think now that I’m all grown up, my relationship to transport vehicles should change to something more subdued, yet when I bought my Prius seven years ago, I fell in love with adventuring all over again.

Everything about my new hybrid car was thrilling; the way it slinks silently running on an electric motor, watching the fascinating interplay of the petrol and electric engine on the screen, how it cruises smoothly on a highway or the economic way I only need to visit a petrol station every two and a half weeks - it just felt like the future. Unsurprisingly, when Toyota recently asked me to visit Japan to test drive their newly redesigned Camry Hybrid on a twin circuit whilst taking in the sights and tastes of the country, I was thrilled and said yes immediately.

Japan is an incredible country, one I’ve had experience with in the past when I used to model in Tokyo as a teenager and absolutely adore. People are kind and courteous and the food is, as we all know, amazing.  But unlike Tokyo, which is a hive of activity,  this time the itinerary also included Nagoya, the countryside and temples, giving me a bigger mouthful and appreciation of the rich Japanese culture.

Adding to the fun was having Adam Goodes,Tyson Mayr of Naked Traveler,Richie Strahan, Jennifer Nini from Eco Warrior Princess and  Travis Lunardi to gang up and eat way too much with.  From a day in Tokyo that started off with a raw fish breakfast at the iconic fish markets straight off the plane to the granddaddy Toyota experience of racing the sporty new Camry Hybrid on the Suzuka Twin Circuit track with ex Formula 1 drivers, this trip had everything.

I loved the sporty and stylish Camry for it's aerodynamic design and luxe features, but it was the pure excitement of driving it that had me hooked - the acceleration is seamless with 3 transmissions and the speed sensitive steering keeps it tight around corners - all the while using a fraction of petrol of a conventional car. How little? The Camry Hybrid uses just 4.2 litres per 100km - one could drive from Sydney to Melbourne on just one tank; making this car an incredibly ecological way of commuting. It's high performance, luxury and ecology blended seamlessly. I have partnered with Toyota for another post in which I learn additional specks and the science behind how these cars work -( something my inner nerd is quite excited about! )- but till then, here is a little montage of my trip...