TOKYO: Toyota launched the redesigned Alphard and Vellfire minivans for Japanese car market. The new vehicle comes with a roomy interior, a comfortable ride and “exceptional handling stability,” thanks to a newly developed double-wishbone suspension at the rear. And the vehicle prices start from 3,197,782 yen ( approximately $27,000) for both versions, including consumption tax.
The new Toyota Alphard will be sold through Toyopet dealers, while the Vellfire will be available at Netz dealerships. Both models share the same underpinnings, but offer different exterior designs: while the new Alphard focuses on luxury, the new Vellfire aims to convey boldness.
Toyota Alphard facelift model features a large front grille with thick mesh ornamentation which is integrated with the lower grille, while the rear comes with a U-shaped structure that merges the rear combination lights with the license plate garnish. The all-new Vellfire received front grille is made of wide plated bars intertwined with dual headlamps, while the blacked-out taillamps mesh with the license garnish to form a wide rear view.
After exterior, let’s move to interior, the two minivans models offer up to eight-seats in many configurations and combine sculpted metal surfaces with wood-grain ornamentation for a premium feeling. The Japanese company promises that the car a quiet ride at all speeds, thanks to extensive sound and vibration dampening, as well as an aerodynamic wind-noise reducing body shape.
For power, the vehicle comes with three engine options:
The first is a hybrid powertrain combining a 152PS (150-horsepower) 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with a six-speed Sequential Shiftmatic and an E-Four electric four-wheel drive system consisting of a 143PS (141-horsepower) front electric motor with a 68PS (67-horsepower) rear electric motor. The hybrid model returns 19.4 km/L (5.1 l/100 km or 45.6 miles-per-gallon US) according to Japan’s JC08 test cycle.
The second option combines a 182PS (180-horsepower) 2.5-liter engine with a seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic and Super CVT-i and the optional Stop & Start system to provide fuel efficiency of 12.8 km/L (7.8 l/100 km or 30.1 miles-per-gallon US).
Finally, the automaker also offers a 280PS (276-horsepower) 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine combined with a six-speed Sequential Shiftmatic with 6 Super ECT which returns 9.5 km/L (10.5 l/100 km or 22.3 miles-per-gallon US).
