Toyota launches all-new Alphard, Vellfire luxury minivans

MANILA: The Alphard and Vellfire luxury minivans from Toyota were recently introduced in all-new iterations.

The Alphard was introduced by Toyota in 2002 during a minivan popularity surge; it was marketed at luxury-conscious consumers as the pinnacle of the Toyota minivan. When the second-generation Alphard was introduced in 2008, the business created the Vellfire as a fresh design for clients looking for more uniqueness.

Toyota Vellfire buyers typically have a passion for sports, therefore the automaker integrated distinctive design and driving characteristics appropriate for the fourth generation.

The Front Performance Brace, which is unique to the 2023 Toyota Vellfire, joins the radiator support and side members to increase body rigidity and give exceptional responsiveness even while accelerating from a stop.

This model's 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder DOHC turbo engine responds to the driver's accelerator input in a highly satisfactory manner thanks to its strong acceleration responsiveness and enough driving torque. It has also been modified to provide a lively sound when accelerating to increase driving enjoyment.

The fourth-generation 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, which are classified as "luxury saloons," have been improved in terms of space, performance, refinement, fuel efficiency, and driving dynamics. 

Working with the exterior design theme of "Forceful x Impact," Toyota aimed to give the cars a sense of firmness akin to a charging bull in a fight. The team developed a cutting-edge reverse slant for the insignia to convey a sense of strength, as if the cars were racing ahead. Stretching from front to rear, the sides of the vehicles have dynamic imperfections that recall a strength firmly planted in the ground.

The development team was able to add 5 mm and 10 mm, respectively, to the distance between the front and second-row seats of the Alphard and Vellfire, as well as the distance between the second-row and third-row seats. 

Inside, the automaker carefully studied how customers would utilize the Alphard and Vellfire and what changes would increase customer pleasure. The business is committed to designing and putting in a range of hospitality-related equipment.

The lighting, various switches, and air conditioning vents were formerly distributed around both sides of the ceiling of the Alphard; however, the crew has since created the Super-Long Overhead Console and centralized these components in the ceiling's center. The ability to open windows on the other side of the car and control the lighting from any seat makes the Console even more convenient and functional.

When the doors open, a step that is 220 mm high rises out of the ground, lowering the height of the first step for passengers getting in or out of the car. This is the Universal Steps on the right and left-side sliding doors of the 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, first minivans from the carmaker to be equipped with this feature.

The TNGA platform (GA-K) has been modified to be more stiff than third-generation vehicles by adopting straight rockers and a V-shaped bracing in the rear lower portion of the car. Superior maneuverability, stability, and vibration absorption are benefits of shock absorbers that mechanically alter damping force dependent on the frequency of vibrations transmitted from the road surface.

The hybrid systems in these vehicles combine a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder DOHC engine (A25A-FXS) with a maximum system output of 250 horsepower to provide great driving performance. Additionally, the Toyota Hybrid System ensures exceptional fuel economy, averaging 16.5 kpl. For even greater fuel efficiency, a 2WD drivetrain is now also available; the Executive Lounge 2WD grade achieves a fuel economy of 17.5 kpl.

Photos from Toyota

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