New Generation Toyota Alphard And Vellfire For Malaysia
Popular as a premium family mover and mobile executive lounge, the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire had largely been available in Malaysia as a grey import i.e. without any official warranties or aftersales support. In 2016, official distributor, UMW Toyota Motor, officially launched these 2 MPV models tuned for Malaysian conditions.
Launched in Japan in late June 2023, the latest generation of the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are now available in Malaysia. This time, there is only 1 variant of each i.e. Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge and Vellfire 2.5, with both built on the TNGA-K platform (like the Lexus LM) and offering new levels of advanced features and refinement.
Most notable change is the use of the 2.4L T24A-FTS turbocharged petrol engine in the Alphard to replace the 3.5L engine. Thanks to turbocharging, the smaller capacity engine provides a higher output than its predecessor i.e. 278 PS and 430 Nm vs 271 PS and 340 Nm, and will be more fuel efficient. Fitted with a Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic with Sequential Shiftmatic, it also has 2 extra gears than the preceding model.
On the other hand, the Toyota Vellfire uses the familar 2.5L 2AR-FE inline-4 with chain drive and Dual VVTi petrol engine but with 2 PS more i.e. 182 PS, and 235 Nm. The new Vellfire gets a 7-speed Super CVT-i with Sports Sequential Shiftmatic. And despite being the less powerful of the 2, the Vellfire gets a front performance brace to improve its handling and stability.
The similarities between the 2 models are the use of 19″ wheels (but fitted with different tyres), ventilated brake discs all round, MacPherson struts in front and double wishbone in the rear, tri-LED headlights with sequential turn signals, cornering lights, daytime running lights, fixed panoramic glass roof, powered folding wing mirrors with heating, and ECO drive mode.
Other standard features in both MPVs include 12.3″ full colour multi-info display, 14″ infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15 JBL speakers, 64-colour roof illumination, wireless phone charger, smart entry and start, digital inner mirror, powered roof and window sunshades, panoramic view monitor, front and rear digital video recorder, 8-way powered driver seat with memory function, 4-way powered front passenger seat, seat ventilation, ottoman for 2nd row, and USB-C ports.
The safety features are also comprehensive across both, including Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Adaptive High-beam System). Also included are a tyre pressure monitor, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, 6 airbags and parking support brake, as well as Toyota premium security and solar film and vehicle telematics system.
To demarcate the 2 MPVs for the different customer profiles and market segments, the Alphard Executive Lounge is fitted with more premium offerings in the cabin. Most notably, the seats are dressed in premium Nappa leather (as opposed to synthetic leather) with the 1st rear passenger row getting the Executive Lounge VIP seats with a multi-operation remote control panel, large VIP armrests, Relax Power Recline, and powered walk-in system. These VIP seats also have a massage function, stowaway rotary table and vanity mirror. Additionally, the rear passengers get to enjoy a 14″ rear seat display for entertainment.
Other differentiating features for the Alphard include an auto stop / start system, electrostatic switches, paddle shifters, head-up display, powered quiet sliding rear door, climate control with Nanoe X front and rear (Vellfire gets Nanoe X in the front only).
“In an ever-evolving automotive landscape, the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire stand as beacons of innovation and sophistication. They set new standards for luxury and performance in the MPV segment, reflecting our commitment to delivering exceptional vehicles that exceed expectations,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
There are 4 colour options i.e. Platinum White Pearl, Precious Metal, Black, and the Alphard-exclusive Precious Leo-Blond. All colours other than Black come with a RM1,000 premium.
The Toyota Alphard has a retail price of RM538,000 while the Vellfire is RM438,000 (both are on-the-road prices before insurance for private registration in Pen. Malaysia). In Langkawi, the on-the-road prices are RM299,900 (Alphard) and RM244,900 (Vellfire). The Alphard and Vellfire come with 5-year warranty.
Toyota Alphard
Toyota Vellfire