The Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire get a much needed generational update after 8 years.
The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are no strangers to Malaysian roads. They have dominated the large MPV segment since the early 2000s and have been the bread and butter product for many parallel importers throughout Malaysia. Today Toyota unveiled the 4th generation of both sister models, about 2 months after the 2nd generation Lexus LM was shown. The LM, is of course, the upmarket version of the Alphard.
The new Alphard and Vellfire continue to be produced at the Toyota Auto Body plant in Inabe, Japan.
Upgraded Chassis, TNGA For The First Time
The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) has been praised to no end for its balance of comfort and dynamism.
Now the Alphard and Vellfire models finally come built on the GA-K platform, which has been optimised for van use by using straight rockers and a V-shaped brace in the lower rear part of the vehicle. This has improved rigidity by 50% versus the third generation model. Toyota have also adopted structural adhesives at points where the chassis is prone to flexing to limit body deformation over time.
The new Alphard and Vellfire feature TNGA-specific MacPherson strut front suspension with an updated double wishbone rear suspension. They’ve also fitted special shock absorbers that mechanically adjust damping force based on frequency of vibrations. Rubber bushings have been used on the mounting points of the 2nd row of seats too.
The seats here also now feature memory foam for increased comfort. All of Toyotas work has resulted in a 30% reduction in vibrations over the previous models. They have gone as far as developing low-noise tyres and using sound-absorbing materials in the cowls, as well as optimising the shapes of parts to reduce wind noise.
Diverse Powertrain Options
As before, the Alphard and Vellfire will be offered with petrol engines as well as a hybrid electric vehicle. However, for the first time, Toyota is also planning a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version as well, but the details of this power unit have not yet been officially announced. What’s also interesting to note is that there will also be a turbocharged petrol option for the first time and this has been reserved exclusively for the Vellfire model, which leans even further into its more youthful image by taking on special suspension tuning and an 8-speed Direct Shift Automatic. The Alphard gets a 2.5L naturally-aspirated engine with a Super CVT-i by default.
On the HEV models, both models feature a version of this 2.5L engine that’s mated to a Series Parallel Hybrid System with an E-CVT. The hybrid powertrain is rated for up to 250PS of output and as low as 17.5km/L with the 2WD setup.
All models come with the option of all-wheel drive which is enabled via a rear-mounted electric motor on the hybrid models. Here’s the full breakdown:
Other Interesting Alphard & Vellfire Features
A lot of subtle engineering has been done to improve occupant comfort and usability, as expected in any generational change. However there were some improvements that are really worth highlighting.
First is the new ceiling layout. For rear passengers, there are now two moonroofs that are independantly operable in case right and left passengers want different amounts of visibility. The new 4th generation models also use a new Super-Long Overhead Console that’s located between the two moonroofs. The console provides access to lighting switches and air conditioning controls and vents. This is also the first Toyota model to feature pull-down rear sunshades.
Both models also come with a Universal Step which makes it easier for small children and the elderly to get in and out of the vehicle. This deployable step is about 220mm above the ground and there are long assist grips on the C-pillars too.
The Vellfire has been given extra attention this time around in terms of performance. Not only does it have exclusive access to the 2.4L turbocharged engine, it also comes with a Front Performance Brace for better rigidity. This model also gets special suspension tuning to go with the turbo engine.
What do you think of the new 4th generation Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire? Will you be putting in your booking as soon as UMW Toyota makes an announcement? Or will you be waiting for recon models to slowly trickle in after a few years? Maybe you see this as the right time to buy a 3rd generation model instead.
