There is really nothing better than a Toyota Alphard for commuting luxury
Here is a fact! The very rich Malaysian rarely drives. They like to be chauffeur driven. It makes sense as there are parking issues and traffic jams which can be stressful in the city.
With a chauffeur, you always get into a nice cool cabin with the climate control running before you get into the vehicle.
In recent years, even the above middle class Malaysian will splurge on a chauffeur when they can afford it as it works for school runs, tuition runs, ballet lessons, music lessons and is also a status symbol. Plus the cost of an average Malaysian chauffeur is not that high (RM2,000 to RM4,000) depending on experience and hours of work.
Interestingly, a professional chauffeur who works for a Malaysian tycoon can earn as much as RM7,000 a month and with overtime….it gets better.
Now, in this article we want to share why it is NOT about the badge and branding and this review is all about ‘on road comfort’.
So, we already know that in the past decade or so we have seen new MPVs from almost every vehicle manufacturer in the world. However, there are some who refuse to enter this segment (Audi and BMW comes to mind) and others who previously refused have already prototypes in planning (namely the new Chinese NEV brands).
Right now, the biggest MPV supplier in the world is Toyota and they lead with dozens of models sitting mostly on car platforms and kitted out with the best comfort money can buy.
From the minibus sized Toyota Alphard which was previously powered by a thirsty 3.5-liter V6 engine to the compact fuel sipping Toyota Avanza 1.5L. In between there are models with varied names and features like the NOAH, Voxy, Picnic, Majesty and my personal favorite, the Estima (which is sadly retired).
Now, for us, with the opportunity to test drive dozens of new vehicles every year and we do get into the rear seat to experience space, comfort and rear seat enjoyment and so we would like to offer our two cents on this latest 2.4L Turbocharged Alphard which had its global unveiling in June 2023. This MPV weighs in at 2,235kg and maintains its width as before at 1,850mm, but height and length have increased a little to 1,950mm tall and 5,010mm long.
For Malaysian luxury MPV buyers, this latest 4th version officially arrived months later in October 2023 at a selling price of RM538,000.
Now the previous 3rd generation Alphard was priced at RM465,000 brand new (its sibling, the Vellfire was RM383k) which means the RM73,000 rise in asking price today is not that bad considering the many changes done inside the cabin and also to the drivertrain.
Now, the used selling prices for the Toyota Alphard or Vellfire in the Pekema (AP) market can’t be taken into consideration as they don’t come with after-sales, warranty and recalls if any.
Yes, this Toyota luxury people mover has been and continues to provide the best rear seat comfort. Starting with its walk in height, ‘captain’ middle row reclining seats that offer aircraft first class cabin seating comfort with full power assisted reclining and power window blinds for privacy.
There are 15 JBL speakers inside this cabin. On the dash center you have a large 14-inch display and the driver gets a 12.3-inch TFT colour screen. You get power rear doors with driver controls, the climate system is Nanoe X equipped, passengers sit on soft well padded Nappa leather seats with climate vents built in. Rear passengers get a 14-inch screen that is powered and operated by wireless seat controls.
It only lacks the Lexus badge branding and this is why Toyota has decided to allow its luxury car division, Lexus to release a super luxury version of the Alphard, which is the Lexus LM at almost twice the price.
Alphard 2.4L Turbocharge Drive
It is the way that the power is delivered that impresses us the most, with its linear delivery ensuring that occupants are not unduly perturbed as you reach triple digit speeds. This Alphard’s solid engineering also means that the large MPV feels stable and planted at speed.
However, the wing mirrors are a tad too small for a vehicle of the Alphards’s size but you have a good park assist system to get you in moving in tight situations, but mall and office parking lots can be a challenge if a similar sized vehicle is parked in the next lot. Here is where the chauffeur and the availability of a car jockey is useful.
The first thing you note upon acceleration is that this new Alphard is extremely composed, with its well-damped ride and utterly smooth operation. It feels as slick as Japanese engineering can be, and provides for a fuss-free ride for the family.
More surprises are in store when you chuck this Alphard into the corners, as this MPV gamely hangs on despite its physical size. There is a tinge of body roll, because it can only defy physics so much, but otherwise, this Alphard feels decidedly un-MPV-like in its handling demeanor. It most certainly is the best driving MPV against its rivals and that is saying something. Until you slot it in a parking lot and realize how it barely fits, that is.
The flat and high front nose contributes a little to that deception, but that means that the front is all but invisible to the driver, which can be a bit tricky when it comes to maneuvering this vehicle in tight spaces like PJ old town and in Gombak housing areas.
Cabin sound insulation is very good and only loud dispatch 2-wheel riders and Gumball registered cars can be heard.
Yes, its asking price when new gives ‘private’ importers (AP holders) the opportunity to buy every possible used Alphard in Japan and sell it here for a healthy profit. This reduces the demand for NEW UMW Toyota imported Alphards and this is a debate for another day.
Toyota Alphard 2.4T Specification
Engine: 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC Turbo
Capacity: 2,393cc
Transmission: Direct Shift 8-AT
Max Power: 278hp @ 6,000rpm
Max Torque: 430Nm @ 1,700 to 3,600rpm
Top Speed: 180km/h
Selling Price: RM538,000
