THE fourth-generation Alphard and Vellfire models, Toyota's popular luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) duo, are now available in Malaysia.
The seven-seater MPVs have received a number of updates, including the latest Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.
The Alphard has received the biggest performance change, with the previous naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 setup replaced by a 2.4-litre 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger and intercooler.
The Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) unit is paired with an eight-speed direct shift conventional automatic gearbox with manual mode to deliver 278PS and 430Nm of torque from 3,600rpm.
That's an additional 7PS and 90Nm over the previous generation's 271PS and 340Nm of torque at 4,700rpm.
It has a top speed of 180kph with a claimed fuel consumption of 9.0 litres per 100km.
On the other hand, the Vellfire retains a returning 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The naturally aspirated Dual VVT-i unit is paired with a Super CVT-i gearbox with seven virtual ratios in the manual mode.
It boasts 182PS and 235Nm of torque at 4,100rpm with a top speed of 170kph and claimed fuel consumption of 9.1 litres per 100km.
Both models run on 19-inch wheels, although they come equipped with different 225/55 tyres, with the Alphard sporting Michelin Primacy SUV+ touring tyres and the sportier Velfire using Dunlop SP Sport Maxx UHP.
The Front Performance Brace improves rigidity by 50 per cent, resulting in enhanced handling and stability. The combined attributes of rubber bushings in the attachment portions of the cushion frames and memory foam in the seats are said to have reduced vibration by 30 per cent.
The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assist suite is present for both models, which are also equipped with features such as a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control with lane tracing assist, road sign assist and adaptive high-beam system.
Other supporting features include a blind spot monitor with a rear cross traffic alert, six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Toyota has also seen fit to install front and rear dashcams for both models.
LUXE LOOK
The MPVs, while very similar in nature, sport different attitudes, with one being more premium executive and the other bearing a more sporty attitude.
The Alphard has a large chrome armour plating grille to complement its slim LED daytime running light signatures. This is replicated with the tail lamps at the rear.
The Vellfire has a dark grille mixed with chrome-plate strips. The headlamps and rear lighting are slightly different with fewer details.
The front and rear lights are tri-LEDs with sequential signals.
Dimensions-wise, the difference in cabin room size between the two is minimal with the Alphard just being 5mm longer at 5,010mm. Both share the same wheelbase, width and height at 3,000mm, 1,850mm, and 1,950mm, respectively.
The 14-inch touchscreen console is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is wireless charging and a 15-speaker JBL sound system.
The Alphard has a choice of an all-black or combination (black, brown and beige upholstery) interior complete with Nappa leather. The Vellfire only has the all-black option to accompany its synthetic leather furnishing.
The steering wheel is woodgrain trim and also has heating and powered tilt-telescopic adjustment with memory. Exclusive to the Alphard for this generation are electrostatic switches and paddle shifters.
The eight-way powered driver's seat with memory and the four-way powered front passenger chair are both ventilated and heated.
The second-row seats on the Alphard come with a host of comfort features, including a detachable remote that can control settings such as audio, climate, 64-colour roof lighting, and seat options; a table with mirror in the armrest and relax power recline with massaging function.
The same row of seats for the Vellfire sees powered adjustment, Ottoman, ventilation and heating, a USB charger and a shared flip-up tray between the seats. Fold away the tray and you can walk through the boss seats to access the third row, which is not possible on the Alphard due to its wider seats.
The sole Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge is priced at RM538,000 while the Vellfire 2.5 is available at RM438,000 - both prices without insurance and come with a full five-year warranty.
Both models share the Platinum White Pearl, Precious Metal, and Black colour options.
The Precious Leo-Blond option is exclusive only to the Alphard. Unlike the markets in Thailand and Indonesia, Malaysia does not get the hybrid variant of the MPVs due to a lack of demand.