Following the launch of the latest-generation Toyota Alphard in Indonesia, the redesigned MPV has now made its way to Thailand, where it is also joined by the all-new Vellfire. This line-up is similar to what’s being offered in Malaysia, although there are differences when it comes to available variants and specifications. In Malaysia, the Alphard and Vellfire have yet to officially go on sale, but we already know that the former is powered by a 2.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, while the Vellfire will feature a 2.5 litre engine of an unknown induction type, paired with Super CVT-i transmission.
For the Thailand market, both MPVs use the
same hybrid powertrain that is based on the A25A-FXS from the Dynamic Force
engine family. The gasohol-compliant 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four
unit serves up 190 PS at 6,000 rpm and 236 Nm from 4,300 to
4,500 rpm and is augmented by a 5NM electric motor with 182 PS and 270
Nm for a total system output of 250 PS. An electronic CVT
(E-CVT) is used for the hybrid powertrain, which comes in all-wheel drive guise
in Thailand. Referred to as the E-Four, the AWD system adds a 4NM electric
motor at the rear which is rated at 54 PS and 121 Nm – the
electric motors are linked to a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery with a
capacity of 5 Ah.
The Alphard comes in two variants,
starting with the 2.5 HEV that retails for 4.129 million baht. For
the money, it comes with LED projector headlamps, DRLs, fog lamps, taillights;
automatic wipers; acoustic glass; twin moonroofs; Nappa and artificial leather
seat upholstery; powered front seats; 64-colour ambient lighting; a 12.3-inch
digital instrument cluster; keyless entry and start and auto brake hold. The
list continues with a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), a 15-speaker JBL sound system, four-zone
climate control with nanoe X air filtration for front passengers, a digital
rear-view mirror, T-Connect telematics, front and rear dashcams, a panoramic
view monitor as well as 17-inch alloy wheels.
The next step up is the 2.5 HEV Luxury at
4.499 million baht, which is pretty much identical to the base
option, save for the addition of the complete Executive Lounge package. Both
variants of the Alphard sold in Thailand carry the Executive Lounge badge at
the rear, but only the Luxury comes with a retractable table with Uzuramoku
woodgrain decoration. Fancy table aside, the Alphard variants are equipped as
standard with second-row captain chairs that come with ottomans, a memory
function, ventilation and heating functions, the Smart Comfort programme,
massage functions and detachable tablets to control these functions.
The Luxury’s higher asking price also nets
buyers 19-inch wheels in a sporty design, which is also something the Vellfire
gets. On that mention, the Vellfire is only offered as the 2.5 HEV priced at
4.279 million baht, which comes with the same kit list as the
Alphard 2.5 HEV, save for aforementioned wheels and chrome fog lamp accents
(the Alphards get glossy black). Also shared across the board is the safety
kit, with the usual array of passive systems (VSC, traction control, ABS, EBD,
brake assist, hill start assist) being standard on all MPV variants, along with
a tyre pressure monitoring system. The Toyota Safety Sense suite is also
included, which consists of a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert,
all-speed adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure
alert, lane tracing assist and auto high beam. Another thing shared by the
Alphard and Vellfire is colours, with available options being Burning Black,
Platinum White Pearl and Precious Metal.
