Toyota Alphard

Toyota Alphard[1]
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Also called Toyota Vellfire
Production 2002–present
Assembly Japan
Body and chassis
Class Luxury MPV
Body style 5-door minivan
Chronology
Predecessor Toyota HiAce (XH10)

The Toyota Alphard (Japanese: トヨタ アルファード, Toyota Arufādo) is a luxury minivan produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2002. It is available as a seven- or eight-seater with gasoline and hybrid engine options. Hybrid variants have been available since 2003 and it incorporates Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. The vehicle was named after Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra.

The Alphard is marketed as a luxury car for chauffeur business, and primarily made for the Japanese market, but is also sold in Bahrain, Belarus, Oman, Russia[2], Sri Lanka, Greater China, and Southeast Asia.

In 2006, a Royal Lounge Alphard was introduced. It is a luxurious, four-seat version of the Alphard and exclusive to "Toyopet Store" Japanese dealerships. Its traditional competitor from Nissan is the Elgrand. Toyota also makes a sportier version of the Alphard, called the Vellfire (Japanese: トヨタ ヴェルファイア, Toyota Verufaia) which is exclusive to "NETZ Store" Japanese dealerships.

Design

The full-size Alphard Hybrid MPV qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), achieving emission levels 75% lower than the Japanese government's year 2000 benchmark. The 2.4-litre gasoline engine has been developed specifically for use in Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology and features a high-expansion ratio cycle that raises efficiency and reduces friction.

The Alphard Hybrid uses "by-wire" technology that monitors brake pedal pressure and vehicle speed in order to calculate the optimum hydraulic pressure. By-wire works with the E-Four AWD system to maximize the collection of kinetic energy from braking for conversion into electric power.

The Alphard Hybrid can generate up to 1,500 watts and is equipped with 100-volt AC power outlets, to power external appliances such as laptops and emergency lights.

First generation (AH10; 2002–2008)

First generation[1]
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Production 2002–2008
Assembly Japan
Layout
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,900 mm (110 in)
Length 4,840 mm (191 in)
Width 1,805 mm (71.1 in)
Height 1,935 mm (76.2 in)
Curb weight 1,790 kg (3,950 lb)

The Alphard was launched by Toyota in May 2002 to compete against the Nissan Elgrand and Honda Elysion. The Alphard is Toyota's best selling MPV in Japan. The Alphard was facelifted in 2005 with new design of rear lamp and use of 16" and 17" alumunium alloy wheels. A hybrid version was also added to the lineup. For model year 2007, on Japanese models only, G-BOOK, a subscription telematics service, was offered as an option. The Alphard is also the first Japanese market minivan to feature a laser-guided Adaptive Cruise Control, although only as an option on V6 variants.

Actor Jean Reno appeared on Japanese TV commercials for the Toyota Alphard.

Second generation (AH20; 2008–2015)

Second generation[1]
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Also called Toyota Vellfire (Japan)
Production 2008–2015
Assembly Japan: Kariya, Aichi (Inabe plant)[3]
Layout
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,950 mm (116 in)
Length 4,840 mm (191 in)
Width 1,830 mm (72 in)
Height 1,905 mm (75.0 in)
Curb weight 1,910–2,070 kg (4,210–4,560 lb)

In May 2008, the Alphard was redesigned with a more modern exterior and a more luxurious interior. For this generation, the Alphard line-up was expanded into two different design variants - Alphard and Vellfire. According to Toyota's press release, the Alphard is described as having an "elegant and sophisticated" design while the Vellfire emphasizes on "strength and strong individuality." Both models are sold via separate distribution channels, with the Alphard sold by Toyota's Toyopet dealership chain while the Vellfire is sold at Toyota's youth oriented Netz dealership chain. Variants of the Alphard/Vellfire include:

  • 240/350X (8 Seater)
  • 240S
  • 240 Hybrid
  • 350S “C Package”
  • 240/350G
  • 350G “L Package”
  • Executive Lounge
  • Royal Lounge

Alphard 240/350X

The 240/350X variants of the Alphard are the lowest trim levels of the Alphard. It is only offered with 8 Seats. Standard equipment includes 16 inch steel rims, Xenon projector headlights, 2-DIN stereo, Passenger-side power sliding door (Driver’s side optional), and fabric bench seats for the middle row.

Alphard 240S

Only comes with 7 seats with second row individual seats with ottomans. Leather seats are optional. Standard equipment includes 17 inch alloy rims, dual power sliding doors, cruise control, LED soft ambient lighting, dual front parking sensors, rear power sliding sunroof, Tri-zone automatic climate control (individual controls for the rear), 7 inch display with satellite navigation (G-BOOK optional), 8 speakers, a rear seat entertainment system with roof-mounted 10 inch blu-ray player.

Alphard 240 Hybrid

Same equipment and options list with the 240S. Comes with Toyota’s E-four AWD system. Additional options are power tailgate and a coolbox (located between driver’s seat and front passenger seat).

Alphard 240/350G

The highest available trim level for the 2.4 engine. Standard equipment includes leather seats, power tailgate, G-BOOK telematics system, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), NANOE-G air purifier, 8-way powered driver’s seat (with 3 person memory), 6-way powered passenger’s seat with ottoman.

Alphard 350G “L Package”

A more luxurious version of the Alphard 350G. Adds on second row “captain’s” seats with powered reclinable ottomans, 18-speaker home theatre surround sound system, 360 degree surround view camera, automatic parking, and an optional Pre-crash active safety system, consisting of dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.

Executive Lounge

Same level of equipment with the 350G “L Package”, but adds on it’s optional equipment as standard. The only change is the second row, which adds on 4-way powered heated and ventilated seats, 2 person memory, picnic tables and curtains for extra privacy.

Alphard Royal Lounge

Top of the line variant. Only seats 4 (No third row seats) and the rear seats has a massage function. It features a small divider between the rear passengers and the front seats, like in a limousine. It has larger and plusher seats compared to the executive lounge and they are positioned all the way back into where the third row previously was for more legroom. Instead of a roof-mounted blu-ray player, the Royal Lounge has a 23-inch television mounted on the divider between the front and rear passengers. The television retracts into the divider when not in use.


JNCAP has rated the Alphard a full 6 stars for occupant crash safety and outstanding safety features. Safety features such as Antilock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control and 7 airbags (Dual front, Driver & passenger side airbags, Driver's knee and curtain airbags) are standard across all variants. Higher end variants offer a first-in-class Pre-Crash system as an option (Only for Japanese models). Features include a radar-guided Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist and Pre-collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking. [4][5]

The second generation Alphard launched in the Philippines on 3 August 2010.[6]

A facelift model was announced by Toyota on 27 September 2011, with sales in Japan to start from 1 November 2011. Also introduced a hybrid version of both the Alphard and Vellfire.[7]

Third generation (AH30; 2015–present)

Third generation
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Also called Toyota Vellfire (second generation)
Production 2015–present
Assembly Japan
Layout
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 6-speed Super ECT (2GR-FE)
  • 7-speed super CVT-i (2.5 i4)
  • 8-speed Direct Shift (2GR-FKS)
  • e-CVT (2.5 Hybrid)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 3,000 mm (120 in)
Length 4,915–4,935 mm (193.5–194.3 in)
Width 1,850 mm (73 in)
Height 1,880–1,950 mm (74–77 in)
Curb weight 1,920–2,220 kg (4,230–4,890 lb)

Toyota released the third generation Alphard on 26 January 2015 with a new look and new features such as a new 2.5-litre petrol engine, 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine. A new top-of-the-line Executive Lounge grade was added for both Alphard and Vellfire. The third generation Alphard is currently available in Japan and some Asian markets with Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Hong Kong are being the first markets outside Japan to receive this all-new model and recently the all-new Alphard was introduced in Russia, the model's primary and so far only European market, but only with the 3.5 L V6 engine.

The newest generation features a very large grille similar to the current model Toyota Crown. The length has grown longer by 60 mm, the width by 20 mm and the wheelbase has grown longer by 50 mm but the height is shorter by 10 mm compared to the previous generation. The Alphard faces competition from big MPV's such as the Nissan Elgrand and the fifth generation Honda Odyssey (Asian markets).[8] Large audio manufacturers like Alpine Electronics and JBL, also manufacture navigation and audio/visual accessories specifically for the Alphard.[9]

The facelifted third generation Alphard and second generation Vellfire were unveiled on 25 December 2017 and released on 8 January 2018. With updated styling, an updated V6 engine, the 2GR-FKS that replaces the outgoing 2GR-FE. Output has increased to 221 kW (296 hp) and 372 N⋅m (274 lbf⋅ft). A new Direct-Shift 8-Speed Automatic replaces the 6-Speed Super ECT that is only found in V6 powered variants. The debut of the second generation Toyota Safety Sense system is launched with the facelifted Alphard and Vellfire, which are now standard equipment across all variants.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Automobil Revue, catalogue edition 2007, p. 490.
  2. ↑ "Toyota Alphard Minivan Now Sold in Russia". Wroom.ru. 25 October 2011. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
  3. ↑ "Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd". Toyota Motor Corporation. 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  4. ↑ "Model change Toyota Alphard" (Press release). Japan: Toyota. 12 May 2008. Archived from the original on 26 May 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  5. ↑ "Alphard and Vellfire Facelift, Hybrid added". MotorIndustry.org. 19 October 2011. Archived from the original on 22 October 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  6. ↑ Patrick Everett Tadeo (2 August 2010). "Toyota Motor Philippines launches new Alphard minivan". Top Gear Philippines. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  7. ↑ "Minor changes to Alphard and Vellfire, plus hybrid models added" (Press release). Japan: Toyota. 27 September 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  8. ↑ Toyota Alphard and Vellfire 2015 model officially launched Bangkok Post, 26 January 2015
  9. ↑ "Toyota Alphard and Vellfire". Retrieved 11 April 2016.
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