The first generation Toyota Alphard hit Japanese roads in 2002, followed six years later by the second generation and the related Vellfire model with a different design and the same technology. This year, the third generation Alphard will be launched on the market, which will again be supplemented by the Vellfire with serial number two .
Both models are united not only by the box-like shape of the body, the unconventional shape of the side windows, the side sliding doors (optionally equipped with an automatic opening function, after prior reservation, when a passenger arrives) and the distinctive line on the doors, but also the 3000 mm wheelbase , which is really very generous. However, the rest of the bodywork is completely different on both models, so while the Alphard is a little more settled, despite the distinctive chrome grille , the Vellfire plays on a more sporty note with dramatically split headlights, a geometric grille and clear taillights.
However, the interior of both cars hides seven or eight seats , while the main trump card is variability. You can move, tilt, position the individual seats or just change the angle of the backrests. The total interior height of 1400 mm is, like its maximum length of 2150 mm, very generous, and the low threshold at a height of 350 mm above the ground is also pleasing. According to Toyota, there is 148 liters of space under the trunk floor, which is said to be a record value in the segment. The driver's workplace and the dashboard definitely belong to the clearer ones, and in the higher equipment levels, there is also a multimedia system . Cabin lighting is provided by LEDs with four brightness levels and sixteen different colors. The specialty is the Executive Lounge trim level with seven seats, wood paneling, 3D printer details, a JBL audio system and a 12.1-inch rear seat entertainment system.
The significantly improved ride comfort is mainly due to the redesigned rear axle with double wishbones and the use of a higher proportion of high-strength steel in the body and chassis construction. Thanks to the greater amount of insulation, not only less noise but also vibrations penetrate into the interior. The basic drive unit is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an output of 182 horsepower, which, in cooperation with a seven-speed automatic transmission, consumes 7.8 l/100 km. The second conventional gasoline engine is a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine with an output of 280 hp in combination with a six-speed automatic and a consumption of 10.5 l/100 km. In addition to single-axle drive, both engines are also available as four-wheelers. Thanks to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder working in the Atkinson cycle, with an output of 152 hp, a front electric motor with an output of 143 hp, and a rear electric motor with an output of 68 hp, the hybrid drivetrain is already a basic four-wheel drive . Consumption has dropped compared to conventional models to 5.1 l/100 km, the automatic transmission again has six gears.
The army of safety assistants includes, among other things, a radar cruise control, a system for mitigating or preventing an accident at lower speeds, a pre-collision system, an intelligent parking assistant or monitoring the vehicle's surroundings. In the price list of both models, you would find a total of nine levels of equipment, various design packages and also a Welcab version with a slide-out seat for disabled people. The basic price for both Alphard and Vellfire is 3,197,782 yen (approx. 667,000 crowns).
Source: Toyota
