Manufacturer Toyota Assembly Japan Successor Toyota Granvia | Production 2002 - present Class Full-size MPV | |
 | ||
Also called Toyota Vellfire (Japanese: トヨタ・ヴェルファイア Toyota Verufaia) | ||
The Toyota Alphard (Japanese: トヨタ・アルファード Toyota Arufādo) is a full-size luxury MPV (minivan) produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2002. It is available as a seven- or eight-seater with a 2.5 and 3.5 litre gasoline engine in multiple different model lines including Alphard GF, Alphard Executive Lounge, Alphard SC and various hybrid versions which uses the 2.5 litre engine along with an electrical motor and batteries. The vehicle was named after Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra.
Contents
- Design
- First generation 2002 2008
- Technical details
- Second generation 2008 2015
- Third generation 2015 present
- Safety
- Special Trims
- References
The Alphard is primarily made for the Japanese market, but is also sold in Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Oman, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Myanmar.
In 2006, a Royal Lounge Alphard was introduced. It is a luxurious, four-seat version of the Alphard. Its traditional competitor from Nissan is the Elgrand. Toyota also makes a sportier version of the Alphard, called the Vellfire; the Alphard is available new at Toyopet Store Japanese dealerships, while the Vellfire is available at Netz Store locations. The Toyota Spade/Toyota Sienta/Toyota Noah are smaller MPV are more affordable and more family oriented. The Japanese Government enforces dimension regulations and annually applies a road tax, and the Alphard/Vellfire incur higher than average operating costs.
Design
The full-size Alphard/Vellfire Hybrid MPV qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), achieving emission levels 75% lower than the Japanese government's year 2000 benchmark. The 2.5-litre gasoline engine has been developed specifically for use in Toyota's hybrid systems 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 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 standard 100-volt AC power outlets, allowing a wide range of appliances to be used, such as laptops and emergency lights. The electrical outlets can also be used to recharge items such as power tools, drones, recreational aircraft, microwave ovens, televisions, cameras and mobile phones, adding a new dimension to leisure activities.
First generation (2002-2008)
The Alphard was launched by Toyota in May 2002 to compete against the Nissan Elgrand and Honda Elysion, replacing the Toyota Granvia. With full electrical component features and complete comfort and safety features, 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, is offered as an option.
Actor Jean Reno appeared on Japanese TV commercials for the Toyota Alphard.
Technical details
Second generation (2008-2015)
In April 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 Store dealership chain while the Vellfire is sold at Toyota's youth oriented Netz dealership chain.
A facelift model was announced by Toyota on 27 September 2011, with sales in Japan to start from 1 November 2011. Also introduced is a hybrid version of both the Alphard and Vellfire.
Technical details
Third generation (2015-present)
Toyota released the third generation Alphard/Vellfire on 26 January 2015 with new design language in and out and new features such as a new 2.5-litre petrol engine, 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, new double wish-bone suspension, a new top of the range Executive Lounge grade was added for both Alphard and Vellfire and followed a year later with the Royal Lounge. Third generation Alphard is currently available in Japan and some Asian markets with Indonesia, Thailand, 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 new generation features 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 Mercedes V-Class Large audio manufacturers like JBL have partnered with Toyota to create bespoke infotainment system for the third generation Alphard/Vellfire, this package is standard on the Executive Lounge and an option on lower trim levels. The bespoke JBL system includes a 9.2" inch front display with full navigation, 360 degree parking camera, a 12.1" inch rear entertainment display, 17 Speaker JBL premium sound system, wireless phone charger and online services. Other big audio manufacturers such as Alpine Electronics also manufacture navigation and audio/visual accessories specifically for the Alphard.
Technical details
Safety
Scoring a 5 star rating from JNCAP, the third generation Toyota Alphard/Vellfire is the first in its class to offer advanced safety technology such as auto braking, adaptive cruise control and high beam assists. The Alphard/Vellfire uses radar hidden behind the front grille, as the car approaches an object too quickly the car would have an audible warning followed by automatic braking if no action is taken by the driver, this system is only active when speeds are above 15 km/h. Using the same radar the Alphard/Vellfire is also able to maintain a constant speed and distance from the car in front, the car would automatically slow down or speed up depending on traffic ahead. However, this same radar is unable to detect pedestrians. The Alphard/Vellfire is also able to stop at speeds below 15 km/h during parking situations. Using the 8 parking sensors, the car would detect any objects around the car, if the driver approaches the object at an unsafe distance the car would automatically apply the brakes preventing contact with the object.
Special Trims
After around one year after the announcement of the third generation Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, Toyota introduced three bespoke trims towards their top MPV range. These three trims included an Alphard/Vellfire Royal Lounge, Alphard "Type Black" and Vellfire "Golden Eyes". Both the Vellfire "Golden Eyes", and Alphard "Type Black" are available with the 2.5L or 3.5L engines, while the Royal Lounge are only available as a 3.5L or a Hybrid. The Alphard "Type Black" has a dark tinted grille, fog light garnish, rims and back door garnish, and a golden "Alphard Emblem" compared to the standard chrome finish. It also has dedicated seat upholstery unique to the "Type Black" and black headlining rather than gray. It also adds a special gold decorative smart key, as well as power plugs throughout the car and an automatic tailgate. As for the Vellfire "Golden Eyes" it has the same treatment as the Alphard "Type Black" but also includes gold plated extensions in the head light unit. However, these are not real gold. As for the Royal Lounge, its base price is just over double the price for an Executive Lounge. What you get is a 4-seater luxurious MPV. The Royal Lounge gets the same equipment as the Executive Lounge meaning full 9.2" head unit. However, open the rear doors and you are greeted with 2 huge chairs with a fridge, storage cabinets, bespoke carpets, massaging rear seats with ventilation, rear tables, rear vanity mirrors, hanger hooks. centralized control touch panel, a liquid crystal light control shade and a 24" LCD TV. There are two versions of the Royal Lounge one with a full partition (Royal Lounge SP) and one with out (Royal Lounge). Interior choices come with a black or beige interior with rosewood or bamboo.