It really has been a while since we laid eyes on the latest Toyota Alphard, having seen it in the flesh early last year at the Bangkok Motor Show. Thanks to parallel importers, some of you may have already seen them on the road, but the Alphard selection from UMW Toyota is restricted to just two variants – the Alphard 3.5L and Alphard 3.5L Executive Lounge.
Priced at RM419,000 and RM519,000 respectively, these fully imported MPVs are specially tweaked to suit the Malaysian climate and road conditions. On top of that, UMW Toyota is offering a full 5-Year manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage, and guarantees a 10-year parts availability after the model is discontinued.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Toyota Alphard 3.5 | Toyota Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge |
| Engine | 3,456cc; V6, DOHC with Dual VVT-i | |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic with Sequential Shifter | |
| Max Power | 268 hp @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Max Torque | 340 Nm @ 4,700 rpm | |
| Price | Â RM419,000 | Â RM519,000 |
EXTERIOR
By measure of sheer dimensions, the Alphard is just 15mm shorter in length (4,915mm) compared to the Vellfire (4,930mm), but its width (1,850mm) and height (1,895mm) equal that of the more affordable sibling. Standard here are the full LED headlamps (with cornering lights), LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, 18-inch wheels shod with 235/50 series tyres, LED tail lamps, rear spoiler, rear fog lamps and powered side mirrors with integrated signal indicators.
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INTERIOR
The Alphard’s cabin is distinctly more premium than the all-black Vellfire. Right off the bat you’ll notice the beige themed interior for the base Alphard (the Exec Lounge can be optioned with black upholstery), and equipment that are standard comprise of keyless entry with push-start button, tri-zone climate control (air vents for third row as well) with nanoe technology, Optitron instrument cluster, reverse camera and automatic soft-closing doors.
Now, depending on how big a boss you are, equipment levels vary greatly between the two Alphards. The standard variant gets a four-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with brown wood grain, powered Ottoman front passenger seat, Captain Seats (Ottoman with power recline) for the rear passengers, illuminated ceiling, 7-inch DVD-AVN with navigation, eight speakers as well as a roof mounted 10.2-inch display.
Opt for the Executive Lounge variant and you’ll get additional Telephone and Voice Control switches on the steering wheel (here it gets embellished with VIP wood grain) and ceiling illumination with metallic ornament. The rear seats are upgraded to VIP trim and comes with power reclining as well as built-in air conditioning. The 17-speaker JBL sound system is hooked up to a main 8-inch DVD-AVN head unit built within the centre dash, whereas the roof mounted display is smaller, measuring just 9-inches across.
PERFORMANCE
Unlike the Vellfire, which can only be had with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, the Alphard comes with the 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6 engine featuring dual VVT-i technology. This naturally aspirated motor is good for 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, with the full 340 Nm of torque peaking in at 4,700 rpm. It’s paired to a six-speed automatic with sequential shifter, whereas the Vellfire settles for a CVT.
SAFETY
Standard safety features across all variants are as such: seven airbags including a driver’s knee airbag, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and front and rear parking sensors.
WHAT ELSE?
You can have your Alphard in four exterior colours – Black, White Pearl, Silver Metallic and a newly developed paint, Luxury White Pearl. Again, the Alphard is fully imported from Japan and comes with a 5-Year warranty with unlimited mileage. Check out our report on the Vellfire 2.5L here!
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