Making their Thai debut at the 2015 Bangkok International Motor Show are the popular duo by Toyota – the Alphard and Vellfire. They were both launched in Japan earlier this year with three engine configurations to choose from – a 2.5-litre four pot unit, a 2.5-litre hybrid and the bigger 3.5-litre V6 mill.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Toyota Alphard / Vellfire 2.5 | Toyota Alphard / Vellfire 3.5 | Toyota Alphard / Vellfire 2.5 Hybrid |
| Engine | 2,493 cc 4-cylinder | 3,456 cc V6 | 2,493 cc 4-cylinder + electric motors |
| Transmission | 7-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic and Super CVT-i | 6 -speed Sequential Shiftmatic with 6 Super ECT | 6-speed Sequential Shiftmatic |
| Max Power | 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 276 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 150 hp @ 5,700 rpm (194 hp combined) |
| Max Torque | 235 Nm @ 4,100 rpm | 344 Nm @ 4,700 rpm | 205 Nm @ 4,400 – 4,800 rpm |
We’re not big fans of the controversial design, but the Alphard’s interior gets a massive touch of luxury, including the new “super-long-slide passenger seat” that reclines all the way to the second row.
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The rear doors on the other hand, redefine smart entry as they’re able to automatically slide open when it detects passengers. This MPV also features what Toyota claims to be a world’s first – an under floor storage compartment just below the third row seats that measures 148 litres in stowage capacity.
The all-new #Toyota #Alphard – Interior View. #BIMS #BIMS2015
A video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on
Now, as earlier mentioned, the Alphard and Vellfire both share the same engine configuration, starting with the base 2.5-litre variant. This four cylinder engine makes 180 hp at 6,000 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm, paired to a seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic CVT-i gearbox.
The hybrid variant also dons a 2.5-litre Atkinson Cycle engine (150 hp & 206 Nm), but is boosted by a pair of electric motors – a 141 hp motor on the front axle and 67 hp on the rear axle, making for a combined output of 194 hp. Drive type is FWD for the former and electric-AWD for the latter.
The all-new #Toyota #Vellfire – Interior View. #BIMS #BIMS2015
A video posted by AutoBuzz.my (@autobuzzmy) on
Next we have the range topping 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine that makes 276 hp at 6,200 rpm and 344 Nm of torque at 4,700 rpm, mated to a six-speed sequential shiftmatic.
The Thai-spec Vellfire and Alphard carry a starting price of RM370k all the way to RM520k. It’s unclear when exactly these luxury MPVs will hit Malaysian roads, but we’re certain it’ll arrive here in next to no time, courtesy of our ever-trusty grey importers. Expect to pay a premium price for it too if you’re looking to be one of the first few owners.
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IMAGE GALLERY
2015 Toyota Vellfire at Bangkok International Motor Show
2015 Toyota Alphard at the Bangkok International Motor Show
