SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor today announced that the Alphard and Vellfire have been upgraded to make them better value for money.
The new Vellfire is priced at RM350,800 (OTR with GST but no insurance, a reduction of RM4,200). The Alphard comes in two trims and is priced at RM429,800 (Alphard 3.5, up RM9,900) and RM540,800 (Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge, up RM20,900).
The new specifications include a new engine and transmission. In a move to limit grey imports, UMW Toyota Motor said the new powertrain specification will only be available for units it distributes and that are sold by authorised Toyota dealers.
Alphard
As before, the Alphard is available in two variants – the Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge which offers Premium Luxury and the Alphard 3.5 which offers Advanced Luxury. Both variants now come with the new 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre V6 engine and advanced 8-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
The powerful new engine has a D-4S injection system for optimum fuel delivery in all driving conditions. This system uses high-pressure and low-pressure injectors to meet combustion needs throughout the engine speed range. The Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide (VVT-iW) system provides high torque from low to high rpm ranges. It uses the Atkinson cycle to enhance fuel economy and the Otto cycle for power.
Various engineering features make the engine very fuel efficient and its fuel economy is enhanced further with an Auto Stop & Start system.
The centre of the grille now project forward more, emphasising the three-dimensional structure on a horizontal axis that runs through from the emblem to the lamps and shoulder line. The grille has been given a stepped cross-section.
At either side are horizontal projector headlamps which gives a distinctive and advanced new look. The lower lamp units feature dual linear light-guiding illumination while the signal lights show the driver’s intention with sequential lighting that points towards the direction the vehicle will be turning in.
Like the front, the new rear combination lamps have sequential turn signal lamps as well. New 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels are fitted to the 2018 Alphard. These feature a new and distinctive graphic style that gives a sporty look as the wheels rotate. Customers can choose from 5 different exterior colours with a new colour – Graphite Metallic – added to the choices for the 2018 models. The other four colours are Luxury White Pearl CS. Burning Black CS. White Pearl CS and Black.
Inside, the environment gains even more luxury with this latest variant which maintains the high quality feel throughout the cabin. Materials of higher quality are used. For example, the armrest upholstery has been changed to synthetic leather with stitching from the soft molded plastic and simulated stitching used in the 2017 models.
For the Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge variant, the area of quilting has been increased on the seatback main part, and the design has been changed to a vertical theme with a more sophisticated and modern image. The second-row seat armrest ornamentation has also been changed to match the interior ornamentation, further enhancing the quality feel.
Semi-aniline leather upholstery is provided in the Executive Lounge variant while the Alphard 3.5 has high-quality leather upholstery. The woodgrain patterns of the ornamentation have also been changed to make a stronger impression.
To enhance comfort, there is now a seat air conditioner (Alphard Executive Lounge) which provides cooling air from the cushion and backrest. The Alphard Executive Lounge offers generously-sized VIP seats while the Alphard 3.5 has Captain’s seats, both types with ottomans for extra comfort on long journeys.
New features for the 2018 models include a wireless charger pad for devices with the Qi system and a Digital Full Display Mirror which provides a wider field of view and greater clarity. Instead of using a conventional reflector surface, the high-tech mirror displays images from a camera at the rear of the vehicle on the in-mirror display.
This year, the model gets a Blind Spot Monitor System to alert the driver whenever there is a vehicle in the blind spots (areas that cannot be seen using the outer mirrors alone). The driver will be informed by illuminated icons on the left or right door mirrors.
Also new is the inclusion of Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
For those who would like more assistance when parking, a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) is also available as an optional accessory for the Alphard. Using 4 cameras located around the vehicle, the system provides an overhead view that shows the surroundings on every side.
READ MORE:
Previous Toyota Alphard and Vellfire compared
Vellfire
Like the new Alphard, the Vellfire has also received cosmetic changes. For the updated model, the upper and lower parts of the three-dimensional two-part structure have a clearer expression at the front, strengthening the body's overall sense of unity. This accentuates the rearward-flowing dynamic design. Fitted are 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels.
To match the cubic form of the front end of the Vellfire, the upper headlamps incorporate two square projectors. Together with the blue accent of the extension, this creates a high- tech image. When activated, the turn signals show the direction of the vehicle’s intended movement by sequential illumination.
At the rear, the upper and lower sections of the lamps sandwich the garnish extending across the horizontal axis. This creates a two-part structure that mirrors the design of the headlamps and also provides a more distinctive presence for the Vellfire to drivers following behind. Like the signal lights on the front, the LEDs also light up in a sequential manner.
Upgrades to the interior are similar to those for the 2018 Alphard, including new ornamentation. The seating has also been upgraded for more comfort and convenience, with power adjustments for the front passenger’s seat as well, plus an ottoman for stretching out on long journeys. A seat air-conditioner provides cooling air that blows up from the cushion as well as through the backrest.
The seating for the second and third rows remain the same, with individual Captain’s seats for the second row. These seats, with leather upholstery, come with power recline as well as an ottoman for extra comfort.
In the Vellfire, there are not only USB ports to provide power but the latest model also comes with a wireless charging pad. Also new for 2018 is the Digital Full Display Mirror which provides a wider field of view and greater clarity.
The new Vellfire also gets the blind spot detection system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and optional Panoramic View Monitor.
UMW Toyota Motor began importing and distributing the Alphard in 2014. It added the Vellfire in 2016. To date, over 3,000 units have been sold through authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide, accounting for 50% of the premium MPV market.
