It’s Christmas Day, but clearly the folks at Toyota do not know the concept of a holiday, as they have unveiled the facelifted Toyota Alphard and Vellfire today. The luxury MPVs, which go on sale in Japan on January 8, receive a freshened look, a revised V6 engine and numerous driver assistance features.
The biggest change is the adoption of the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense, now fitted as standard across the range. Announced earlier this month, the system now incorporates pedestrian and cyclist (daytime only) detection for the Pre-Collision System, along with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and a front departure alert function at jams and traffic lights.
Another revision can be found under the bonnet, with the new 2GR-FKE 3.5 litre V6 adding direct injection to the mix. Output figures have not been released, but Toyota naturally claims improved performance with the new engine, as well as better fuel economy – consumption is quoted at between 10.4 and 10.6 km per litre on the Japanese JC08 cycle, down from 9.5 km per litre previously.
The V6 models also move from a six-speed automatic transmission to an eight-speed Direct Shift unit. The 180 hp/235 Nm 2.5 litre Dual VVT-i four-cylinder and CVT combo has been retained, as has the Hybrid model that combines a 150 hp 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle engine, a 141 hp electric motor and a 67 hp rear motor to provide all-wheel drive and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 19.4 km per litre.
Elsewhere, greater use of structural adhesives as well as high-rigidity glass adhesives have resulted in increased body rigidity, contributing to better handling stability and ride comfort.
Other changes are largely cosmetic in nature, with both the Alphard and Vellfire gaining a redesigned front fascia. The former receives an even more prominent full-height grille, with chrome trim that moves outward to bisect the headlights. Those headlights themselves have also been given new internal graphics with either two or three LED projectors, depending on specification.
Meanwhile, the Vellfire gets a giant chrome plated grille and triangular fog light surrounds, giving it an even more distinctive look. On both vehicles, the Aero models gain a sportier front bumper with larger fog light surrounds, with the Vellfire taking after the facelifted Voxy. Lastly, there are new tail lights (with square light guides in the case of the Vellfire), tailgate garnish and wheel design options.
Inside, you’ll find a new instrument cluster design, leather upholstery and wood grain options, plus a new black and white Nappa leather option. Wellcab models for disabled users also gain a new tilt mechanism for the seat to ease the load of the carer, and the seat also sticks out less when extended outside, making entry and egress easier in tight parking spaces.
The variant lineup has also been rejigged, with the ultra-luxurious six-seater Executive Lounge models now available on the Aero models as well, badged the Alphard Executive Lounge S and Vellfire Executive Lounge Z. At the other end of the spectrum are new base variants for the Hybrid Aero models, the Alphard Hybrid S and the Alphard Hybrid Z. So, what do you guys think of the new Alphard and Vellfire? And Merry Christmas!
GALLERY: Toyota Alphard facelift
GALLERY: Toyota Vellfire facelift
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Better 2.0 turbo
(Like) Toyota Alphard Vellfire.
(Dislike) Hyundai Grand Royale Trajet
STAREX ?
400k vs 100k? You must be joking.
So to press a dislike is like to tell people you are a poor guy.
Next gen waffle face
Can UMW bring in the hybrid models? So that, UMW can enjoy the EEV tax breaks our Gomen gives to Malaysians?
Don’t become like the Vios and Honda City Hybrid EEV tax breaks. Gomen give the rakyat, but both UMW and DRB sapu the tax breaks instead of passing it to the consumer.
I believe EEV is only for Local CKD. Both this MPV are CBU.
I thought you can enjoy the tax break only if you CKD here, not import CBU.
Camry hybrid CKD or CBU?
Peoples in Malaysia still believe the rubbish CKD and CBU talk. CBU is not the same as JDM unit. Its modified by umwt silently to suit Malaysian. And they think Malaysian is stupid enough to listen to their thrash, oh its Malaysia car industry thrash talk regarding the CKD CBU.
The ultimate benchmark MPV for Japanese Yakuzas.
Buy A Fleet of them in Black colour, tint them completely black and apply Modellista Gangster style bodykits. Store weapons inside including Glocks and Katanas.
Roll down the highways and small roads like a King.
Scare the other small cars on the roads.Case close. LOL.
I always thought that Yakuza would roll in a Toyota Mega Cruiser, complete with bullet proofing, M134 minigun, katana rack and a stash of sake.
gangster wannabe la u noob.
The Vellfire tail lights are hideous.. the prefacelift is much better. Having said that, the front is better looking now. Overall, good job Toyota.
Use your 2.5 VVTi-E engine and turbocharged it and make it power same like 3.5L engine. Cheaper road tax when bring it here.
2.0 turbo is suffice if not surpass 3.5L NA.
Don’t think the CVT gearbox can tahan the high turbo engine power and torque.
I will buy this vellfire next chritsmas
All brands (like MERZ BMW) Hybrid/EV with 33% price cut gain sales spike… If i was UMW Toyota mesia CEO, for sure I will bring CKD Hybrid Vellfire under EEV incentives with 33% price cut, from 345k to 260k, by year 2018 with no delay… Teach a final lesson to all stupid greedy grey import, bcoz aft all no more capable grey import to compete.
Vast majority of Toyota customers in USa love black/dark interiors.
Which one is superior between Alphard and Vellfire?
Same car with a different trip and cosmetics
Alphard
Alphard for Ah Pek.
Vellfire for Young man.
This is how Toyota capture all market.
this is a very nice MPV.. for premium limo we have S Class as benchmark, this is the benchmark of premium MPV category..
UMW Faster CKD here!! And your sales will go up tremendously.
this thing is all over the road nowadays..
To be honest, imo the current generation looks like a clown compared to the previous generation, more angular and modern silhouette. I hope Toyota would not end up following their sister Brand, Lexus’s ugly design.