In a move that emphasizes innovation and technological advancement, Toyota Motor Corporation has introduced the fourth-generation iterations of the Alphard and Vellfire MPVs to the Japanese market. These vehicles showcase Toyota's latest offerings, with a focus on hybrid powertrains and cutting-edge features.

As Toyota's top-rated people carriers in Japan and Southeast Asia, the Alphard and its sportier counterpart, the Vellfire, have made their mark as favored family vehicles and VIP transport options, despite never having been sold through Toyota's Australian dealer network.

In a significant development, the luxury branch of Toyota, Lexus, will debut the Alphard/Vellfire-based LM by the end of 2023, marking its initial foray into the premium MPV sector in Australia.

Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Several models are powered by a hybrid system derived from the Toyota Kluger, pairing a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors to produce a combined 184kW, with options for front- or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel-drive versions offer a fuel economy in mixed driving conditions of 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres, outperforming the diesel Kia Carnival people mover in Australia (6.5L/100km).

Alternatively, select Alphard models come with a non-hybrid 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, capable of delivering 134kW and 235Nm. The Vellfire variant offers a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 205kW and 430Nm, connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with an option of front- or all-wheel drive.

Toyota has also indicated plans to release plug-in hybrid versions of the Alphard/Vellfire, although specifics are yet to be disclosed.

Safety

Innovative safety features include the Toyota Teammate semi-autonomous driving system. It allows drivers to remove their hands from the wheel, enabling the vehicle to navigate, speed up, and slow down within its lane in heavy traffic conditions, as long as the driver's eyes remain on the road.

Toyota's Teammate features also include a remote parking function accessible via a smartphone app and a traffic jam assist feature called Advanced Drive, designed to control acceleration, deceleration, and steering within 0 and 40km/h.

Structure

Toyota’s latest press release reveals a new chassis design, featuring straight rockers and a V-shaped brace in the rear-lower section, which bolsters rigidity by 50 per cent compared to its predecessor. Combined with strategic use of structural adhesives, these enhancements boost maneuverability and stability.

Complementing these structural advancements are newly developed shock absorbers, which mechanically adjust damping force according to road surface vibrations, minimizing cabin disturbance. Further, improved soundproofing measures contribute to the overall refinement of the vehicles.

Interior and Practicality

The newest Alphard and Vellfire models are more spacious than their previous versions but still fit comfortably within Japan's automated car-park stackers. The vehicles feature a slew of modern enhancements, such as retractable side steps for easy access, a panoramic sunroof, window sunshades, and a redesigned second-row seating arrangement.

On the tech front, there's a large touchscreen display, akin to those seen in Lexus models, accompanied by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The second-row seats are power-adjustable and come with both heating and cooling functions.

The cabin design also focuses on convenience, with a new Super-Long Overhead Console that consolidates various features like air-conditioning vents, lighting, and switches.

The Alphard and Vellfire have set a new standard for accessibility, as the first vehicles in Toyota's line-up to incorporate 'Universal Steps' on both sides, facilitating easier access for young children and elderly passengers. The steps extend approximately 220mm from the ground when the doors are opened, thus reducing the height of the initial step for passengers. The addition of long grip handles on the C-pillars enhances convenience.

Prospect

Production of the Alphard and Vellfire will proceed at Toyota’s Inabe Plant in Japan, with an estimated monthly domestic sales volume of 8500 units. Out of these, the Alphard models are expected to account for 70 per cent, with the Vellfire constituting the remaining 30 per cent.

Though the Alphard is predominantly marketed for the Japanese demographic, this top-tier people carrier has found popularity in other Asian markets, such as China, as well as regions like Russia and the Middle East.