Toyota Alphard and Vellfire (H40W)

For over two decades, the Toyota Alphard served as the flagship of Toyota's minivan lineup and it has been a favorite for VIPs of the East. In its all-new form, the Alphard and its sporty equivalent, the Vellfire, are ready to tackle the new normal while doing what these minivans do best; the premium combination of style, luxury, practicality, and comfort fit for royalties.

2024 Toyota Alphard

2024 Toyota Vellfire

The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire minivans are now on their H40W spec and because they're all-new from scratch, they are no longer the luxury minivans the Easterlies are familiar with. These minivans have turned pure alpha and they're ready to strut the road in style and comfort, no doubt.

2024 Toyota Alphard

2024 Toyota Vellfire

Beginning with the styling, the all-new Alphard's front view features a mammoth T-shaped grille that can embarrass today's BMW designs and for the first time, the Alphard badging has been replaced by the Toyota logo on it, a move similar to today's Harrier and Noah. Do not worry, the Alphard emblem is now located on the side view packed with sharp-looking windows. As for the rearview, it can be somewhat reminiscent of last decade's Crown.

The Vellfire, meanwhile, features the same shape as the Alphard but with a front view that says "Honey, I grew the Roomy" and a rearview reminiscent of the Hyundai Grandeur TG, adding some dramatic flair to it, if you catch my drift.

2024 Toyota Alphard interior

2024 Toyota Vellfire interior

Both the Alphard and the Vellfire are packed with an all-new interior which is slightly longer than the previous models while maintaining the same width and wheelbase as their predecessors. They're all offered as seven-seaters with ultra-luxurious second-row seats, a prized hallmark for these minivans.

On the driver's side, it features a 12.3-inch TFT color meter with a multi-information display, color HUD, a 14-inch sat-nav, a new digital rear-view mirror, and others. The passenger side, meanwhile, features a host of luxury amenities including Toyota firsts such as the super-long overhead console, power side sunshade for rear seats, universal steps positioned at the sliding doors for easy access, one-touch seesaw switch on the sliding doors, and the world's first 5:5 split two-position space-up seats where the third-row seats can be flipped up for extra space.

2024 Toyota Alphard

2024 Toyota Vellfire

As expected, all variants have four-cylinder engines and no V6 in them. That's it and that's all. Speaking of which, in order to differentiate the Alphard and the Vellfire, the petrol variants have been specified for each minivan. 

The Alphard Z variant is powered by a 2.5L 2AR-FE engine that produces 182PS of power, and 235Nm of torque. Mated with the Super CVT-i, it has a fuel economy of up to 10.6km/l for FF variants.

The Vellfire Z Premier, meanwhile, is powered by the turbocharged 2.4L T24A-FTS engine that produces 279PS of power and 430Nm of torque. Mated to a Direct Shift-8AT, it has 10.3km/L of fuel economy for FF variants.

Both the hybrid variants of the Alphard and the Vellfire are powered by a 2.5L A25A-FXS petrol-hybrid powerplant bolted to an electric motor (two electric motors if you're on the e-Four variant), a nickel battery, and CVT. With this powertrain, fuel economy is up to 17.7km/L for FF variants while e-Four variants get up to 16.7km/L.

Running on the TNGA platform, front MacPherson struts, rear double wishbones, and ventilated disc brakes, both the all-new Alphard and the all-new Vellfire behave like luxury cars with their refined silence and comfort that can please VIPs from the hot seat. In addition, both are packed with Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Teammate for safer driving and worry-free parking worth noticing. Don't ask your boss about these gizmos.

The Alphard starts at 5.4 million Japanese Yen while the Vellfire starts at 6.55 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs.

With the all-new Toyota Alphard and the all-new Toyota Vellfire making the rounds, high rollers of the Far East are ready to double down on these new versions because of the style, luxury, practicality, and comfort worth their trip, not to mention the tech involved. Because both minivans are powered by four-cylinder engines only with the Vellfire at the top of the pack with its turbocharged 4-pot, there's no idea how to explain these minivans to the boys and girls at Okada, Newport World Resorts, Solaire, City of Dreams, Hann, or whatever casino-resorts these minivans served.

Available colors (Alphard): Platinum White Pearl Mica, Black, and Precious Leo Blonde.

Available colors (Vellfire): Platinum White Pearl Mica, and Black.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

My GT7 Log: The last V6-powered Alphard

The third-generation Toyota Alphard is the last Alphard to have a V6 engine on it as the next model will never have one due to downsizing trends. As the third-generation Alphard arrived in Gran Turismo 7 via an update, it's time to have a drive with the last V6-powered Alphard in history.

The third-generation Alphard, the H30W model, debuted in January 2015, marking the evolution of Toyota's flagship minivan first launched in 2002. Renowned for its first-class interior comforts that satisfy even the most influential VIPs inside, the third-generation Alphard is powered by a choice of a 2.5L 2AR-FE engine mated to a Super CVT-i, a 3.5L V6 engine mated to a 6-speed Super ECT, and a 2AR-FXE 2.5L hybrid powertrain sourced from the Camry.

Underneath, the third-generation Alphard features a revised bodywork made of high-tensile strength steel for added rigidity as well as a new double-wishbone rear suspension, resulting in comfortable mobility and added stability while reduced NVH results in a quiet ride while in motion. Comfort and luxury are the Alphard's key strengths.

The third-generation Alphard was facelifted for the 2018 model year and V6 variants featured a 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 petrol engine with VVT-iW (Variable Valve. Timing-intelligent Wide), DIS (Direct Ignition System), ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System) and ETCS-i (Electronic Throttle Control System-intelligent). This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The Alphard featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the ultra-luxury Executive Lounge variant powered by a 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 petrol engine mated to an 8-speed AT and 4WD. I tried it and although it would be pointless and silly to race with it due to its bulky packaging and comfort-oriented dynamics, I finally got the experience of driving Toyota's flagship minivan which has been a common sight in five-star hotels and casinos across Asia...in my mind. Yes, from where I came from, there's no shortage of sightings of this minivan in places like...let's say, Okada, Newport World Resorts, Solaire, City of Dreams, or Hann. You get the point. In fact, this is the kind of minivan high rollers ride.

Speaking of high rollers, let's give the third-generation Alphard, which is of course the last model to have a V6 engine on it, for a quick lap around Tsukuba. Let's see how much of a high-roller minivan the Alphard is. Roll the tape.

After a quick lap around Tsukuba, I managed to hit the 1m13.304s lap time in an Alphard, which is surprisingly quicker than the compacts I tried at this track a long time ago but still, not bad for a V6-powered Alphard that is nearing its end of life.

It's a good thing this game featured the last V6-powered Alphard in history because with an all-new model coming up, it is expected that all variants will have four-cylinder engines and no V6 in it. It's a shame but I managed to give the V6-powered Alphard a good send-off. Good call for a grim time like this.

Although pointless and silly to take it for a race, the third-generation Toyota Alphard is a good addition to the Gran Turismo 7 car roster, giving players what's like to drive the flagship minivan that has been a favorite for VIPs from all walks of life. So, care to double down in this minivan?

Toyota Alphard and Vellfire (H30W) - 2018 minor change

The current-generation Toyota Alphard and Vellfire luxury minivans have been on the road for two years now and like today's Toyota Harrier SUV, these minivans, commonly smuggled in Southeast Asian countries, are glad to be available in official Toyota dealerships, although there are still those prefer to smuggle one because it has bits and bobs their local Toyota dealers don't. No matter the status, these minivans have been the talk of the town because of their unparalleled luxuriousness no other minivan has to offer. At last, there are new versions that will change the course of these current-generation models.

2018 Toyota Alphard

2018 Toyota Vellfire

There's no need to explain everything about these two because every minivan fanatics, especially smugglers from Southeast Asia, are familiar with the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire minivans because different looks aside, they boast the same luxuriousness, the same performance, and the same expensive price tag and with the 2018 minor change, there's something to look out for these updated models starting with the exterior design where everything's gone from "get out of my way" to "GET OUT OF MY WAY" with all caps on because the new face really is shouty indeed and even shoutier in aero variants. Now that's some strong image implemented on these new models.

2018 Toyota Alphard interior

2018 Toyota Vellfire interior

Inside, there have been some substantial changes happening as hinted by the revised steering wheel, the new instrumental panel, new wood panels, and the new Executive Lounge variant featuring a black and white interior, Nappa leather, and specially trimmed second rear seats. Changes aside, they're still as luxurious as they were two years ago because they come with a wide array of luxurious conveniences such as the rear entertainment system, LED lighting, reading light, a choice of seven or eight seats, and much more. Everything you enjoy about the Alphard and Vellfire is all here and you can toy around with these luxury features as much as you like.

2018 Toyota Alphard

2018 Toyota Vellfire

For base variants, it's powered by the 2.5L 2AR-FE engine which produces 182PS of power and 235Nm of torque. Couple that with the Super CVT-i (with 7-speed manual mode) and an idling stop feature and you can expect up to 12.8km/L of fuel economy as calculated by JC08 Mode standards. For hybrid variants, meanwhile, it's powered by a 2AR-FXE 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine connected with two electric motors, generating a total output of a modest 197PS of power output and an improved fuel economy of up to 19.4km/L, depending on the variant.

Now, this is getting interesting because the 3.5L V6 on these variants are brand new because the Alphard and the Vellfire use the all-new 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 petrol engine with VVT-iW (Variable Valve. Timing-intelligent Wide), DIS (Direct Ignition System), ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System) and ETCS-i (Electronic Throttle Control System-intelligent). This engine produces 301PS and that produces more power than the Chrysler Pacifica, hence making this the most powerful minivan, pause, in the world. Mated with an 8-speed AT, the fuel consumption is now up to 10.8km/L by JC08 mode standards. Such improvement.

The 2018MY Alphard and Vellfire are the first to implement the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assists featuring an improved Pre-Collision System with the ability to detect pedestrians both day and nighttime as well as cyclists during the day, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, and Road Sign Assist. Along with a wide variety of safety features available, these updated minivans set the standards to become the safest luxury MPVs on the market and you can't argue with the results.

Both of these models are now available to order starting at 3,354,480 Japanese Yen and arriving in dealerships this January, with the Alphard being on the Toyopet dealerships and the Vellfire on the Netz dealerships. So, with the shouty exterior, more luxurious interior, new V6 engine, and added safety, there are plenty of reasons why some of you are dying to get your sweaty hands on these updated minivans. In fact, most of you wanted to smuggle one for keeps. Go ahead. Get greedy because these minivans are causing a stir across Asia and like today's Harrier, you have a choice; wait for your local Toyota distributor to sell it officially and legally or smuggle one to get ahead of the pack while drawing the heat from the customs.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

New Toyota Alphard and Vellfire (H30W)

2016 Toyota Alphard

2016 Toyota Vellfire

Toyota's flagship MPVs are now regenerated for their brand new generation and the brand new Alphard and Vellfire are now ready to aim for the luxury minivan spotlight that was taken from the likes of the Nissan Elgrand and the Honda Odyssey. Yes. The luxury minivans coveted by most ASEANS are back with a brand new look and features that will surely beg to have one until Toyota gives a go to send Japan's top-notch minivans to those greedy ASEANs. Oh, and if you don't mind, don't bother telling the differences between these two because mechanically, they're the same cars with different faces just like the Noah and Voxy.

Yes, they're different in their exterior designs, and to sum things up, here's what you can expect on the outside of these two. On the new Toyota Alphard, which is now on its 3rd generation, the front face now looks like it came from the latest Toyota Crown saloon. The new Vellfire, meanwhile, has a front face that looks like it came from the Nissan Dayz, the Highway Star version. The faces are different but they have a completely new side view that looks more streamlined and the rear view that looks like it copied the Elgrand's rear for whatever reasons. Although they look like they're a distorted mess, both the new Alphard and the new Vellfire's design really make the cut above the rest of those Japanese luxury MPVs.

2016 Toyota Alphard interior

2016 Toyota Alphard interior

2016 Toyota Vellfire interior

2016 Toyota Vellfire interior

The interior has been the grand stage for both the Alphard and the Vellfire and for this latest generation, it has been given a major overhaul to make it as luxurious as possible and it did. The dashboard looks like it took from the Land Cruiser Prado but it pushes all the right buttons as planned. As for the sat-nav system, it's now integrated with Toyota's T-Connect telematics system first applied on the recently facelifted Camry last year.

If you never know what that is, T-Connect is Toyota's new telematics services along with sat-navs compatible with this and a smartphone app.  In addition to the voice controls, T-Connect allows third-party apps to be downloaded to the navigation system. There's an online help service that integrates and improves the functions the G-BOOK currently provided. In short; T-Connect from Toyota features interactive voice response, service for downloading apps to the sat-nav, improved online help, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Both the new Alphard and the new Vellfire are available with the choice of a 7 or 8 seater but those who prefer the seven-seater might come in for a treat because depending on the variant, it can be offered with three ottoman seats, one in the passenger side and the other two on the second-row seats. They can be adjusted forwards or backward and between you and me, there's no other luxury MPV that would have done such, having an ottoman seat on the passenger side that can be adjusted forwards or backward so you can feel like you're the boss.

For an added surprise, the new models now come with the first-ever cargo area under the third-row seat sliding mechanism. You can store up to 148 liters of storage under the floor and the deck board can be folded into three sections to provide both a sliding third-row and under-floor storage.

There's also the first-ever Smart Entry and Push Start System which automatically opens the sliding door as the user approaches after setting up a reservation and can be locked automatically after it closes.

There are so many conveniences you can find on the new Alphard and Vellfire such as the available rear-seat entertainment system, the JBL Sound System, and many more.

2016 Toyota Alphard

2016 Toyota Vellfire

The cheaper versions have increased the size of their 4-cylinder engines from the former 2.4L to 2.5L! With added displacement comes with added performance because this 2.5L 2AR-FE engine produces 182PS of power and 235Nm of torque. Couple that with the Super CVT-i (with 7-speed manual mode) and an idling stop feature and you can expect up to 12.8km/L of fuel economy as calculated by JC08 Mode standards.

The top-of-the-line models still come with the same 3.5L V6 engine that produces 280PS of power and 344Nm of torque while mated with a 6-speed Super ECT. Fuel economy is a thirsty 9.5km/L.

On the hybrid models, the hybrid system has now been reworked and it now features the same 2AR-FXE 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine as seen from the Camry while connected with two electric motors, generating a total output of a modest 197PS of power output and an improved fuel economy of up to 19.4km/L, depending on the variant.

Apart from the engine choices, the new Alphard and Vellfire now come with a revised bodywork made of high-tensile strength steel for added rigidity as well as a new double-wishbone rear suspension just like the ones you found on your Honda Odyssey. This results in comfortable mobility and added stability while reduced NVH results in a quiet ride while in motion, giving these minivans the touch and class of a flagship premium saloon.

The new Alphard and Vellfire start at 3,197,782 up to 7,036,691 Japanese Yen (around $32,000 to $71,000). Yes. You can afford one more than the Nissan Elgrand for now and you can take advantage of the new features that the rival minivans of its class don't.

Available colors (Alphard): White Pearl Crystal Shine, Luxury White Crystal Shine Glass Flake, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, and Greyish Blue Mica Metallic

Available colors (Vellfire): White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Burning Black Crystal Shine, and Greyish Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Alphard and Vellfire G's (G SPORTS)

2013 Toyota Alphard G's

2013 Toyota Alphard G's

This is the latest chapter to Toyota's sports conversion series dubbed as G's or G SPORTS. This is the new Toyota Alphard 350S/240S G's (G SPORTS)...

2013 Toyota Vellfire G's

2013 Toyota Vellfire G's

...and the Toyota Vellfire 3.5Z/2.4Z G's (G SPORTS). What GAZOO Racing did to these two of these...Toyota flagship minivans that most Malaysian idiots love to smuggle one because UMW Toyota Motor has no plans to bring either these two in Malaysia (as it happens, NO, UMW will not bring them here) is simple. They've lowered both the Alphard and Vellfire by about 30mm thanks to its sport-tuned suspension developed specifically by GAZOO Racing. Not just that, they even dress them up with Gazoo Racing-made body kit to make them look sharper and aggressive, then there are sport brakes fitted for increased stopping power.

2013 Toyota Alphard/Vellfire G's interior

2013 Toyota Alphard/Vellfire G's interior

There's more too. The interior's all smothered up with G's peripherals. The instrumental's changed, the seats are embroidered with red stitching while being covered in Alcantara, the engine start button's colored red, and here come the sport pedals. Besides, they still accommodate up to seven people while the 2nd row seats are a fit for royalty. So what they did here is turning a luxury MPV into a bragging machine that deserves a bragging rights to the crowd who owns minivans and showing up to the Daikoku parking area.

Sure, they both come with sports suspension, sports brakes, sport tires courtesy of TOYO TIRES for added grip, 19-inch rims, quad exhausts, and everything G's on it but performance remains the same. You still have a choice of a 2.4L engine mated with a CVT or a 3.5L V6 engine mated with a 6-speed ECT.

As for the pricing, well because the Alphard's available at Toyopet dealerships while the Vellfire's available at Netz dealerships, the Alphard 240S G's and Vellfire 2.4Z G's cost about 4,040,000 Japanese Yen while the Alphard 350S G's and Vellfire 3.5Z G'S costs about 4,420,000 Japanese Yen. They'll both arrive in selected dealerships across Japan this November 2012.

So, there you are. The G's (G SPORTS) versions of the Alphard and Vellfire are made for bragging rights at the parking lots but if you are an Malaysian trying to smuggle one, be warned. As told that UMW Toyota Motor will never EVER bring either the Alphard or Vellfire, don't even think about smuggling one or you could be in big trouble. That's an order.

2012 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire modified by WALD

Well, what do you know? Those guys at WALD did a pretty good job modifying those ultra-luxury Alphard and Vellfire MPVs to create those from WALD'S Executive Line series and Black Bison series! With such spartan looks, aggressive rims, and overall luxuriousness to cater the notorious VIP STYLE culture, needless to say that both of them looked good...for a Malaysian smuggler...

2012 WALD Alphard Black Bison

2012 WALD Vellfire Black Bison

2012 WALD Alphard Executive Line

2012 WALD Vellfire Executive Line

From: http://www.wald.co.jp/top.html

Alphard G Sports?!

2012 Toyota Alphard G's Concept

This is somewhat might have look like when the Toyota Alphard deserved the G Sports (G's) treatment. Anyway, this here is the Toyota Alphard G's concept. It hints us of a hotter Alphard model and wow, it looks good. It made a surprise appearance at the 2012 Osaka Auto Messe and it looks even more better than the Vellfire G Sports Concept as seen at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon. Because this is a concept, there's not much to say about now but if both the Alphard G's and the Vellfire G's went into production, this would be interesting...

Scoop: http://jp.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/2012-gs-alphard-toyota-automesse2012/

What is Panoramic View Monitor?

The Panoramic View Monitor available on the
2012 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire

Available on the 2012 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire models (including the new Alphard Hybrid and Vellfire Hybrid), this new Panoramic View Monitor works just like Nissan's Around View Monitor but not as effective as Nissan's.

The Panoramic View Monitor is the first from Toyota. It shows around the car from the top to provide enhanced parking safety and it has four views; "Moving View", "Panoramic View and Wide View Front", "Side View", and "Panoramic View & Back View".

The new Panoramic View Monitor is an optional feature on the 2012MY Alphard and 2012MY Vellfire. For details, contact your Toyopet and Netz dealers or visit the official Toyota site.

URL: 

1) http://toyota.jp/alphard/002_p_010/navi-audio/navi/index.html

2) http://toyota.jp/vellfire/001_p_009/navi-audio/navi/index.html

For your viewing pleasure - 2012 Alphard and 2012 Vellfire Customize Car Lineup!

2012 Toyota Alphard

2012 Toyota Alphard

2012 Toyota Alphard

2012 Toyota Vellfire

2012 Toyota Vellfire

2012 Toyota Vellfire

Both the 2012 Toyota Alphard line-up and the 2012 Toyota Vellfire lineup have a range of Customize Car Lineup for your viewing pleasure in case that you want your 2012 Toyota Alphard and 2012 Toyota Vellfire customized to meet your demands.

First, the 2012 Toyota Alphard "Recommended Exterior" package features a front grille plating, front garnish, three different fog lamps to choose from (Daytime Running, LED, or standard), Door Mirror Cover plating, and side garnish plating.

If the 2012 Toyota Alphard Recommended Exterior package wasn't enough, you can take advantage of the TRD Sportivo version that features front spoiler, rear bumper garnish, LED Daytime Running foglamp set, HID Bulb Set, LEC Crystal Bulb set, Winker Bulb Set, rear roof spoiler, TRD Sportivo suspension set, performance damper set, a choice of 18-inch or 19-inch rims courtesy of TRD, High Response Muffler Version S, and loads of extras.

For those looking for style, an available AERO TOURER KIT, MODELLISTA, KENSTYLE, and MODELLISTA SELECTION customize parts are here and for the ultimate VIP treatment, there is an Alphard Royal Lounge and Royal Lounge LE available with loads of luxury features that are fit for royalty.

Now, let's move to the 2012 Vellfire Recommended Exterior package. This package includes a front grille plating (that looks cool), upper front bumper garnish, lower front bumper garnish, three different fog lamps to choose from (Daytime Running, LED, or standard), Door Mirror Cover plating, and side garnish plating.

The 2012 Vellfire TRD Sportivo package features front spoiler, rear bumper garnish, LED Daytime Running foglamp set, HID Bulb Set, LEC Crystal Bulb set, Winker Bulb Set, rear roof spoiler, TRD Sportivo suspension set, performance damper set, a choice of 18-inch or 19-inch rims courtesy of TRD, High Response Muffler Version S, and loads of extras.

They also offer AERO TOURER KIT, MODELLISTA, admiration, and MODELLISTA SELECTION customize parts and also the mega luxurious Vellfire Royal Lounge and Royal Lounge LE.

For further details about the 2012 Alphard & 2012 Vellfire Customize Car Lineup, contact your nearest Toyopet or Netz dealer.