Toyota Alphard

Toyota Alphard[1]
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Also called Toyota Vellfire (Japanese: トヨタ・ヴェルファイア Toyota Verufaia)
Production 2002 - present
Assembly Japan
Body and chassis
Class Full-size MPV

The Toyota Alphard (Japanese: トヨタ・アルファード Toyota Arufādo) is a full-size luxury MPV (minivan) produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2002. It is available as a seven- or eight-seater with a 2.4 and 3.5 litre gasoline engine in 3 different model lines - Alphard G, Alphard V, and the Alphard Hybrid, which uses the 2.4 litre engine along with an electrical motor and batteries. Toyota states its "E-Four electric 4WD system that regulates a rear-mounted, rear-wheel-propelling electric motor and coordinates electric power distribution to all four wheels. An ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake system) provides efficient wheel-by-wheel brake control." The vehicle was named after the Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra.

The Alphard is primarily made for the Japanese market, but is also sold in Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Oman, Philippines, Russia,[2] Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan , Thailand and Myanmar.

In 2006, a Royal Lounge Alphard was introduced. It is a luxurious, four-seat version of the Alphard. Its traditional competitor from Nissan is the Elgrand. Toyota also makes a sportier version of the Alphard, called the Vellfire.

TRD sportivo

Toyota Alphard and Vellfire currently offers a new type that is a TRD sportivo edition.

Alphard Hybrid

The full-size Alphard Hybrid MPV qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), achieving emission levels 75% lower than the Japanese government's year 2000 benchmark. The 2.4-litre gasoline engine has been developed specifically for use in Toyota's hybrid systems and features a high-expansion ratio cycle that raises efficiency and reduces friction.

The Alphard Hybrid uses "by-wire" technology that monitors brake pedal pressure and vehicle speed in order to calculate the optimum hydraulic pressure. By-wire works with the E-Four to maximize the collection of kinetic energy from braking for conversion into electric power.

The Alphard Hybrid can generate up to 1,500 watts and is equipped with standard 100-volt AC power outlets, allowing a wide range of appliances to be used, such as laptops and emergency lights. The electrical outlets can also be used to recharge items such as power-assisted bicycles and electric carts, adding a new dimension to leisure activities.

Safety features

In fact, standard on the "G edition" and optional on standard grades are (with a G-BOOK compatible DVD voice navigation system):

Built-in electronic toll collection

In addition, optional on all grades is a built-in electronic toll collection unit that allows for quick tollgate pass-through (only available with a navigation system).

Fuel efficiency

The Alphard Hybrid achieves approximately 42 mpg and boasts an insulated body and newly developed two-way compressor that is incorporated in the motor to optimize the use of the air conditioner, conserving fuel. The Alphard Hybrid's specially developed windshield glass also reduces the amount of solar radiation penetration. In addition, the roof and roof panels contain an insulating material to reduce cabin temperature, which helps conserve energy when the air conditioner is operating.

First generation (2002-2008)

First generation[1]
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Production 2002 - 2007
Assembly Japan
Body and chassis
Class Large MPV
Body style 4 or 5 door MPV
Powertrain
Engine 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 160hp
3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 220hp
Transmission 4-speed automatic (2.4L & 2002-2005 3.0L)
5-speed automatic (3.0L 2005-2008)
CVT automatic (Hybrid 2.4L 2003-2008)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,900 mm (110 in)
Length 4,840 mm (191 in)
Width 1,805 mm (71.1 in)
Height 1,935 mm (76.2 in)
Curb weight 1,790 kg (3,950 lb)

The Alphard was produced by Toyota in 2002 to compete against the Nissan Elgrand and Honda Elysion. With full electrical component features and complete comfort and safety features, the Alphard is Toyota's best selling MPV in Japan. The Alphard was facelifted in 2005 with new design of rear lamp and use of 16" and 17" alumunium alloy wheels. A hybrid version was also added to the lineup. For model year 2007 on Japanese models only, G-BOOK, a subscription telematics service, is offered as an option.

Actor Jean Reno appeared on Japanese TV commercials for the Toyota Alphard.

Technical details

Toyota Alphard (Malaysia)


Second generation (2008-2015)

Second generation[1]
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Also called Toyota Vellfire
Production 2007 - 2015
Assembly Japan: Kariya, Aichi (Inabe plant)[3]
Body and chassis
Class Large MPV
Body style 4 or 5 door MPV
Powertrain
Engine 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 168hp
3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 266hp-276hp
Transmission 7-speed Super CVT-i (2.4L)
6-speed automatic (3.5L)
CVT automatic (Hybrid 2.4L)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,950 mm (116 in)
Length 4,840 mm (191 in)
Width 1,830 mm (72 in)
Height 1,905 mm (75.0 in)
Curb weight 1,910 kg (4,210 lb)(Base I4)
1,985 kg (4,376 lb)(Base V6)
1,995 kg (4,398 lb)(Top Trim I4)
2,070 kg (4,560 lb)(Top Trim V6)
Toyota Alphard (ANH20; Singapore)

In April 2008, the Alphard was redesigned with a more modern exterior and a more luxurious interior. For this generation, the Alphard line-up was expanded into two different design variants - Alphard and Vellfire. According to Toyota's press release, the Alphard is described as having an elegant and sophisticated design while the Vellfire emphasizes on strength and strong individuality. Both models are sold via separate distribution channels, with the Alphard sold by Toyota's Toyopet dealership chain while the Vellfire is sold at Toyota's youth oriented Netz dealership chain.[4][5]

The 2nd generation Alphard launched in the Philippines on August 3, 2010.[6]

A facelift model was announced by Toyota Motor Co. on 27-September 2011, with sales in Japan to start from 1-November 2011. Also introduced is a hybrid version of both the Alphard and Vellfire.[7]

Technical details

Third generation (2015-present)

Third generation
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Also called Toyota Vellfire (second generation)
Production 2015 - present
Assembly Japan
Body and chassis
Class Full-size Luxury MPV
Body style Full-size MPV
Layout FF or 4WD
Powertrain
Engine
  • 2.5 L 2AR-FE I4 182 PS (134 kW; 180 hp)
  • 2.5 L 2AR-FXE I4 hybrid 152 PS (112 kW; 150 hp)
  • 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp)
Transmission
  • 7-speed super CVT-i (2.5L)
  • 6-speed Super ECT(3.5L)
  • CVT(hybrid)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 3,000 mm (120 in)
Length 4,915–4,935 mm (193.5–194.3 in)
Width 1,850 mm (73 in)
Height 1,880–1,950 mm (74–77 in)
Curb weight 1,920–2,220 kg (4,230–4,890 lb)

Toyota released the third generation Alphard on 26 January 2015 with a new look and new features such as a new 2.5-litre petrol engine, 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine. A new top-of-the-line Executive Lounge grade was added for both Alphard and Vellfire. Third generation Alphard is currently available in Japan and some Asian markets with Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Hong Kong are being the first markets outside Japan to receive this all-new model and recently the all-new Alphard was introduced in Russia, the model's primary and so far only European market.

The new generation features very large grille similar to the current model Toyota Crown. The length has grown longer by 60 mm, the width by 20 mm and the wheelbase has grown longer by 50 mm but the height is shorter by 10 mm compared to the previous generation. The Alphard faces competition from big MPV's such as the Nissan Elgrand and the fifth generation Honda Odyssey (JDM and Asian model).[8] Large audio manufacturers like Alpine Electronics and JBL, also manufacture navigation and audio/visual accessories specifically for the Alphard.[9]

Third Generation Gallery

2015 Toyota Alphard Hybrid Executive Lounge 
2015 Toyota Alphard Hybrid interior 
2015 Toyota Alphard X 
Toyota Vellfire ZA 
Toyota Vellfire ZA 
Toyota Vellfire Z 
Toyota Vellfire Hybrid V "L Edition" interior 

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Automobil Revue, catalogue edition 2007, p. 490.
  2. ↑ "Toyota Alphard Minivan Now Sold in Russia". Wroom.ru. 25 October 2011. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
  3. ↑ "Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.". Toyota Motor Corporation. 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  4. ↑ "Model change Toyota Alphard" (Press release). Japan: Toyota. 12 May 2008. Archived from the original on 26 May 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  5. ↑ "Alphard and Vellfire Facelift, Hybrid added". MotorIndustry.org. 19 October 2011. Archived from the original on 22 November 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  6. ↑ Patrick Everett Tadeo (2 August 2010). "Toyota Motor Philippines launches new Alphard minivan". Top Gear Philippines. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  7. ↑ "Minor changes to Alphard and Vellfire, plus hybrid models added" (Press release). Japan: Toyota. 27 September 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  8. ↑ Toyota Alphard and Vellfire 2015 model officially launched Bangkok Post, 26 January 2015
  9. ↑ "Toyota Alphard and Vellfire". Retrieved 11 April 2016.

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