L-R: Mr Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMWT, Mr Kenichi Yoshioka, Chief Engineer, Toyota Motor Corporation and Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor at the official launch of the all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire.
Subang Jaya, 4 August 2016 – The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are popular MPVs with Malaysian consumers but the ones you see on the road are mainly reconditioned units from grey market importers. UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the sole authorised importer and distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, did bring in the previous generation Alphard but stocks were limited. Today, UMWT launched the two popular premium MPVs – the All-new Toyota Alphard and All-new Toyota Vellfire.
At the launch, Mr. Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor commented, “Driving conditions in Malaysia can be quite demanding. The weather conditions are usually hot and most vehicles especially MPVs often travel long distances at high speed. These situations may affect the operating temperatures of the engine and programming of the ECU (Engine Control Unit) is usually adjusted to keep the engine cool.
“Vehicles intended for other countries are being tuned specially for the country and they may not operate optimally in Malaysian conditions. Therefore, in order for customers to have complete peace of mind and satisfaction when driving their Toyota vehicle, I strongly recommend that they purchase the vehicles from UMWT outlet or any authorized Toyota dealers in Malaysia,” he added.
Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor chipped in, “UMW Toyota Motor has been selling the previous generation Alphard in Malaysia. However, we did not promote it extensively as the available stocks are limited and were often taken up quickly. From this encouraging demand, it became clear that the time is right for us to give more attention to marketing the premium MPVs.”
Customers who buy from UMWT will enjoy a vehicle that is optimally tuned for local climate and driving conditions as well as a full 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and extensive after-sales service coverage with Toyota-trained technicians. In addition, there is also a 10-year guarantee of the availability of Toyota Genuine Parts after the model is out of production so there is peace-of-mind if you plan to keep the vehicle for a long time.
“For every model we sell, we are committed to provide our customers with all the necessary support to ensure that their ownership experience is enjoyable. Therefore, we invested in the necessary equipment to service and repair the models and our technicians received specific training so that they know the vehicles inside out,” Datuk Ismet explained.
The Bravely Magnificent Alphard has an imposing chrome grille.
The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire might appear similar but they are differentiated by market segmentation and design theme – the Alphard’s theme is ‘Bravely Magnificent’ while the Vellfire is ‘Bold and Fearless’. The Alphard is a premium executive MPV and is fitted with a 3.5-litre 2GR-FE V6 Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) engine and other advanced technologies for high fuel efficiency and low emissions. Maximum output of 180kW/271PS of power and 340Nm of torque is sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual mode.
An ECO mode switch is available to improve fuel economy. There are two variants of the Alphard – the Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge and Alphard 3.5 and four colours to choose from – White Pearl with Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black and the Alphard-exclusive Luxury White Pearl with Crystal Shine and Glass Flakes. The Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge is priced at RM519,900 on the road (with insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia while the Alphard 3.5 is at RM419,900.
Fits up to 6 golf bags with the 3rd row seats folded up
On the other hand, the Vellfire is powered by a 2.5-litre 2AR-FE 4-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i that produces 132kW/180PS and 235Nm. This engine is mated to a 7-speed CVT (continuously-variable transmission) that is tuned for efficiency, quietness and MPV loads. Colour-wise the Vellfire gets the Alphard’s three colours and the Vellfire-only Burning Black with Crystal Shine and Glass Flakes. The Vellfire costs RM355,000 for personal ownership in Peninsular Malaysia.
Both the 7-seater Alphard and Vellfire come with Active and Passive safety systems such as 7 SRS airbags, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control. The Electric Parking Brake is also a first for these models.
Wide VIP seats for the Toyota Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge
The Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge, being the more premium model gets wider second row VIP seats with ottoman and stowable table as well as a 9-inch roof-mounted screen with Blu-Ray player. There is also a voice recognition system on the steering for hands-free operation of some features. The other variants get captain seats with ottoman, side table, a walk-through cabin and a 10.2-inch roof-mounted entertainment system. All variants get twin moonroofs, ceiling illumination, 3-zone climate control with nanoe air purification.
The all-new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire will be available at selected Toyota showrooms nationwide from 19 August onwards.
Toyota Alphard (Executive Lounge variant shown)
Toyota Vellfire
Keyword: Made-For-Malaysia Toyota Alphard & Vellfire MPVs Launched