Full-size MPVs receive their mandatory mid-life updates including some design tweaks, more interior features and new gearbox for V6 model.
Toyota Motor Thailand has officially released information and prices of the refreshed Alphard and Vellfire MPVs ahead of their public debut at next week’s 2018 Bangkok motor show.
In the typical fashion of mid-life updates, the changes to the vehicles’ design are on the minor side including restyled front grille and new LED lights and wheels.
More features have also appeared inside the MPVs such as front seats with warm or cool air ventilation, plus backside massage system called Air Lumbar Pro.
Others include digital TV reception, blind spot monitoring, digital rear view mirror and T-Connect telematics.
The petrol engine lineup remains the same as before: 271hp 3.5-litre V6, 180hp 2.5-litre inline-four and a hybrid version of the 2.5 producing a combined 197hp.
Whereas the two 2.5s get CVT automatic transmission, Toyota says the V6 is now coupled to an eight-speed automatic in place of the previous six-speeder. Toyota hasn’t mentioned whether the use of the new gearbox has helped improve fuel economy or CO2 emissions.
The 3.5 Executive Lounge costs 5.429 million baht, up by 101,000 baht. The 2.5 Vellfire and 2.5 Hybrid are priced at 3.809 and 3.939 million baht respectively, both representing an increase of 131,000 baht over the pre-facelift models.
The most direct rival to the Alphard and Vellfire is the Nissan Elgrand. However, the Thai Nissan office has never sold its full-size MPV in the country with only a small interest being generated in the grey market.
