The Toyota Alphard (Japanese: ??? ??????, Toyota Aruf?do) is a 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. The vehicle was named after Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra.
The Alphard is marketed as a luxury car for chauffeur business, and primarily made for the Japanese market, but is also sold in Bahrain, Belarus, Hong Kong, Oman, Russia, Macau, Sri Lanka, Greater China, and Southeast Asia.
In 2006, a Royal Lounge Alphard was introduced. It is a luxurious, four-seat version of the Alphard and exclusive to "Toyopet Store" Japanese dealerships. Its traditional competitor from Nissan is the Elgrand. Toyota also makes a sportier version of the Alphard, called the Vellfire (Japanese: ??? ???????, Toyota Verufaia) which is exclusive to "NETZ Store" Japanese dealerships.
Video Toyota Alphard
Design
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 100-volt AC power outlets, to power external appliances such as laptops and emergency lights.
Maps Toyota Alphard
First generation (AH10; 2002-2008)
The Alphard was launched by Toyota in May 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.
Second generation (AH20; 2008-2015)
In May 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.
The second generation Alphard launched in the Philippines on 3 August 2010.
A facelift model was announced by Toyota on 27 September 2011, with sales in Japan to start from 1 November 2011. Also introduced a hybrid version of both the Alphard and Vellfire.
Third generation (AH30; 2015-present)
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, Singapore, 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, but only with the 3.5 L V6 engine.
The newest generation features a 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). Large audio manufacturers like Alpine Electronics and JBL, also manufacture navigation and audio/visual accessories specifically for the Alphard.
The facelifted third generation Alphard and second generation Vellfire were unveiled on 25 December 2017 and released on 8 January 2018. With updated styling, an updated engine for the 3.5 V6 model as well as the debut of the second generation Toyota Safety Sense system.
See also
- List of hybrid vehicles
- Comparison of Toyota hybrids
- Hybrid Synergy Drive
References
External links
- Toyota Alphard global site
- Toyota Alphard official site
- Toyota Vellfire official site
Source of article : Wikipedia
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