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