Toyota Alphard

Toyota Alphard 2020 looks extremely masculine and spirited from the exterior layout but the interior, on the contrary is very minimalistic and subtle. After taking a glance at the MPV, the excitement develops to see the interior cabin design even more scintillating, but to our surprise, the interior though sophisticated, has a simple layout. The steering wheel is a regular four-spoke with a vertical design on the centre. Coming to the centre-instrument cluster, we see a coloured MID screen between two analogue dials. The whole cluster is trapezoidal in shape, which enhances the overall dashboard appeal. The dashboard also looks very premium with touchscreen infotainment system and other elements are very ubiquitous and basic. 

There is however, no compromise in terms of comfort and convenience, which is enhanced due to VIP seats with control panel and table service, LED ceiling illumination, and 3-zone climate control. The ambient lighting makes the interior of the Alphard feel like a lounge. The cabin space also feels very spacious due to presence of large glass areas.

While see from outside, Toyota Alphard breaks all the rules of how a conventional should look like. The Alphard has a very wide and exuberant design from the outside which makes it look like one of its kind. The overall design is very boxier, bolder and distinctive. For some buyers of the MPV segment, the Alphard may look a bit loud, but on the other hand, this breaks all norms of a traditional MPV design. The most prominent element has to be the giant and wide front chrome grille. It has a vertical layout, with combination of honeycomb, horizontal and vertical lines. 

At the upper end of the grille is positioned a thick chrome slat and Toyota’s premium logo. There are two diagonal chrome slats on the sides also, which seamlessly blend into the full LED headlamps with Daytime Running Lights. 

Just like the front profile, the side face of the car looks equally appealing. However, the short bonnet layout and the long wheelbase, makes it look like a minivan. Adding to the premium-ness of the MPV are rear view mirrors and diamond cut alloy wheels. Coming to the rear fascia of the MPV, it looks boxier and squared shape. 

The Toyota Alphard is being offered in both 7- and 8-seating configurations. Due to a long wheelbase of 3000 mm and a height of 1890 mm, the Alphard is extremely roomy to seat up to 8 passengers with utmost ease and comfort. The ride and handling feature is also handled by MacPherson struts at the front and double-wishbone setup at the rear. The suspension set-up together works to offer a pleasurable ride. 

Under the bonnet of this distinctive MPV lies a 2GR-FKE 3.5-litre V6 engine along with D-4S direct injection and VVT-iW. The engine churns a maximum power output of 296 hp along with a peak torque of 361 Nm. Both the maximum power output and torque have been increased to 29 hp and 21 Nm respectively. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. However, given the overall weight and massive size of the Alphard, the engine somehow disappoints in delivering a high fuel efficiency. 

The Toyota Alphard is fully equipped with some basic and standard safety features such as front, side, knee, and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, vehicle stability control, hill launch assist, blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX mounts for child seats.

In general, MPV is mostly preferred as family cars, but this car has a more premium feel. Loaded with luxury interiors and exuberant exterior appeal, Toyota Alphard is a perfect package for usability and elegance. The MPV looks luxurious with its elongated wheelbase. Even the front and rear track has been expanded to add that royal look to this car. The classy designed cabin can melt your heart with ease the moment you step within the car.