Toyota Alphard, renewal in Japan of a very attractive people carrier

In Europe, the market shows that the most popular type of vehicle is the SUV. People carriers were, for many years, very popular in European countries, until purchases shifted towards SUVs. But in Asia, this type of family vehicle still has a certain appeal and is the choice of families in Japan, China and other countries. Toyota knows this, and that is why the fourth generation of the Toyota Alphard is arriving.

This people carrier is now in its fourth generation and is completely redesigned, with an exterior style and image that recalls the Lexus LM, the people carrier of the group’s premium brand. What stands out at first glance is the large front grille, together with new LED light technology headlights. But this is not all the new version of the model offers.

Its size, however, remains in line with the previous generation. This means it has a length of 5,000 millimetres, a width of 1,850 millimetres and a height of 1,950 millimetres. All of this allows a wheelbase of 3,000 millimetres, which provides a spacious and comfortable interior.

Inside, there is a 12.5-inch screen dedicated to the instrument cluster. In the centre of the dashboard we find a 14-inch screen. At the rear, the air vents and controls are located in the roof, a change from the previous model. This forms part of a new module from the brand, called the Super Long Upper Console, which also includes LED ambient lighting.

For easier access, retractable steps have been added to the sliding side doors, which make getting in and out easier. A version for people with disabilities has also been prepared, allowing simpler access for them.

Engines of the new Alphard

For this fourth generation, the previous engine has been replaced and a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 182 CV has been added, although if you choose the Vellfire version, with its sportier character, this rises to 279 CV. This variant uses a 2.4-litre turbo engine, which delivers this higher output. There is a version with front-wheel drive and another with all-wheel drive, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox in the first case and an eight-speed automatic gearbox as well.

A hybrid version will also be offered, combining the 2.5-litre engine with one or two electric motors. Depending on this, it will be front-wheel or all-wheel drive. With these, a total output of 250 CV is achieved. Later on, the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant is not ruled out.

This fourth-generation people carrier is already on sale in Japan, priced between 34,635 and 55,990 euros, at the current exchange rate. The Vellfire version costs between 42,060 and 57,275 euros, depending on the drive type. They will be built in a proportion of 70% Alphard and 30% Vellfire, from the Inabe plant. Will it reach Europe? We don’t think so, since people carriers, as I mentioned earlier, are not very successful in our market.