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Luxury Executive MPV Style

 

At first glance, the design of the two newest variants of the latest generation multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) distributed by UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, namely the Alphard and Vellfire 2020 models are not much different. However, a closer look at the front in particular, the front grille which is also the ‘white’ Alphard 3.5 ‘pearl’ pearl is more prominent when featuring a ‘Brave and Great’ concept design with a large grille with a chrome-trimmed and checkered finish. On this grille is also placed a special symbol logo on the middle side is flanked by a pair of automatic J-shaped LED headlights with bends and LED daytime running lights as well as a pair of LED diode fog lights placed on a rectangular housing, on each side of the bumper.

 

Once stepping into the interior, the ‘beige’ color theme with a brown wood finish adorns the entire interior space thus highlighting its luxury features suitable for companies that want to highlight the ‘great’ corporate image when bringing company special guests. Technically, this Alphard cabin is designed with the concept of ‘Avant Gorgeous’ which maintains the premium features of MPV through the use of high quality materials. Thus, for comfort and peace of mind when owning this luxury Japanese MPV, UMW Toyota Motor brings in the model which is fully imported from the country but has specifications that are fully tuned according to the tastes of Malaysians such as engine ECU, audio system and navigation. Like the Vellfire model that the author has tested before, the Alphard model gets full support if it is sent to any authorized service center so that the owner does not have to worry about the maintenance and spare parts that are genuine. This is because both models get a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage in addition to a 10-year spare parts warranty. The writer's opportunity to test drive a 3.5-liter Toyota Alphard model involving a journey of more than 500 kilometers around the Klang Valley and the highway route from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru, recently provided real satisfaction in terms of comfort, stability and easy handling despite its large size.

 

 

While on the straight lane of the highway, the writer did not face the problem of speeding let alone overtaking other vehicles and comfort was offered not only to the passengers but the driver himself was very comfortable with his soft seat position which can be adjusted electronically to fulfill his wishes. The author's views are some features that may be matched in the future such as the 360-degree camera feature to assist when parking and warning lights on the side mirrors for the purpose of informing the presence of vehicles on the left or right side.

 

Exterior Design

Alphard is designed more elegantly by applying the concept of ‘Brave and Great’. The front design features a large chrome trim front grille like ‘shield’ and a pair of J-shaped automatic LED adjustable headlights with turn lights and LED daytime running lights. The front grille extends downwards which is matched by a pair of fog lights mounted on the bumper located at both ends of the bottom. The model is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and on the rear headlights, the Alphard features red LED lenses that look very elegant, perfect for those who have a luxurious taste. An interesting fact about the Alphard is that it is only 4,915mm long compared to the 4,930mm Vellfire while the widths are the same at 1,850mm and 1,895mm high.

 

Interior

Going into the interior, this model shares the same ‘Avant Gorgeous’ concept design and is only distinguished by the color theme. Alphard received a beige color theme with a beige finish on the roof and brown wood trim. It is equipped with seven seats with a 2-2-3 configuration layout with a second row featuring ‘captain’ seating with Ottoman leg rest. Ottoman leg rest is also matched to the front seat next to the passenger and even both sides of the rear sliding door are provided with electric power assistance, as is the rear tailgate door. Rear passengers can sleep soundly while stretching their legs so that the long journey is not tiring and even the third row of seats can be adjusted to get more cargo space. Nine types of seating adjustments can be made and even six golf bags can be carried in the cargo space.

 

In accordance with its motto, the ‘Travel In Luxury’ MPV is equipped with a 4.2-inch TFT Optitron multi-meter information display and the front and rear solar roofs are also provided. The infotainment system is also fun and even navigates with a seven-inch DVD-AVN touch screen connected to eight speakers, a smart lock system with engine start button, multi-function steering wheel, 16-color ambient light on the rear cabin, 10.2-inch entertainment screen (with remote control and wireless headphones) on the back, three-zone air conditioning with pores and rear control complete with Panasonic nanoe technology. Even with a touch of a button on the steering wheel, you can change the tone of the sliding door to three options and choose the color of the LED panel lights on the rear cabin as well as the light level of the interior lights.

 

 

For those who live in Kota Kinabalu, people out there who want to drive a luxury car like, can rent with DNZ Car Rental. Just search “kereta sewa Kota Kinabalu” on Google, their website will appear on the top page. Their rental prices are quite reasonable and have quality service. There is a lot of positive feedback about their car rental service.