Ever since the launch of the first Toyota Luxury MPV – the Toyota Alphard in May 2002, the title “King of MPVs” had been befitting of Toyota’s flagship range of luxury MPVs.
Fast forward 13 years, and now in its 3rd iteration, the Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire still sets the benchmark for exquisitely-styled exteriors with an unmatched level of opulence in its class.
Both the Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire shares the same platform; however the Toyota Alphard was developed with “luxurious and valiant” as its theme to convey a bold and distinctive luxury look and feel, while the Toyota Vellfire was developed with “bold and daring” as its theme to express a sense of drama and robustness.
1. The exteriors: Epitome of automotive luxury and excellence
Designed with the concept of “GRANDELUXE”, the Toyota Vellfire exemplifies the essence of individuality by way of unique and impactful expressions in their chassis designs.
For the new 2015 model, the overall height of the MPV is reduced by 10mm, the lowered rocker bottom edge and wheelbase extended by 50mm, allowing for a low centre of gravity while still maintaining cabin height and rear seat comfort. This is on top of the new LED daytime running lights, headlamps and tail lamps.
2. The interiors: First class workmanship for the ultimate premium feel and comfort
The Toyota Vellfire’s second row comes equipped with the Captain and Ottoman seats for first-class luxury, swaddling the passengers with high-end, trimmed leather for exceptional comfort. These seats are also power-operated for ease-of-use.
As the 3rd generation of Luxury MPVs, the Toyota Vellfire also come equipped with a 16-colour LED ceiling colour illumination system that allows passengers to select from a myriad of colours to influence the mood during the drive.
3. The drive train: Refined performance
The Toyota Vellfire is equipped with the new 2.5L Dual VVT-i engine that continuously optimises the timing of the intake and exhaust valve operation according to driving conditions. Coupled with the highly efficient 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic CVT gearbox, the Toyota Vellfire is able to reward the driver with a sporty drive at a very frugal 11.6km/l fuel consumption.
The test-drive experience from Borneo Motors is VIP-like. Upon receiving the keys from the Marketing Representative, the person-in-charge took no less effort in explaining ALL the functionalities and special features of the Toyota Vellfire! (ranging from how to operate the Power Backdoor, 16-Colour LED ceiling ambient lighting and even the cup-holders!)
I was then politely ushered to the Black Toyota Vellfire unit, which had just been groomed and serviced to ensure the most pleasant experience. Did I mention about the full tank of gas, FREE cashcard and even PARKING COUPONS are provided?? I felt like a king in the King of MPVs.
Overall visibility in the vehicle is very good, with little blind spots. Sitting in a higher position than most drivers, I felt like an emperor looking down on his subjects while driving on the road. Ambient and wind noise was at a minimal due to the superior noise insulation, and the perfect driving position was easily found with the multi-directional power-seats.
For those that expect nothing less than the best in luxury MPVs, head on down to Borneo Motors today and ask for a test drive of the Toyota Vellfire!
Reviewed by Steffan “SuperFit” Fung
