Toyota’s Alphard offers a new kind of luxury
SINGAPORE — The Toyota Alphard might look like an enormous box with wheels outside, but peel a door open and you step into a world of luxury.
There’s enough chrome on the grille to cover Kim Kardashian’s substantial bottom, and enough room inside to accommodate them, too.
Its shape and looks means it’s not going to be everyone’s packet of teh, but then this Toyota is strictly aimed at the Alphard male. That’s someone who’s sort of like an alpha male, if you ask us: Knows what he wants, likely to have elbowed (or worked) his way into a position of power, feels comfortable taking charge… except when it comes to driving.
That’s because the Alphard is best experienced from the back, specifically in Row Two of its sizeable cabin. There’s an enormous amount of room inside, so the middle row chairs are as soothing to sit in as Osim’s finest efforts.
All the seats can recline and slide back-and-forth, and there’s just acres of room because the wheelbase is a solid three metres long. The upholstery is pretty soft and plush, and six people would fit in the car perfectly. Seven would make Row Three feel tight.
The doors and tailgate operate electrically, and even the Ottoman-style middle chairs recline and extend their footrests at the press of a switch.
There’s a rear air-con system with its own blower and temp controls, and it’s as powerful as the one in front (which is very), and there’s a drop-down screen for playing movies or what-have-you. Importantly, the quiet drivetrain is paired with suspension that soaks up bumps well.
On the go, the best way to describe an Alphard’s character a gentle giant. The steering is low-geared, and you’re never tempted to seek a twisty road to see what the Toyota can do there.
But if you’re worried about its size, then don’t. The mirrors are enormous and work well, and there’s a reverse camera to aid parking. It’s every bit as maneuverable as, say, an Audi A6 — at 11.6m, the Toyota has the tighter turning circle of the two.
You sit up high so you can spot gaps in the traffic flow good and early, and the controls operate with typical Toyota user-friendliness.
Overall, if you have a high blood pressure problem, driving an Alphard might help. Riding in the back of one would be even better.
NEED TO KNOW Toyota Alphard Elegance
Engine 2,494cc, 16V, in-line 4
Power 179hp at 6000rpm
Torque 235Nm at 4100rpm
Gearbox Continuously Variable Transmission
Top Speed 170km/h
0-100km/h 11.3 seconds
Fuel efficiency 8.6L/100km
CO2 200g/km
Price $229,888 with COE
Available Now
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