Tuesday, February 11, 2020

UMW Toyota Announces Availability of the Brand New and Upgraded Toyota Alphard and Velfire MPVs in Malaysia

 


UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that the 2020 Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire premium MPV models are now available for booking. Pre-launch orders will be accepted from now onwards at all authorized Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide. These new and slightly enhanced models will go on sale with prices starting from RM383,000 for the Vellfire (one variant) and RM465,000 for the Alphard (two variants). So those who want a brand new Alphard or Vellfire brought in through official channels with a more comprehensive warranty, you can go book 'em now.


The 2020 Alphard and Vellfire are fully imported (CBU) from Japan and will come with four exterior colours. The colour options are Luxury White Pearl CS GF (only for Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge and Alphard 3.5L); Burning Black CS GF (only for Vellfire 2.5L); and White Pearl C, Graphite Metallic and Black (available for both Alphard and Vellfire). One other thing you have to take into account is whether you want an Alphard or a Vellfire. 

These two large and popular MPVs are actually the same vehicle. There are only cosmetic differences inside and outside but mechanically, both feature almost the same equipment with the Alphard having an option for a larger engine - 3.5 V6 and an 8 speed gearbox versus the 2.5liter L4 engine with a CVT. In the hierarchy of things, the Alphard is the more luxurious or more conservatively styled of the two. The Vellfire is the one for the younger owner with a more blacked out interior and a more sportier front styling with the split headlights and a less ostentatious front grille.

These two popular MPVs have been upgraded for 2020 with advanced systems being added in two areas – Safety and Connectivity which follows UMWT’s 360-T New Brand Experience Strategy that emphasizes Safe-T and Connectivi-T. Basically, more infotainment system stuff and more active safety equipment in these vehicles.



Of the two, I personally like the styling of the Vellfire with its split front headlights and less 'in-your-face' front grille, but that being said, if I had the finances, the 3.6L V6 should make the Alphard a great highway muncher and having two more cylinders also makes things more refined. Of course, the ultimate choice is yours.



The official summary of the new or enhanced systems found in the 2020 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire specially kitted for the Malaysian market:
● Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)
● Parking Support Brake System
● 9-inch AVX Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-Ready Connectivity
● Front & Rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
● Vehicle Telematics System (VTS)
● Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is a suite of advanced systems that provide driver assistance to
avoid accidents or reduce their severity if they occur. These include Pre-collision System
(PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Dynamic Radar Cruise
Control (DRCC) – All Speed.

With Parking Support Brake System added in the 2020 models, drivers have the support of
an intelligent parking system to detect objects in the surrounding areas of the vehicle during
the parking process. Should any object be detected, the brakes will be automatically applied
and the engine power cut back so that collisions can be avoided. Even if a collision does
occur, the early action of the system can reduce damage.

Besides the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) that enables the driver to view all round the
vehicle, the front and rear DVRs constantly record the views ahead and behind. In the event
of an incident and dispute, the recordings would be useful evidence for the vehicle owner.

The Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) for the Vellfire and Alphard is a connectivity feature
that uses GPS/GSM to track the location of the car at all times. This can aid recovery by the
police if the vehicle is stolen. VTS can also monitor and record vehicle speeds and other
operating conditions that the vehicle has been subjected to, with data sent by email to a
designated user.

Design-wise, the Alphard maintains its concept of "Dynamic & Formal" to give the MPV a luxurious impression and commanding presence. The Vellfire's design concept is "Cool Tech" which strengthens the distinctive cool and modern taste, giving a unique identity to the vehicle.

As with all other models officially imported by UMWT, those who have bought the Toytoa Vellfire and Alphard from their authorised dealers will enjoy a full factory warranty for peace of mind and available of replacement parts when required. Aftersales support is also assured with personnel trained to service the models using the necessary special tools and equipment. For some, this fact offsets the price premium over the grey imports.


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