The Toyota Vellfire MPV has been showcased at a closed door event in India to prospective customers. It’s essentially a sportier version of the Alphard MPV but with roughly the same level of luxury features.
Reports suggest that the Alphard will be brought in via the CBU route from Thailand making use of the recently introduced rule that allows manufacturers to import up to 2500 units of a vehicle sans homologation, but meeting the highest standards of automotive compliance.
The Alphard, in essence, is a six-seat model with flexible seating options, leather upholstery, touchscreen infotainment system, climate control with multiple zones and all the practicality offered by an MPV. A second leaked image reveals mood lighting, twin moon roof, seven airbags and individual tables for all rows. The only engine on offer is the 2.5-litre hybrid four-cylinder petrol engine producing 178bhp/235Nm with an e-CVT and possibly AWD.
It is expected to cost upwards of 75 lakhs and will take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class which is priced similarly. However, in the case of the latter, it has the Mercedes branding as well as higher spec variant with more features. The target market for such a vehicle is likely to be luxury hotels, fleet operators, celebrities and politicians.
Source: Team-BHP
