The 2011 Toyota Alphard Luxury MPV

The recent introduction by Toyota Motors Philippines of the second-generation, seven-seater Alphard luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) for the 2011 model year means that its collection of people movers – from the Avanza and Innova series, to the Hi-Ace, and to the Previa – is now complete. Toyota is the only car manufacturer with enough MPV’s in its inventory to suit almost every customer’s taste and, most importantly, budget.

It did take a while for Toyota to introduce the Alphard in the country since it was first sold in Japan in 2002. This vehicle, however, is a common sight elsewhere in Asia.

In the Philippines, the Alphard is sold with just one powerplant and transmission option: the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder 2AZ-FE VVT-i gasoline engine (actual displacement: 2,344 cc.) with a maximum output of 167 ps./165 hp. at 6,000 rpm. It is mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. Elsewhere, the Alphard is available with the 3.5-liter, six-cylinder 2GR-FE gasoline engine (actual displacement: 3,456 cc.) with a maximum output of 280 ps./276 hp.

Here is a picture of the dashboard of the Alphard. Note the dash-mounted shift lever and the generous application of faux-wood trim.

In this close-up photo of the Alphard’s driver’s position, you can take notice of the start button to the right of the steering column, and of the audio system controls on the left-hand side of the steering wheel itself.

The highlight of the Alphard, at least in my opinion, are its pair of leather-clad captain’s seats. Located at the second row of the vehicle, it looks more like a scaled-down version of a business class seat. It can recline by as much as 78 degrees, and has a built-in foot rest and ottoman, and all of these things can be deployed at the touch of a button. Motors will do the rest.

Aside from the audio system, passengers on the Alphard – at least those seated at the back – can enjoy watching videos thanks to its built-in 9-inch widescreen display. Want to watch the sky instead? This MPV is fitted with not just one, but two moonroofs for your enjoyment.

LED lights are used to illuminate the Alphard’s passenger compartment.

This is the Alphard’s third seat row. It usually seats two people but it can fit three in a pinch as well.

Overall, I found the Alphard’s passenger compartment to be, well, a little cramped. With a vehicle width of 1,830 mm., I am not surprised why.

Like many MPV’s of its class, the Alphard is sorely deficient in cargo-carrying space as you can see in the picture above. The only solution is to fold up the rearmost seats.

As MPV’s go, the Alphard is rather expensive, with prices starting at PHP 2,790,000. The available colors are Raven Black, Silver Metallic, and White Pearl. If you want the latter color, it will cost PHP 15,000 extra.-unlawyer.