My favourite CAR
| Toyota Alphard: Best of both worlds | |||||||||
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| AMONG large Japanese multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), the Toyota Alphard has easily assumed the mantle of 'luxury MPV' despite not being positioned as such. Like the Nissan Elgrand and Honda Elysiion, the Alphard is a grand-luxe multi- purpose vehicle that is bigger and more comfortable than conventional family-oriented. But it is not positioned as a luxury model, although it can be outfitted as one by the end-user. In cities like Hong Kong and Thailand, for example, the Alphard is often customised and chauffeur-driven. In Singapore, this trend is less noticeable. The fact that it is perceived as a parallel import may have something to do with it. But not anymore. Recently, authorised Toyota distributor Borneo Motors Singapore began offering the 2.4-litre version of the Alphard (Toyota also makes it with a 3.5-litre V6 engine).
One reason is that it is fairly nimble despite its size. Toyota's familiar 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine is an efficient workhorse and the smooth seven-step continuously variable transmission (CVT) it is mated to reinforces the feeling of manoeuvrability.
The gear lever sits on the centre console of an expansive dashboard with Toyota's familiar faux wood trim and can be manually shifted for better performance. As with other high-end Toyotas, the Alphard comes with standard equipment like a smart entry system with keyless entry and start button ignition, dual power sliding doors and in-car touchscreen DVD entertainment system with a roof-mounted monitor. There is also ceiling illumination to provide soft ambient lighting.
But perhaps one of the the nicest features of the Alphard is the way the cabin is automatically illuminated when the smart entry system recognises the driver approaching the vehicle with his electronic key fob. It may be a small thing to some but this Lexus-like convenience is certainly admirable.
Because of its design and dimensions, the Alphard cabin is voluminous. The roomy interior can accommodate seven. The seats are on rails and are able to slide individually. The centre row also has a pair of captain's seats. Like the front passenger seat, these individual second row seats also have the ottoman feature, where the occupant can recline with full calf support. The third row is a bench seat which can also be split into two and flipped up to be anchored against the respective side windows to enhance cargo space. In such a configuration, the Alphard's carrying capacity becomes enormous and you can even wheel in a couple of fully assembled mountain bikes with space left over. The Alphard's versatility means it can be a luxurious ride or it can be a vehicle with good utility. And that seems to be the case for Borneo Motors, where the Alphard is proving to be a popular model. Demand for the large MPV is roughly equally divided between large families and those requiring a chauffeur-driven car. It looks like the arrival of the Alphard as an official import is better late than never. pls leave an email to samuelee@sph.com.sg should you require more info | |||||||||
