Toyota launched the Alphard in 2002 during a wave of minivan popularity; positioned as the ultimate Toyota minivan, it was targeted at customers who appreciated luxury. When the second-generation Alphard was released in 2008, the company developed the Vellfire as a new model for customers seeking greater individuality. In 2015, the third-generation Alphard saw the adoption of a new double wishbone rear suspension for exquisite ride comfort, as well as the introduction of a new top-tier Executive Lounge grade. By seeking even greater luxury, Toyota succeeded in transforming the Alphard and Vellfire from minivans into ultra-spacious luxury saloons with greater customer appeal.

When designing the improved fourth-generation models, the development team discussed the value they wished the Alphard and Vellfire to offer. The conclusion it reached was to use these vehicles to create spaces where all passengers could share consideration and appreciation. They named this “the joy of comfortable mobility” and moved forward with development by adding this with the values they had inherited.

In pursuit of that “joy of comfortable mobility,” the fourth-generation Alphard and Vellfire have a platform developed anew around the idea of elevating performance to a world standard. As “luxury saloons,” the new Alphard and Vellfire have been improved in terms of basic performance, such as vibration and noise reduction measures, fuel economy, and driving dynamics, while the interior and exterior design, spacious interior and exterior space, and user-friendliness have been enhanced to add value in line with that development concept.

The development team also worked to differentiate more clearly between the Alphard and Vellfire. The Vellfire was assigned an exclusive new Z Premier grade, whose primarily black equipment and aggressive demeanor were imbued with a new sophistication to further underscore its unique exterior. The all-new Vellfire features special tuning to its suspension and an exclusive powertrain unit to enable customers attracted by the uniqueness of the Vellfire to better experience the joy of driving.

Stay tuned for more details about the new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire.

The Toyota Vellfire and Toyota Alphard cost the same in Japan, but the reason why TKM went for the former instead of the latter is obvious. The former offers more value for money with its relatively more stylish exterior that also gives it a better road presence. Both are manufactured by Toyota Auto Body at its Inabe plant in Japan.

The Toyota Vellfire is made in standard body and aero body versions, but only the former has been brought to India. A 7-seat seating layout with captain seats in the second row is standard in our market. Internationally, an 8-seat seating layout is also offered. The Japanese minivan measures 4,935 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,950 mm in height. It has a 3,000 mm wheelbase.

While conventional petrol engine options are available internationally, in India, the Toyota Vellfire is a hybrid-only offering. There's a 197 PS parallel hybrid system comprising the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine, the 2JM and 2FM electric motors and a 6.5 Ah Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack. The rear-mounted 2FM electric motor results in electric four-wheel drive. Toyota calls this setup E-Four. The company claims that E-Four increases total torque to the rear wheels by 30%. This system distributes torque to the rear wheels based on the driving conditions. The fuel economy rating of this people mover is 16.35 km/l.

The Toyota Vellfire is available in India in only the Executive Lounge trim. It features split LED headlamp with cornering function, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear combination lamps, oodles of chrome all around on the outside, twin moonroof, power rear and back doors, ventilated and heated front seats with memory function, power reclining and adjustable ottoman second-row seats, individual seat tables and much more as standard.

Also Read: Toyota-badged Ertiga to be launched in India in 2021

The Toyota Vellfire rivals the Mercedes V-Class. The German luxury MPV is sold in both the old, pre-facelift version and the new, facelifted version. The former costs INR 68.40 lakh* in the Expression trim and INR 81.90 lakh* in the Exclusive trim, while the latter is sold in the Elite trim for a price of INR 1.10 crore*. Moreover, there’s also the Marco Polo camper variant of the latter, available in Marco Polo Horizon and Marco Polo trims for a price of INR 1.38 crore* and INR 1.46 crore* respectively.

*Ex-showroom

Toyota introduced the current generation Vellfire in January 2015 and gave it a facelift in December 2017. It’s basically a more stylish, edgier version of the Alphard. The company makes in Standard Body and Aero Body (video below) variants, with the latter featuring more bling and even more aggressive styling. Toyota Kirloskar Motor will offer only the Standard Body variant you see in the images here, and that too in only the Executive Lounge grade.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor will offer its first-ever luxury MPV in Black, Graphite ME, White Pearl Crystal Shine and Burning Black exterior colours. Interior colour choices will include Black and Flaxen.

The Toyota Vellfire is available in 7- and 8-seat versions internationally, but only the former is coming to India. Key features will include LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, LED sequential turn indicators, 17-inch alloy wheels, twin moonroof, ventilated and heated front seats with memory function, power rear and back doors, individual seat tables, power reclining and adjustable ottoman seats and 7 airbags. The Indian-spec model will have an aftermarket infotainment system.

The Toyota Vellfire is 4,935 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,950 mm tall. It has a 3,000 mm wheelbase. It will be a hybrid-only model in India. So, it will have the 197 PS full-hybrid system comprising the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine, the 2JM (front) and 2FM (rear) electric motors and a 6.5 Ah Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack as standard. Expect it to return a fuel economy of around 20 km/l with this setup.

Also See: India-bound 2021 Toyota Fortuner (facelift) spied for the first time

The Toyota Vellfire will be imported as a CBU from Japan, where it is manufactured by Toyota Auto Body in Inabe (Mie Prefecture). It will likely carry a hefty retail price of around INR 75 lakh, which would make the Mercedes V-Class its direct competitor.

The waiting period for the Toyota Vellfire is around 4 to 5 months. So customers reserving their Vellfire now will have to wait until April or May for delivery. It is expected to be sold in a single configuration and likely be priced in the range of INR 75-80 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Toyota Vellfire will be brought to India via the CBU route under the government's relaxed import norms. Hence, it will be priced on the higher side. It will be a rival to the likes of Mercedes V-Class and Mercedes V-Class Elite.

While local publications have been reporting that the Toyota Vellfire will be a six-seater in India, we'd like to make it clear that it is made in 7- and 8-seat versions and the former is planned for our market. It's just that the seats of the last row may look good for only two passengers if not seen with the middle headrest.

The Toyota Vellfire will be sold in India in the Executive Lounge grade. Key features will include LED lights all around, sequential turn indicators (front), twin moonroofs, electric sliding doors and tailgate, three-zone automatic climate control, two executive captain seats (second-row) with wing-type headrests, power recline function and an Ottoman that can be electrically extended and retracted 140 mm back and forth, individual trays (second-row) and rear-seat entertainment system with two 10.2-inch HD displays (second-row). A major disappointment will be an aftermarket 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Also Read: Toyota Etios and Etios Liva to be discontinued before April 2020

The Indian-spec Toyota Vellfire will employ the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine along with the 2JM and 2FM electric motors and a 6.5 Ah Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack. The hybrid system of this Japanese MPV develops a maximum power of 197 PS.

In 2019, the Mercedes V-Class was launched in January, followed by the Mercedes V-Class Elite in November. 2020 will begin with the arrival of a mid-size three-row people mover in January, the Kia Carnival, in January. The Toyota Vellfire full-size model will go on sale soon after.

The Toyota Vellfire has already been spotted in India on several occasions, and these unofficial sightings have given us a fair idea about it. It will be brought in the country as a completely built-up unit (CBU) thanks to the government's relaxed import norms.

The Toyota Vellfire will be available in India in only the Executive Lounge grade. Features like powered tailgate and sliding doors, two sunroofs, three-zone automatic climate control, mood lighting and individual tray tables will be standard on this six-seater. The highlight, of course, will be the two large thrones for the middle row passengers, power-operated ottomans in the middle row, and seats with ventilation and electric-recliner features.

The Toyota Vellfire will be poorly equipped in terms of connectivity features. The biggest letdown of this circa-INR 80 lakh (ex-showroom)-costing MPV will be an aftermarket 7.0-inch infotainment system. Don't expect features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, eSIM, etc. in this one. The middle-row passengers will have two 10.2-inch screens for their entertainment needs.

As for the mechanicals, the Vellfire will employ a 197 PS petrol-electric hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre petrol engine which works in conjunction with an electric motor. For the record, it's the full-hybrid system that powers the Lexus NX 300h.

Also Read: Toyota Etios and Etios Liva to be discontinued before April 2020

Select Toyota dealers have already started accepting pre-bookings for the Vellfire. The deliveries will commence by March 2020.

The Toyota Vellfire has already been spotted on several occasions in India. It was first showcased at a private dealers meet and was then again spotted at dealerships later on. It will be launched in India as a completely built-up unit (CBU) under the government's new relaxed homologation rules which permits automakers to import up to 2,500 new vehicles every year without the need to homologate them in the country.

The Indian-spec Toyota Vellfire is going to feature ‘Executive Lounge’ package as standard. This will include powered tailgate and sliding doors, two sunroofs, three-zone automatic climate control, mood lighting and individual tray tables. Also part of this package will be two large thrones for the middle row passengers, power-operated ottomans, and seats featuring ventilation and electric-recliner.

The Indian-spec Vellfire may be launched with an aftermarket 7.0-inch infotainment system. It will also be kitted with two 10.2-inch screens for the rear passengers. For the motive force, it will use a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain which utilises a 2.5-litre petrol engine along with an electric motor. It will deliver 197 PS of combined power output. The Lexus NX300h uses the same powerplant.

Also Read: Toyota Etios and Etios Liva to be discontinued before April 2020

The Toyota Vellfire will be pitted against the likes of the Mercedes V-class and the recently introduced Mercedes V-Class Elite. Some past reports have suggested that select Toyota dealers have already started taking bookings for the Toyota Vellfire. Its deliveries are reported to commence in March 2020.

[Source: Autocar India]

The Toyota Vellfire will arrive in the Indian market as a CBU under the relaxed homologation rule. It is going feature Toyota's ‘Executive Lounge’ package as standard. Under this package, powered tailgate and sliding doors, two sunroofs, three-zone automatic climate control, mood lighting and individual tray tables will be included. Also, two large thrones for the middle row passengers and also power-operated ottomans will be part of the standard package. The seats will feature ventilation and electric-recliner.

Interestingly, the Toyota Vellfire was spotted earlier in India without an infotainment system, hinting an aftermarket unit fitted in India. The latest set of images has revealed that it will feature an aftermarket 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It will also feature two 10.2-inch screens for the passengers at the back..

The Toyota Alphard will be launched in India with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain which uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and comes paired with a CVT. This system is capable of developing 197 PS of combined power output. It is the same powerplant which does duty in the Lexus NX 300h.

Also Read: Toyota Raize's DNGA platform to spawn Kia Seltos rivaling Maruti Suzuki & Toyota SUVs

The Toyota Vellfire rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz V-class. Also, Mercedes-Benz recently launched the V-Class Elite in India. Previous reports suggest that select Toyota dealerships have started accepting bookings unofficially for the Vellfire, while the deliveries of the same will commence only in March next year.

[Source: Team-BHP]

The Toyota Vellfire will arrive in India as a CBU, thanks to the government's relaxed homologation rule. The luxury people mover will receive Toyota's ‘Executive Lounge’ package as standard. This package includes two large thrones for the middle row passengers and also get power-operated ottomans, powered tailgate and sliding doors, two sunroofs, three-zone automatic climate control, mood lighting and individual tray tables. The seats will be ventilated and will also feature electric-recliner. The model seen in the images features an aftermarket 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apart from that, it gets two 10.2-inch screens for the passengers at the back.

For the uninitiated, the Toyota Vellfire is nothing but a sassier Toyota Alphard. The Alphard is already on sale in select markets globally. Both are differentiated with their unique design. The luxury MPV features a dual-tone beige and black finish on the inside and a Pearl White paint scheme on the inside.

The Vellfire will be made available only in a single variant and will employ a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.5-litre petrol engine working in conjunction with an electric motor. The combined system output stands at 197 PS. This is the same powerplant which is also seen in the Lexus NX 300h in the Indian market. It will come mated to a CVT.

Also Read: Toyota Raize interior leaked ahead of debut next month

In terms of the competition, the Toyota Vellfire locks horns with the Mercedes-Benz V-class which retails in the price range of INR 68.40-81.90 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). Select dealerships have started accepting bookings unofficially. The deliveries are said to commence in March 2020.

[Source: Autocar India]

The Toyota Vellfire is the most luxurious Toyota MPV. Coming out of the Inabe Plant located in Japan, it is offered internationally in 7-seat and 8-seat versions. India is getting only the former. In terms of styling too, there are two versions available internationally: Standard Body and Aero Body. Only the former with its relatively sedated looks is destined to our market. Like all the imported Toyotas in India except the Camry Hybrid, this model is coming as a CBU and is planned to be launched as a niche product.

In terms of dimensions, the Toyota Vellfire measures 4,935 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,935 mm/1,950 mm in height. Its ground clearance ranges from 160 mm to 170 mm, depending on the selected configuration. Speaking of the mechanicals, the Toyota Vellfire draws its power from the 2AR-FE 2.5-litre petrol engine (182 PS/235 Nm) mated to a CVT or the 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre petrol powerhouse (301 PS/361 Nm) mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, there is also a hybrid powertrain option, with a combination of the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine (152 PS/206 Nm), the 2JM electric motor (143 PS/270 Nm) and the 2FM electric motor (68 PS/139 Nm). The Indian-spec Vellfire has been confirmed to have the hybrid powertrain as standard.

Also Read: What's the Toyota eQ doing at a TKM plant in India?

Speaking of the equipment list, the Toyota Vellfire (Indian-spec) will be kitted with equipment including LED headlights with cornering lamps, sequential turn indicators, power sliding doors, 7 airbags, powered extendable Ottoman full recline seats, twin moonroof, multi-colour ambient lighting, individual seat tables, seat ventilation, heating and memory functions and Black/Flaxen interior. The luxury MPV will feature faux-wood treatment on the dashboard, gear lever and steering wheel, and much more.

The Toyota Vellfire will be sold in India in Pearl White, Black, Burning Black and Graphite colours.

[Source - Autocar India]

The Vellfire is the most luxury-oriented people mover from Toyota and can be seen as an indirect Mercedes V-Class rival. It is the sassier version of the Toyota Alphard and is mainly offered in two body styles - Standard Body and Aero Body. For India, Toyota has planned out the Vellfire with Standard Body. As for the dimensions, it measures 4,935 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,935 mm/1,950 mm in height. Its ground clearance ranges from 160 mm to 170 mm, this depends on the configuration selected.

In terms of mechanicals, the Toyota Vellfire sources its power from the 2AR-FE 2.5-litre petrol engine (182 PS/235 Nm) mated to a CVT or the 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre petrol engine (301 PS/361 Nm) mated to an 8-speed AT. There's also a hybrid powertrain option, with a combination of the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine (152 PS/206 Nm), the 2JM electric motor (143 PS/270 Nm) and the 2FM electric motor (68 PS/139 Nm).

In India, the Toyota Vellfire will be offered with the hybrid powertrain as standard. The Indian-spec Toyota Vellfire will feature LED headlights with cornering lamps, sequential turn indicators, power slide & back doors, 7 airbags, powered extendable Ottoman full recline seats, twin moonroof, multi-colour ambient lighting, individual seat tables, seat ventilation, heating and memory functions and Black/Flaxen interior. For the interiors, it will employ faux-wood treatment on the dashboard, gear lever, steering wheel and on a few other elements. Strangely, the unit seen here is missing an infotainment system. Maybe there's going be a dealer-level retrofitted unit.

If you are planning to buy the Toyota Vellfire then you will have to shell out at least around INR 75 lakh (expected ex-showroom).

[Image Source: Instagram]

For the uninitiated, the Toyota Vellfire is the fancier version of the Toyota Alphard. It is the most luxury-oriented people mover from Toyota and locks horns with the Mercedes V-Class. Internationally, it is offered in two body styles namely Standard Body and Aero Body. Indian market will be getting the former style of package. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,935 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,935 mm/1,950 mm in height. Its ground clearance varies from 160 mm to 170 mm depending on the configuration.

Under the hood, the Toyota Vellfire uses a 2AR-FE 2.5-litre petrol engine (182 PS/235 Nm) mated to a CVT or the 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre petrol engine (301 PS/361 Nm) mated to an 8-speed AT. It is also available with a hybrid powertrain comprising the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine (152 PS/206 Nm), the 2JM electric motor (143 PS/270 Nm) and the 2FM electric motor (68 PS/139 Nm). For the Indian-spec Vellfire, the hybrid powertrain will be offered as standard.

Also Read: Toyota Mirai FCV imported to India, to be tested in Kerala

The Toyota Vellfire to be launched in India will come kitted with features like LED headlights with cornering lamps, sequential turn indicators, power slide & back doors, 7 airbags, powered extendable Ottoman full recline seats, twin moonroof, multi-colour ambient lighting, individual seat tables, seat ventilation, heating and memory functions and Black/Flaxen interior. On the inside, it will make use of faux-wood treatment on the dashboard, gear lever, steering wheel and a number of other places.

The Toyota Vellfire is expected to be priced at around INR 75 lakh (ex-showroom).

[Source: Autopunditz]

The Toyota Vellfire is the fancier version of the Toyota Alphard which was previously under consideration for the Indian market. It is the most luxurious people mover that is built by Toyota and it competes with the likes of Mercedes V-Class. In the international market, the Toyota Vellfire is offered in two body styles - Standard Body and Aero Body. As the name suggests, the latter is the more aggressively styled version, but India is getting the former apparently.

In terms of dimensions, the Toyota Vellfire measures 4,935 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,935 mm/1,950 mm in height. The ground clearance varies from 160 mm to 170 mm depending on the selected configuration. In terms of mechanicals, there will be no market-specific changes.

Toyota makes the Vellfire with the 2AR-FE 2.5-litre petrol engine (182 PS/235 Nm) mated to a CVT and the 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre petrol engine (301 PS/361 Nm) linked to an 8-speed AT, as well as a hybrid powertrain comprising the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine (152 PS/206 Nm), the 2JM electric motor (143 PS/270 Nm) and the 2FM electric motor (68 PS/139 Nm). In India, the hybrid powertrain will be standard. Depending on the trim, the fuel economy rating (JC08) of the hybrid variant is either 18.4 km/l or 19.4 km/l.

Inside, the Indian-spec Toyota Vellfire features faux-wood treatment on the dashboard, gear lever, steering wheel and other places which ups the luxury quotient of the MPV. Toyota makes the Vellfire in 7- and 8-seat versions and India is apparently getting the comfort-oriented version with captain seats in the middle row.

As per the previous leaked brochure, the Toyota Vellfire in India will be kitted with features such as LED headlights with cornering lamps, sequential turn indicators, power slide & back doors, 7 airbags, powered extendable Ottoman full recline seats, twin moonroof, multi-colour ambient lighting, individual seat tables, seat ventilation, heating and memory functions and Black/Flaxen interior.

Also Read: Next-gen Toyota Innova could have hybrid option instead of diesel

The Toyota Vellfire is expected to be launched in October this year and will retail at around INR 75 lakh (ex-showroom).

[Source: Facebook]

Here's everything you need to know about the Toyota Vellfire:-

A decade-old luxury people mover

Following the good amount of success and positive response which the Alphard received internationally, the first-gen Vellfire was launched along with the second-gen Alphard in 2008 as its more stylish cousin. The current, second-gen model was introduced in 2015 and received a facelift in 2017.

Costs the same as the Toyota Alphard

In Japan, the Toyota Vellfire and the Toyota Alphard have the same starting price. It's not like just because the former has a better visual appeal it commands a premium. This is probably the only reasonable explanation to why TKM is launching it instead of the Toyota Alphard, which it had showcased at Auto Expo 2018. Perhaps the sharper and more aggressive design will help the company market it better.

On the inside, the Toyota Vellfire comes with the same dashboard and cabin design as well as seating layout as the Alphard. However, the former comes with all-black theme with silver inserts as compared to the dual-tone black and beige theme with faux wood inserts in the Alphard.

Specifications

The Toyota Vellfire is 4,935 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,935 mm/1,950 mm tall. It has a 3,000 mm wheelbase and a 160 mm/165 mm/170 mm ground clearance. Internationally, it is available with the choices of a 2.5-litre petrol engine (182 PS/235 Nm) paired to a CVT, a 3.5-litre petrol engine (301 PS/361 Nm) linked to an 8-speed AT and a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, which consists of a 2.5-litre petrol engine (152 PS/206 Nm), the 2JM electric motor (143 PS/270 Nm) and the 2FM electric motor (68 PS/139 Nm). India will get it with only with the hybrid powertrain. This hybrid powertrain is coupled to a CVT, has four-wheel drive as standard, and promises a fuel economy (JC08) between 18.4-19.4 km/l.

Loaded with features

Given that the Toyota Vellfire is positioned as a premium offering, it is loaded with a lot of bells and whistles. Some of these features that will be offered in India will include LED headlights with cornering lamps, sequential turn indicators, powered extendable Ottoman full recline seats, seat ventilation, heating and memory functions, twin moonroof, power slide & back doors, 7 airbags, multi-colour ambient lighting, individual seat tables and Black/Flaxen interior. Internationally, it is offered in 7- and 8-seat versions.

Expected price and competition

The Toyota Vellfire will compete with the Mercedes V-Class in India. Like its only rival, it will be imported through the CBU route. The price is expected to be around INR 75-80 lakh (ex-showroom).

To be sold in limited numbers

TKM will have only 200 units of the Toyota Vellfire on sale initially.

For the uninitiated, the Toyota Vellfire is nothing but a fancier version of the Toyota Alphard which was displayed at Auto Expo 2018 and was earlier said to be India-bound. In Japan, both models have the same starting price. With a sharper and more aggressive design, the Toyota Vellfire is more visually appealing, and that's possibly the reason why Toyota Kirloskar Motor decided on launching it instead of the Toyota Alphard.

The Toyota Vellfire measures 4,935 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,935 mm/1,950 mm in height. The ground clearance, depending on the configuration selected, is either 160 mm or 170 mm. Internationally, it is available in two variants - Standard Body and Aero Body. The former comes with a slightly more sophisticated look and will be the one reaching our shores.

The Toyota Vellfire is available with the 2AR-FE 2.5-litre petrol engine (182 PS/235 Nm) paired with a CVT and the 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre petrol engine delivering (301 PS/361 Nm) linked to an 8-speed AT. There's also a hybrid variant in which there's the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine (152 PS/206 Nm) assisted by the 2JM electric motor (143 PS/270 Nm) and the 2FM electric motor (68 PS/139 Nm). The fuel efficiency rating (JC08) of the hybrid variant depending on the trim is either 18.4 km/l or 19.4 km/l.

As per the details revealed by a leaked brochure, the Toyota Vellfire will be kitted with features like LED headlights with cornering lamps, sequential turn indicators, powered extendable Ottoman full recline seats, seat ventilation, heating and memory functions, twin moonroof, power slide & back doors, 7 airbags, multi-colour ambient lighting, individual seat tables and Black/Flaxen interior.

Also Read: India's top 5 safest cars as per Global NCAP crash test rating

The Toyota Vellfire has a sole competitor in the form of the Mercedes V-Class and is expected to be priced at around INR 75 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.

[News Source: Autocar India]

[Image Source: Team-BHP]

The Toyota Vellfire will be a niche offering in India. It will compete with the Mercedes V-Class. This minivan is the most luxurious and stylish people mover Toyota makes. It is available in two variants: Standard Body and Aero Body. The latter has more aggressive styling, but India will apparently get the former with elegant styling. The minivan measures 4,935 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,935 mm/1,950 mm in height. The ground clearance, depending on the configuration selected, is either 160 mm or 170 mm. Any market-specific changes won't be there, at least not mechanically.

The Toyota Vellfire is available with the 2AR-FE 2.5-litre petrol engine (182 PS/235 Nm) paired with a CVT and also the 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre petrol engine (301 PS/361 Nm) linked to an 8-speed AT. There's even a full-hybrid powertrain option, and that's going to be standard in the Indian-spec Toyota Vellfire. The hybrid powertrain combines the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine (152 PS/206 Nm) with the 2JM electric motor (143 PS/270 Nm) and the 2FM electric motor (68 PS/139 Nm). The fuel economy rating (JC08 test cycle) of the hybrid variant, depending on the trim selected, is either 18.4 km/l or 19.4 km/l.

According to the leaked brochure seen below, the Indian-spec Toyota Vellfire will be equipped with features like LED headlights with cornering lamps, sequential turn indicators, powered extendable Ottoman full recline seats, seat ventilation, heating and memory functions, twin moonroof, power slide & back doors, 7 airbags, multi-colour ambient lighting, individual seat tables and Black/Flaxen interior.

Also Read: Five global hatchbacks we badly wish were sold in India: From Kia Ceed to Volkswagen Golf

The Toyota Vellfire is expected to cost around INR 75 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.

[Image Source - Team-BHP]

The Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire duo of luxury minivans entered their third generation in January 2015. Both will receive a facelift for MY2018 soon. At the front, the facelifted Toyota Vellfire features tweaked headlamps, sharper logo, reshaped fog lamp and fog lamp enclosure and restyled bumper. Toyota has toned down the styling of the upper grille, and made elements look more angular than before to retain the bold fascia.

At the rear, the 2018 Toyota Vellfire gets a new, full-width tailgate applique that splits the tail lamps. Like the headlamps, the tail lamps adopt squarish graphics in the new model. Interior changes, assuming there are some, are currently unknown. With the mid-cycle refresh, the Vellfire will gain Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) as standard.

The Toyota Vellfire is available in Japan with the 2AR-FE 2.5-litre and 2GR-FE 3.5-litre petrol engines. The 2.5-litre engine produces 182 PS at 6,000 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm. The 3.5-litre engine churns out 280 PS at 6,200 rpm and 344 Nm of torque at 4,700 rpm.

In addition, there is a hybrid variant, which uses the 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre petrol engine along with the 2JM and 2FM electric motors. The petrol engine delivers 152 PS at 5,700 rpm and 206 Nm of torque from 4,400-4,800 rpm. The 2JM electric motor generates 143 PS and 270 Nm of torque. The 2FM electric motor develops 68 PS and 139 Nm of torque.

According to recent Japanese reports, the 280 PS (276.14 hp) 3.5-litre petrol engine will gain direct injection and witness a 20 hp bump up in power. Toyota will replace the 6-speed automatic transmission this engine is currently coupled to with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Also See: 2019 Toyota Corolla rendered by Japanese media

Toyota will reportedly launch the 2018 Toyota Vellfire and 2018 Toyota Alphard in Japan on 25 December 2017.

[Image Source: livedoor Blog]

Along with its close brother, the Alphard, Toyota is also showcasing the 2015 version of the Vellfire MPV at the 2015 Thailand Motor Show. While the former boasts plenty of luxury features, the latter banks on style and sporty looks to attract attention.

The design of the Toyota Vellfire is on the aggressive side. The front end is characterized by a large 3-slat chrome grille flanked by a pair of sleek LED projector head lamps and separate turn indicators. It features a deep front and rear bumper, as well as extended side sill moldings; further improving its dynamic stance. The rear end has a pair of clear lens tail-lamps connected by a large chrome bar.

The Vellfire will be available in 3 exterior paint colors: Burning Black, Silver Metallic, and White Pearl Crystal.

Inside, the Vellfire comes with a black leather interior trimmed with wood. It follows 2+2+3 seven seater configuration, with a pair of captain seats in the second row that are adjustable in multiple levels. Standard equipment include a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth support and a 10.2 inch entertainment screen mounted on the roof, an 8 speaker audio system.

Other features include an air purifier, ambient lighting with 16 different colors, a 4.2-inch MID TFT display in the instrument cluster, cruise control, an intelligent Smart Entry system, and a navigation system with support for both Thai and English languages. For easier parking, there is also parking sensors with a rear view camera.

The Thai-spec Vellfire is powered by a 2.5-liter 16-valve Dual VVT-i engine delivering 180 hp at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 235 Nm at 4,100 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-step CVT with Sequential Shift.

The 2015 Toyota Vellfire will start at THB 3,399,000 (INR 64.96 Lakh). For the Indian market, the Vellfire isn’t expected to make an arrival due to the lack of demand for a luxury MPV. Toyota Kirloskar Motor will instead import and sell the Hiace during the second half of this year.

Toyota had recently unveiled the 2015 Vellfire and Alphard MPVs, and the former has been spotted in the open already by livedoor.jp. The Vellfire is said to be the more stylish one of the two, prices of which start at 3,197,782 yen (INR 16.62 lakh) and go all the way up to 7,036,691 yen (INR 36.6 lakh).

The minivan is available in seven or eight seat options (variable seating allows more luggage space too), and will be sold via the Netz dealership chain in the Japanese market. Engine choices include a base 2.5-litre petrol engine that makes 180 hp and comes mated to a 7-step CVT gearbox, a larger 276 hp producing 3.5-litre petrol engine which comes mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. There's also a hybrid which uses a 2.5-litre, 150 hp engine mated to a four-wheel drive electric powertrain.

The vehicle gets a new double-wishbone suspension at the rear, a collision-aversion system, an automated parking system, and cruise control. There's also a panoramic monitor which can show a 'see-through' view of the front from the driver's perspective.

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The top-spec Executive trim gets a 12.1-inch screen for the rear passengers, and a 17-speaker JBL music system. To jazz things up even further, there's also LED roof lighting with a customizable 16 colour variation and 4 brightness levels.

The vehicle isn't expected to make it to the Indian market, but instead the Hiace will be launched during the second half of this year, as was confirmed by the company at the recent Bus and Special Vehicle Show.

2015 Toyota Vellfire - Image Gallery

[Source - Livedoor.jp]