Toyota Korea announced on the 21st that its premium minivan Alphard has been selected as the ‘2024 Utility Vehicle of the Year’ by the Korean Automotive Journalists Association.
The Korean Automotive Journalists Association has been awarding a total of 8 categories to new vehicles launched domestically through three evaluation sessions each year since 2011. This year, 13 models from 9 brands made it to the final review held at the Korea Automobile Safety Research Institute (KATRI) in Hwaseong.
The Alphard, selected as the ‘2024 Utility Vehicle of the Year’, is Toyota’s flagship premium minivan that was first introduced in South Korea last September, characterized by its concept of ‘the joy of comfortable mobility,’ offering a comfortable driving experience for both drivers and passengers.
Maintaining the traditional one-box minivan form, the Alphard boasts an impactful front design and a dynamic side body line, completing a sophisticated look while providing a comfortable and luxurious interior with soft leather that caters to both drivers and passengers.
The second-row space is equipped with Executive Lounge seats featuring low-rebound memory foam material in the backrest and armrest for outstanding seating comfort. Seat adjustment and power slide operations are possible via the seat control buttons attached to the armrest, while a smartphone-like touch controller is individually installed on the left and right sides of the second row, allowing control over functions such as climate, lighting, sunshade, audio, and seating.
The Alphard delivers the best ride quality across various driving conditions. For the first time in a Toyota vehicle, anti-vibration rubber bushings are applied to the second-row seat cushion frame to minimize lateral movement of the seat. To reduce passenger fatigue and maintain a comfortable ride, it features pitch body control and frequency-responsive shock absorbers for a smooth driving experience. Additionally, the combination of a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine and an electric motor produces a total system output of 250 horsepower, with an efficient hybrid system recording a combined fuel efficiency of 13.5 km/L. The E-Four system, which provides all-wheel drive, utilizes front and rear motors based on the road conditions, enhancing driving stability on wet or rough surfaces.
Expressing his thoughts at the 2024 Car of the Year award ceremony, Nakahara Toshiyuki, Executive of Toyota Korea, said, “I am very pleased that our premium minivan Alphard, which was introduced last year, has received the ‘2024 Utility Vehicle of the Year’ award. Moving forward, Toyota Korea will strive to provide electrification options that meet the diverse needs of our customers.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr