Toyota Korea has officially announced the launch of its fourth electrified model under the ‘Electrification for All’ strategy—the premium minivan ‘Alphard’, which will debut on September 18. Pre-orders will begin on August 21 at Toyota’s official dealerships nationwide.
The premium minivan ‘Alphard’ is named after the brightest star in the constellation Hydra and is designed to provide ‘the joy of comfortable mobility’ to customers with various lifestyles. The newly introduced fourth-generation Alphard, which was globally unveiled in June, is characterized by its spacious seven-passenger interior, superior ride comfort and driving performance, noise and vibration suppression design, excellent fuel efficiency, and luxurious interior space filled with premium features.
The fourth-generation Alphard was designed with ‘strength’ and ‘impact’ as key themes. While maintaining the iconic shape of a one-box minivan, the front end features a black glossy mesh grille and a striking design that incorporates triple LED headlights. The side profile reflects a sense of forward motion through the delta glass shape of the A-pillar, complemented by dynamic body lines. The rear showcases powerful curves from the signature B-pillar to the rear lamps, further reinforcing the identity of the Alphard.
Based on the TNGA-K platform, the premium minivan Alphard boasts improved body rigidity and noise and vibration reduction engineering. New technologies like shock absorbers sensitive to road conditions and crosswind assist have also been incorporated. The second-row features Executive Lounge seats providing optimum comfort, available Ottoman and pressure point features, and relaxation modes, utilizing memory foam materials that minimize road vibrations.
Launching in a single trim, the Alphard utilizes a combination of a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine and an electric motor to deliver a total system output of 250 horsepower. The hybrid system also achieves a fuel efficiency of 13.5 km/l, complying with eco-friendly standards, while Toyota’s E-Four all-wheel drive system ensures driving stability by using front and rear motors based on road conditions.
Notable features in the Alphard include ▲ independent panorama moonroof for second-row passengers ▲ independent electric sunshades for the second row ▲ a 14-inch rear-seat entertainment system, showcasing various thoughtful conveniences designed for passengers. Additionally, the large 14-inch center display connects with navigation and various infotainment features, including ‘Toyota Connect’.
Gyeong-Dae Hwan, Executive Director of Toyota Korea, stated, “Alphard is a premium minivan that goes beyond the existing multipurpose minivan, allowing for the ultimate relaxation and recharge during travel. We aim to propose new mobility options tailored to various lifestyles, from long-distance business travel to weekend leisure activities with family.”
Lee Sang-Jin daedusj@autodiary.kr