Toyota Motor Philippines is upping the luxury game with the mid-2018 Alphard. The current generation, first launched in the local market in 2015, has been upgraded with a bolder look, improved fuel efficiency, and more luxury features.
Outside, the entire front clip has been changed with a more aggressive (and larger) grille and LEDs for the projector headlights, daytime running lights, and front fog lights. It also gains Lexus-like sequential LED turn signal indicators, a new alloy wheel design, and LED taillights.
Inside, the 2018 Alphard retains the two-tone black and Flaxen (beige) color scheme but adds niceties such as a new instrument cluster, revised infotainment system with DVD playback and eight speakers, ventilated/heated seats for the front row (including driver), powered seat adjusted for the second-row seats (with individual map lights), and an electronic parking brake. It also maintains its dual power sliding doors but adds a power tailgate into the mix as well.
Mechanically, the 2018 Alphard retains the use of its robust 3.5-liter V6 engine (2GR-FKS) and as such, this direct injection Dual VVT-i engine peaks at 275hp at 6,200rpm and 340Nm of torque at 4,700rpm. However, in a bid to improve refinement and fuel efficiency, its gearbox now features eight forward gears as well as an idle start/stop system—the first local non-hybrid Toyota to use such a system.
Riding on a highly rigid platform, the Alphard achieves a luxurious ride and exceptional handling thanks to its independent double wishbone front and rear suspension. Extensive sound deadening and a wind-noise reducing body shape makes it quieter—a quality befitting a luxury vehicle.
For safety, it has seven SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control with Hill Start Assist.
The 2018 Toyota Alphard is available in three colors including a new shade: Steel Blonde Metallic. Pricing is slightly up from the current model at P3,580,000 (P3,595,000 for the Luxury White Pearl).
