Last week we reviewed the 2021 Mercedes V300 XLWB, the most expensive MPV in the market--priced above Tk3 crore, but today we are going to talk about the earlier generation Toyota Alphard, a very popular luxury van which is sure to provide the best value for money without having to break the bank.
The Alphard is Toyota's eight-seater luxury minivan, people carrier, or MPV. This Toyota Alphard review will concentrate on the first generation model, which was built from 2002 to 2008.
This famous Toyota model is still in production today and is now in its 3rd generation.
MPVs are gaining huge popularity and it’s quite obvious if you step out into the streets of Dhaka. With the likes of the ever-so-popular Noah or even the Esquire, these vehicles are everywhere. Many customers with bigger families are opting for the more luxurious alternative such as the Alphard because they simply provide much greater performance and ooze luxury in every inch of the interior.
A 4-cylinder, 2.4-litre petrol engine or a V6, 3-litre engine are both available for the Alphard. Other vehicles that use the three-litre V6 1MZ-FE include the Toyota Camry and Lexus RX300. The RAV4 was originally equipped with the 2.4 2AZ-FE. Both engine choices are offered with either two or four-wheel drive, and all Alphards feature automated transmissions.
The V6 engine has a really pleasant, purposeful burble that doesn't compare to the 4-cylinder engine and seems fully in line with the grandeur of the entire vehicle. Despite having a lot of power, it keeps it to itself. The vehicle you choose will mostly rely on your driving preferences and how much importance you place on operating costs, although I believe the 2.4 Alphard is underpowered.
Comfort
Both the passenger seat doors are power sliding and have dual-zone climate control, with separate controls for the rear seat passengers.
The rear passengers will also enjoy a bit of privacy from the prying eyes with power curtains which can be operated from the front as well. Not all models of the Alphard come with this but most ones I have seen in Bangladesh are available with this option.
Some features which were considered to be a ‘luxury’ back when this model was new are considered pretty much standard these days, such as adjustable armrests, dimmable ‘room’ lighting and front and rear AV screens with headphone sockets.
Safety
Toyota made sure to build a car with which one could carry the entire family safely and comfortably from point A to B. The driver and passenger airbags aswell as side airbags as well as an ABS braking system come standard in every model of the previous generation Alphard.
It is much safer for the passengers in the back seats to not be pressed up against the boot lid in the event of an accident.
Performance
Driving the Alphard has a great feeling of occasion and it doesn't feel as enormous as it seems from the outside while you're in the driver's seat. The three-litre V6 engine is smooth, quiet, and has a lot of power. It also seems effortless. When necessary, it can accelerate astonishingly rapidly and smoothly.
It should come as no surprise that a 4WD automobile weighing two tons has disc brakes on all four wheels. They do a good job of pulling the car up, but braking almost eliminates pedal sensation. This seems to be very common for this kind of car, in my opinion.
Given the car's dimensions, weight, and intended use, its cornering handling is adequate. It has some body roll and dislikes being asked to make a sudden direction shift. Things get a little bit better when the TEMS is set to the sport. I believe that expecting extraordinary cornering performance from a vehicle of this type misses the true purpose of the vehicle.
If you're seeking sporty handling, especially in corners, look elsewhere because this vehicle was clearly designed for floating along rather than pushing on. Keep in mind that the van is two tons and has more furniture than a typical home, including two couches, two armchairs, two TVs, and a nicer carpet.
Most people are worried about Alphard's fuel usage because of rising fuel prices. You should be in the ballpark if you budget for a car that gives roughly around five km per litre. It will vary from person to person and how they drive. It's not a given that the 2.4-litre engine will have superior fuel efficiency. This engine will need to be worked considerably harder to get the car going, using more gasoline as a result, unless you have an extremely light right foot. On top of that-- given Dhaka’s notorious traffic, the figures might vary.
A pre-owned older generation Alphard (2002-2008) will cost you around Tk14 lakh to Tk16 lakh, depending on the condition, which I personally think is a bargain for all the features and especially the badge.