Toyota has debuted the redesigned Alphard and Vellfire minivans through its dealers across Japan. Said to incorporate the idea of a roomy and luxurious space with a new and unprecedented sense of refinement, the Alphard variant emphasises luxury, while the Vellfire variant emphasises boldness.

In addition to high body rigidity, a newly developed double wishbone suspension was adopted for the rear to achieve a luxurious ride and exceptional handling stability. Extensive sound and vibration dampening as well as a wind noise-reducing body shape provide a quiet ride at all speeds, befitting of a luxury vehicle.

The new models also feature world-first advanced equipment such as the Panoramic View Monitor with new See-through View, which gives a driver's perspective of the vehicle's surroundings as if the vehicle itself were transparent, and Intelligent Parking Assist with new multi-point turn support that controls steering in tight parking spaces.

Three different drivetrains are available from launch. For eco-minded drivers, a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle combustion engine is combined with a six-speed Sequential Shiftmatic and E-Four (electric four-wheel drive system) to create a hybrid system with a fuel efficiency of 19.4km/L under the JC08 test cycle. It produces a combined output of 150bhp.

A petrol only 2.5-litre engine is available too and is paired with a seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic and Super CVT-I transmission. Producing 180bhp, it combines with the optional Stop & Start System to provide fuel efficiency of 12.8km/L. For those who want more power, there is the 276bhp V6 3.5-litre engine combined with a six-speed Sequential Shiftmatic and 6 Super ECT. It returns 9.5 km/L on the Japan JC08 test cycle.

A new Executive Lounge grade, which places emphasis on the rear seats, is available for both Alphard and Vellfire variants. Choosing this option means the car will receive special tuning of the suspension to provide an even more luxurious ride suitable for a luxury-class grade. The second row seats are now approximately 100mm wider. In addition a power ottoman (with extension function) extends about 140mm, while heated seats, ventilated seats, a stowable table, and other amenities enhance convenience and comfort.