Toyota Alphard

The Toyota Alphard is a luxury van, which is being built by the Japanese carmaker Toyota since 2002. The car is a 7 - or 8-seater, 2.4 liter or 3.0 liter petrol engines and in three different equipment lines - Alphard G, Alphard V and Alphard Hybrid - available. The Alphard is primarily made ​​for the Japanese market, but also exported to Indonesia, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Russia. The car was named after the Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra ( Hydra ).

Description

Toyota indicates that their E -Four electric 4WD system controls the rear built-in electric motor that drives the rear wheels, and coordinates the distribution of electric power to all four wheels. An electronically monitored brake system ( ECB) provides effective control brakes at each wheel

The great Van Alphard Hybrid is classified as a vehicle with particularly low emissions in the U.S. and reaches 75 % lower emissions than the Japanese government in 2000 has prescribed. The 2.4 liter engine was developed especially for use in Toyota's hybrid vehicles, has very low internal friction and is therefore particularly fuel-efficient.

2006, the Alphard Royal Lounge has been introduced. It is a 4- seater luxury version of the Alphard. Its traditional competitor is the Nissan Elgrand.

" By-Wire " technology,

The Alphard Hybrid has an electric brake system, which is measured correctly, depending on the pressure on the brake pedal and the speed of the vehicle the brake pressure. These by-wire technology works together with the E -Four system to convert as much kinetic energy from braking into electrical energy.

The Alphard Hybrid Van can be as electrical outputs up to 1,500 W create and is within 100 V - equipped AC outlets that allow ( in the U.S.) the supply of many equipment such as laptops, emergency lights etc.. The sockets can also be used for recharging of electric bicycles and other facilities.

The Alphard Hybrid also has several safety features that you will not find in other hybrid vehicles. They are supplied in the standard version G and in the other versions on request, along with Toyota DVD navigation system G -BOOK:

• Camera-monitor system for the blind spot, which indicates the movement of pedestrians or vehicles there.
• , The signals of the steering uses rear-view camera monitor system with acoustic guidance to calculate the likely potential reversing distance and display.
• Lane Departure Warning uses the images of the rear view camera for the calculation of the distance to white or yellow lines on highways and an acoustic signal is too great approach.
• Distance radar, determined by radar sensors and signals of steering the distance to the vehicle ahead and gives audible warning signals to a close approximation.

Electronic payment system for road user charges

In addition, an electronic payment device for road pricing is available ( only in conjunction with the navigation system ) for each equipment line, which allows the passage through toll booths without stopping.

The Alphard Hybrid uses about 6.2 l / 100 km, has a thermal insulation of the body and a new two-way compressor on the engine, which optimizes the air consumption of air conditioning and saves gasoline. The specially developed windshield also reduces sunlight heating the vehicle. The roof is insulated and additionally contributes to a low temperature in the interior space at.

1st Generation ( 2002-2008 )

Toyota Alphard 1st generation

The Alphard was introduced in 2002 as a competitor to the Nissan Elgrand and Honda Elysion. With its many electronic components, its comfort and security equipment, it is Toyota's most commonly sold Van in Japan.

The cars were equipped with a 2.4 -liter R4 engine, type Toyota 2AZ -FE, with 16 valves and variable valve timing ( VVTi ). The engine produced 160 bhp (118 kW) and 195 Nm of torque delivered. Alternatively, there was a 3.0 L V6 engine, type Toyota 1MZ -FE, who had 24 valves and also VVTi. His power was 220 bhp (162 kW) and 310 Nm of torque to be. The engine power was in each case to a 4 - or 5- speed automatic (Super ECT) forwarded. The cars were available with front - or all-wheel drive.

2005, the Alphard was revised and got new taillights and alloy wheels with 16 " or 17" diameter. Since that time, the hybrid version is offered. Since 2007 (only for the Japanese market ) to request the navigation system G -BOOK and telematics.

2nd generation (since 2008)

Toyota Alphard Standard ( 2008)

In April 2008, the Alphard has been completely redesigned and got a more modern appearance and a more luxurious interior.

The engines were taken over from the predecessor, but do far more than previously. The four-cylinder now develops 170 bhp (125 kW) and has a torque of 235 Nm. The V6 are the corresponding values ​​of 280 bhp (206 kW) and 330 Nm. To select a six - speed automatic is now available (Super ECT ) or a 7-level (Super CVT).

With the Toyota Vellfire another variant was released, which offers a slightly different front ( grille and headlights) and a different interior.