Toyota sure knows how to celebrate the holidays as they give the Alphard a refresh before the year ends. Set to be sold by January 2018 in Japan, the facelifted yacht-on-wheels gets aesthetic changes, as well as some engine updates and added safety features.
The most obvious change on the new Alphard is on its fascia. The huge chrome grenade-grille gets even bigger and extends up to the headlamps. The familiar triangular fog lamp casings are still there, but now chromed, and some variants get bigger fog lamp housings with air vents that are also outlined with more chrome. Did we say chrome?
The rear and side profiles remain pretty much the same. The rest of aesthetic upgrades are found inside, with a new instrument cluster in place, while wood grain and Nappa leather options are available for the Japanese market.
Being a family car by nature, one of the best changes in the 2018 Alphard is the updates on its safety features. The 2nd generation of Toyota Safety Sense is now standard across the Alphard range (at least in Japan). This includes Pre-Collision System with cyclist and pedestrian detection, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Road Sign Assist (RSA).
Under the hood, the 2018 Alphard is given the new 2GR-FKE 3.5L V6 engine. This direct injection mill is coupled to an 8-speed Direct Shift transmission, leaving the 6-speed automatic transmission in the past. Although output figures haven’t been disclosed yet, Toyota claims that these changes inside the bonnet gives better performance and fuel efficiency.
Japan will get hybrid variants of the Alphard, of course, but we’re not sure if Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) will make it available here if they decide to bring the facelift version in the local market. Considering the discounts for hybrid vehicles stated in the upcoming TRAIN act, it is a possibility but not an assurance.
Latest News
-
The 7th-gen Ford Mustang: What to expect? / News
The 7th-gen Mustang has arrived in the Philippines, take a look at the changes Ford has brought to its iconic pony car.
-
No E-Way! E-Bikes and E-Trikes banned on major roads in Metro Manila / News
The MMDA is now enforcing a new ban on e-bikes and e-trikes on several roads in Metro Manila to help improve traffic flow and improve road safety.
-
New Alfa Romeo Junior is ready to charge up the EV scene in Europe / News
The Alfa Romeo Junior has been unveiled, marking the Italian automaker's entry into the all-electric vehicle segment.
Popular Articles
-
Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the Philippines
Aug 25, 2023
-
First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beat
Jun 18, 2021
-
Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to know
Earl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
-
Most fuel efficient family cars in the Philippines
Bryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
-
2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to know
Joey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
-
Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunks
Sep 20, 2023
-
Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7
Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
-
Why oil changes are important for your car
Earl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
-
2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about it
Joey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
-
Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the Philippines
Joey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020