Toyota Alphard coming to 2018 Auto Expo

After the success of the Innova Crysta and the Fortuner, Toyota Alphard will be the next major entrant for the Indian car market.

We had revealed the fact in 2016 that Toyota has been considering the Alphard and even the Hiace for India. It seems that Hiace plan has been dropped and the company will be sticking to get the Alphard to India. This is a luxurious and the most expensive one for Indian market to offer sliding doors. Toyota will be offering this for India and it will be showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo.

Toyota has a strong presence in the UV segment, especially the higher end of the spectrum. So they will want to get a product that looks stylish and it will offer the best of comfort, space and features. Alphard has been well expected in South-East Asian markets. This will be an experiment for the Indian market as there is no other MUV or UV with sliding doors on sale. From what we understand Toyota could be looking at this as a CBU and a good choice for those who need it for utility. In the Indian car market, some of the experiments have worked. A brand that has been growing steadily but more importantly is a market leader in most of the segments it has entered is a great sign for the brand.

For most of the markets this is made available with petrol engines only and we reckon even the Alphard for India should be with a petrol engine. We weren’t able to find a diesel engine on the Alphard across the globe. If that is the case then the number of buyers will not be very high. For the Auto Expo, the new Alphard will be coming in. But it will not be launched immediately — it seems so atleast.

Toyota Alphard India Price

It will not be very difficult to come to this conclusion. The Alphard should cost in the range of Rs 35 lakhs to Rs 45 lakhs. Either they get a petrol CBU or a locally assembled diesel, they will sell it at this price. It will be somewhat expensive than the Fortuner with more features and comfort. This is one of the most comfortable cars ever made. It will open up the Toyota brand to a newer set of buyers.

Toyota Alphard India Design

It looks gangster-like. This is a cool looking MUV with a lot of bling. We won’t be surprised if someone installed spinners on a black coloured Alphard. There is a massive front grille with lots of chrome and large size head lamps.

The fog lamps are rather small and this fascia isn’t like any other Toyota in India. The side profile of this MUV are impressive too. Full marks to the designer. There will be some people who will love this design, others might find it too loud. We have come impressed with the styling.

Limited glass area makes it looks aggressive. The same styling continues on to the tail lamp too. Wondering why this design wasn’t implemented on any other Toyota sedan. It will have a striking stance. The spoiler also looks just perfect in its location. We reckon this will come with 18-inch wheels.

Also Read: Toyota Coming cars in 2018 Auto Expo

Toyota Alphard India Interiors

Like the exterior, interiors are swanky. But Toyota Alphard also boasts its comfort quotient. This cabin reminds us of the Land Cruiser. Straight to the point – large touchscreen with AC controls underneath. It is wide as hell making it comfortable, rear seats offer excellent comfort with the captain seats and then extremely comfortable seating. There will be a bunch of safety features like multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, traction control and other bits on this MUV. Cruise control, reverse camera, Android Auto and all the stuff will also come in this vehicle. There shall be no sun roof on offer.

Also Read: Toyota Yaris sedan launch this year

Toyota Alphard India Specifications

A tad early to conclude but we are expecting a 2.5-litre petrol engine mostly with the hybrid technology. This will be apt for a vehicle of this size and Toyota will be able to utilise its 2.5-litre engine for more vehicles in the coming days. Performance and quietness will not be an issue. Driving in city and even on the highway should be a pain point. It will be a comfortable vehicle.