“Alphard-style SUV” Consecutive throws!The new 5m class 3-row SUV “Palisade” with an amazing face will be released in Australia from about 6.1 million yen .

“Toyota “”Alphard”” one grade! VELLFIRE”” is not so much! 3 models with too many grades

So many to choose from! Three popular minivans with too many types to choose from
　There are minivans with not only different types of engines and drive systems, but also a wide variety of grades.
　
　In some cases, more than 10 grades are available as a result of variations developed in response to user demand.
　
　In this issue, we will introduce three popular minivans that are available in too many different grades.

Too much variation! Let’s take a look at the interior of the Alphard, which differs considerably from grade to grade.
　The “”Alphard”” boasts immense popularity as Toyota’s luxury L-class minivan.

　It is known for its wide lineup of models, ranging in price from the basic “”X”” grade (2.5WD, 3,597,000 yen, price includes consumption tax) to the top-of-the-line “”HYBRID Executive Lounge S”” (4WD, 7,752,000 yen), with a price difference of more than 4 million yen. The Alphard is also known for its wide range of price variations, ranging over 4 million yen.

　Including the special edition “”S “”TYPE GOLD III””, which was newly introduced in April 2022, a total of 11 grade names are available for the Alphard.

　Prior to the April 2021 partial upgrade, there were even more, with 13 grades available, not including the special edition model.

　The number expands even further when differences in engine type (2.5-liter straight-4 gasoline/3.5-liter V6 gasoline/hybrid) and drive system are included.

　The Alphard is still available in 11 grades, but the difference lies in the meticulous specification differences between the interior and exterior.

　The interior is subdivided into three-row seat variations and equipment differences, and the exterior is subdivided into the presence or absence of aero parts and other differences, including price differences.

Rivals offer 10 grades! Nissan “”Elgrand

　The Alphard was first introduced in 1997 with the first generation Nissan Elgrand.

　It pioneered the luxury minivan genre, which had never existed before, and gained popularity immediately after its debut.

　The current Elgrand, introduced in 2010, is the third generation. More than 10 years have passed since its debut, and the number of grades has increased with each minor change.

　As of May 2022, the “”Highway STAR”” series with aero parts alone has seven grades, indicating that it is the center of popularity.

　The “”AUTECH”” custom model and the “”VIP”” and “”VIP Power Seat Package”” luxury versions with luxurious rear seats make for a total lineup of 10 grades.

　Like the Alphard, the price ranges from the basic “”Highway STAR S”” grade (2.5WD, 3,694,900 yen) to the top-of-the-line “”VIP Power Seat Package”” (3.5WD, 7,893,000 yen), with a difference of nearly 4,200,000 yen.

Non-aero versions are also available! Nissan Serena

　Nissan’s M-class minivan, the Serena, is also available in 10 different grades, just like its big brother, the ElGrand.

　The aero version of the Highway STAR series is the most popular, and the AUTECH custom model is also available, but the Serena differs in that the standard “”X”” and “”XV”” series are also available.

　The “”XV Aero”” model, which features aero parts and is priced lower than the Highway Star series, is also available to meet various user demands.

　Prices range from “”X”” (2,576,200 yen for 2WD) to “”e-POWER AUTECH SPORTS SPEC”” (4,192,100 yen for 2WD). There is a difference of more than 1.6 million yen between the 10 grades, although not as large as the Alphard and Elgrand.

　The price difference is also influenced by the fact that two types of hybrid systems are available: the S-Hybrid, which has a simple structure, and the e-POWER, a full-fledged series-type hybrid system.

　Incidentally, the rival Toyota Noah has six grades.

　However, its sibling Voxy, which has a different face, also offers two grades, making it equivalent to having a lineup of eight grades.

　The Noah/Voxy also comes in 7-seat and 8-seat versions, gasoline or hybrid, and 2WD or 4WD, making the actual choice a very difficult one.

* * * * * * *

　Incidentally, the Alphard’s sibling, the Vellfire, once boasted an abundance of grades comparable to those of the Alphard and competed for popularity.

　However, in April 2021, when it underwent a partial makeover, the “”GOLDEN EYES II,”” which was available as a special edition at the time, was made a regular grade.

　At the same time, the company decided to eliminate all other grades from the lineup, a restructuring measure that was too bold.

　As of May 2022, the catalogs distributed at Toyota dealers list the Alphard and Vellfire models jointly on the front cover, and there are no separate catalogs for the Alphard and Vellfire models.

　Furthermore, the Vellfire is treated in a modest manner, being listed together in the latter half of the catalog after the Alphard is introduced at the beginning of the catalog.

　In other words, the Vellfire may be said to be the 12th grade of the Alphard.
“

“Gold shiny is embarrassing…”” Gold Toyota “”Alphard”” is now a standard! What do special model owners really think?

Special Edition Alphard with Distinctive Gold Appearance!
　The Alphard is Toyota’s most popular luxury minivan.

　With 95,049 units registered in calendar year 2021 (January 2021 to December 2021), the Alphard is still at the top of its category, ahead of other minivans.

Gilded inside and out! The gold version of “”Alphard,”” with its glittering presence, is amazing!

Toyota’s “”Alphard”” Special Edition with Gold Emblems

　The “”S Type Gold III”” special edition version of the Alphard was launched on May 13, 2022.

As the number “”III”” indicates, the “”S Type Gold”” is the third version of the third-generation Alphard, which debuted in 2015.

　This special edition has been available since the second-generation Alphard, and the same model had the “”S Type Gold/S Type Gold II”” lineup, but the gold special edition, which counts five models in total, has become a popular Alphard standard.

　The Alphard’s sibling, the Vellfire, also has a similar specification and is offered as “”Golden Eyes. Currently, only this one grade is sold as a catalog model, not a special edition.

　One of the most distinctive features of the Alphard S Type Gold is the use of gold on various parts of the interior and exterior.

　Gold emblems on the front of the exterior, gold spattering decorations in subdued colors and sunburst gold wood-grain panels on the interior, and other gold features are used throughout the vehicle.

　In addition, the S Type Gold III now available also features gold decorations on the meter rings of the Optitron meters to give them a unique look.

　In addition, the front grille and rear back door garnish are smoked plated to give the car a bold presence, and even the smart key is gold plated for a total coordination of gold.

　The S Type Gold III also features a high quality interior space with a combination of suede-like Blanc Nove II and synthetic leather seat covers.

　The gold Alphard has an attractive style with a special feel, and we asked the owners of the S Type Gold II, which was introduced in May 2021, what they found attractive about it.

　Mr. Y, a company employee (male in his 40s), originally drove a mid-size minivan, but when that vehicle was due for inspection, he switched to a gasoline-powered Alphard S Type Gold II.

Actually, I chose the S Type Gold II not because I wanted a gold Alphard, but because I felt that the special edition items it came equipped with were a good value for money.

　The S Type Gold II is based on the regular specification “”S”” grade, and in addition to the gold interior and exterior, special equipment has been added.

　The style is different, as the normally two-light LED headlamps are replaced by three-light LED headlamps with an adaptive high-beam system, and the chrome decorations of the standard version are replaced by smoked chrome decorations, as mentioned above.

　The interior also differs from the standard version in that the roof and pillars are black, and the seats (ultra-suede and synthetic leather for the S Type Gold II) are soft to the touch, giving the interior a high-quality, premium feel.

The gold emblem from the front stands out on the street, and I myself find it a bit embarrassing…

　I often pass by Alphard with the gold emblem, so I guess it is a popular model, but I preferred the silver emblem as in the regular version, not the gold one.

　However, I was happy with the extensive equipment, and the resale value seems to be high, so I think it was a good decision to choose the S Type Gold II.

* * * *

　The S Type Gold III has improved safety features such as a blind spot monitor that helps mitigate damage from collisions with approaching vehicles and parking support brake (for vehicles approaching from behind) as standard equipment.

　The Alphard S Type Gold III is a special edition with gold, and the secret to its popularity is that it is available at a price starting at 4.3 million yen, while at the same time offering a variety of attractive items, including safety equipment.”

“6.6m in length! Toyota “”Alphard Truck”” is astonishing! What are the repercussions of its powerful style? Expectations for a custom car filled with students’ ideas!

Despite mixed reactions… being able to build an Alphard truck is something to be proud of!
　Every year, the customization department of the Nihon Automobile College (a.k.a. NATS), located in Chiba Prefecture, is the talk of the town when it comes to the custom cars they produce for the Tokyo Auto Salon.
　
　The customization department at the Nihon Automobile College (commonly known as NATS) in Chiba Prefecture produces a custom car every year for the Tokyo Auto Salon, and the “”Alphard Truck”” is said to be in the works for the 2023 event.

6.6m in length, too big! The completed version of the “”Alphard Truck”” has a great presence! And look at the past “”LM style””!

The 6.6-meter-long, too big “”Alphard Super Duty Truck”” is scheduled to be unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023! (Images courtesy of the Japan Automobile College)

　The Tokyo Auto Salon is a festival of custom and tuning cars held every January at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture.

　The customization department of the aforementioned Nihon Automobile College unveils a custom car with a sense of humor that surprises everyone at the Tokyo Auto Salon every year.

　In the past, the “”LM800T,”” based on the design of the Lexus LM300h, the “”NATS R35 Road Star,”” based on the Nissan Fairlady Z Road Star (Z33 model) and made to look like a GT-R (R35 model), and the “”NATS JIMNY,”” based on the Suzuki Jimny Sierra and made into a 5-door version of the NATS JIMNY kimun kamy,”” a 5-door version based on the Suzuki Jimny Sierra, and various other custom cars have been produced.

　Among these, several custom cars will be produced at the Tokyo Auto Salon to be held in January 2023, and one of the most notable is the “”Alphard Super Duty Truck”” (hereinafter “”Alphard Truck””), a super-duty truck based on the Toyota “”Alphard””. Alphard Truck), which is based on the Toyota Alphard.

　At first glance, the “”Alphard Super Dury Truck”” is an unfamiliar term for a four-wheeled pickup truck with two wheels on each side of the rear wheels.

　The Alphard Truck was built by extending the rear end of the body and connecting the cargo area, with the overall length measured at 6.6 meters.

　Regarding the background behind the conversion of the Alphard into a super-duty truck, the student said, “”When choosing a base vehicle, we decided on the Toyota Alphard because we wanted to draw attention to the unexpectedness of the vehicle by basing it on a familiar Japanese vehicle. The idea of creating a duty truck came from a group of members interested in truckin’ (sporty truck customization) and American cars,”” he said.

　With such a production background, what were some of the challenges involved in creating a custom truck that had never been done before?

First of all, we had a hard time finding the right combination of strength and weight (in order to obtain official approval) because we had to extend the body of the vehicle, so we had to make sure it was sturdy.

　For the cargo bed, we used panels from the current HiLux with support from the local Chiba Toyota Group.

　We are also working to complete the production with the support of a number of other parts manufacturers.

　On the other hand, the response to the Alphard truck from users has been positive: “”It has a groove that Alphard enthusiasts seem to like. I think it’s great that students can make a truck that can be driven on public roads,”” and “”The face of Alphard looks good on a truck, so I’m looking forward to seeing it.

　Others said, “”The idea is wonderful! I think it will be a fun class for kids who like it.”” “”The students and teachers here are car lovers from the bottom of their hearts, aren’t they? The students and teachers here are car enthusiasts from the bottom of their hearts, and it’s always fun to talk with them at the Auto Salon about their love of cars through gestures. Maybe this time I should go for the first time in a while. He said, “”This kind of idea is really important.
Young people’s car wars? It’s still okay! We also see comments such as, “”I’m sure it’s still fine!

* * * * * * *

　As of mid-October 2022, the Alphard truck has been lowered to the ground from the jacks, and it appears that work has begun on the rear gate area, with tail lenses and other items being installed.

　The completed version will be unveiled at the NATS booth at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 to be held from January 13 to 15, 2023. Other exhibits will include a “”GR GT3″” style custom car based on the “”GR86″”.”

“Toyota’s top-of-the-line “”Alphard”” at about 9,340,000 yen How much annual income “”how much”” can you afford? Characteristics of people who can afford a 10 million yen minivan
May 18 (Wed) 11:50Distribution

What does it cost to buy the highest grade of the Alphard?
　The Alphard is one of Toyota’s leading minivans. It is so popular that the number of new vehicles sold has always remained at the top of the list.

[Image] Super luxurious! There was once an “”Alphard”” that cost over 15 million yen! Look at the over-luxurious specifications! (26 pictures)

　How much annual income is required to get the highest grade “”Executive Lounge S”” among them?

How much annual income”” is needed to afford the highest grade of Toyota’s “”Alphard””?

　The Alphard, which represents Toyota’s minivan lineup, is a very popular model that, according to the new car sales ranking published by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association, ranked fourth in 2021 and has always remained within the top 10 from January to April 2022.

　The entry-level Alphard “”X”” (gasoline model/FWD/8-passenger) has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 3,597,000 yen.

　On the other hand, the price of the highest-end model, the “”Executive Lounge S”” (hybrid model / E-four / 7-seater), is 7,752,000 yen, a considerable difference.

　So, how much annual income is required to afford this top-end model of the Alphard without any difficulty?

　This time, since it is the highest-end model, we would like to add some options that can be installed, and consider the “”full-option”” condition.

　First, “”Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine,”” which is the second most popular body color and costs 33,000 yen extra, was selected.

　Then, “”Twin Moonroof (front tilt & rear electric sliding + anti-snag function)”” (121,000 yen) and “”ITS Connect”” (27,500 yen) were added as factory-installed options.

　Also available as dealer-installed options are a “”floor mat set (executive) with entrance mat”” (145,200 yen) and “”aero parts and muffler set (with LED) for models with the T-Connect SD navigation system”” (487,300 yen).

TRD TF5 (high-gloss silver II) 19-inch alloy wheel and tire set with Michelin Primacy3 tires (456,500 yen), bi-color LED fog lamps (switchable) for models with the T-Connect SD navigation system (58,300 yen).

If the “”chrome upper side garnish”” (69,300 yen) and “”chrome back door garnish”” (46,200 yen) are added, the total option price becomes 1,444,300 yen.

　Aero parts and 19-inch aluminum wheels create a stylish and sporty exterior, and with the addition of chrome parts and LED fog lamps, the specifications are truly worthy of being called the “”King of Minivans.

　Add to this the 43,500 yen automobile tax rebate by type, the 27,770 yen compulsory automobile liability insurance premium, and 82,280 yen in sales expenses, and the total price for taxes and other expenses comes to 142,650 yen.

　Incidentally, since this Executive Lounge is a hybrid vehicle, it is not subject to the automobile tax environmental performance discount or automobile weight tax.

　The total price of 1,444,300 yen for these options and 142,650 yen for taxes and other expenses, plus 7,752,000 yen for the vehicle itself, comes to 9,338,950 yen, which is the minimum price required to purchase an executive lounge of the ALPARD with full of options.

Toyota’s top-of-the-line “”Alphard”” at about 9,340,000 yen. How much annual income “”is enough”” to afford it? Characteristics of people who can afford a 10 million yen minivan

How much income does it take to get the highest grade of the Alphard?
　So, how much annual income is enough to afford this Alphard executive lounge without any difficulty?

　Generally, there is a standard that says “”the maximum price of a new car is about half of your annual income,”” and if we apply that standard to this estimate, it means that you should have an annual income of at least about 18 million yen.

　However, according to the “”Survey of Private Sector Salaries”” published by the National Tax Agency, those earning annual incomes in excess of 15 million yen – 20 million yen or less in FY2020 account for about 1% of the total, indicating that they are very limited.

　Although the Alphard is often purchased by corporations, it is clear that the highest grade, which is loaded with options, is a very high hurdle for individuals to overcome.

Toyota “”Alphard”” boasts a luxurious interior.

　Still, as mentioned above, however, the Alphard’s new car sales have remained in the top 10 from January-April 2022, indicating that it is in demand by many users.

　One of the reasons for its popularity is its high resale value.

　Although the residual value rate of the Alphard varies depending on the specifications, it is 55% for 3 years and 39% for 5 years, and by utilizing a residual value-setting loan, it is characterized by a sense of affordability.

　Using Toyota’s residual value plan with 60 payments (no down payment, no bonus payment, 4.8% annual rate), the monthly payment is approximately 129,900 yen.

　If you try to keep the monthly loan repayment amount to less than 20% of your monthly take-home pay, with 60 payments, you may be able to get an Alphard Executive Lounge with a monthly take-home income of about 650,000 yen, or about 9.6 million yen in terms of annual income.

　Although the hurdle has been lowered a little compared to a one-time cash purchase, the “”King of Minivans”” is still a high price to pay.

　However, residual value loans are subject to various restrictions, such as the need to return the vehicle at the end of the contract period, pay off the remaining balance in full, or take out another loan, as well as restrictions on driving mileage.

　Therefore, it is difficult to simply compare it with a lump-sum cash purchase, but if your goal is to drive a new Alphard, it is definitely an effective option.

* * *

　To get an Alphard “”Executive Lounge S”” loaded with options and the “”King of Minivans,”” you will need a substantial income, even if you take advantage of a residual value loan.

　In fact, trade-ins and down payments can actually lower the monthly payment, but in any case, it is important to choose a purchase method that fits your lifestyle and income.”