Business Class
Standing head and shoulders above other people movers, the seven-seater 2015 Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge has all the right touches of luxury that C-suites will want as they’re being zipped around. Grace Tay reports
y alphard is like a pair of jeans, while my Rolls-royce is a suit or tuxedo,” a top honcho, who shall remain unnamed, once told Richburg Motors managing director Jacky Wong. Well, if regular MPVS were Levi’s, the denim this C-suiter had in mind was probably of the Tom Ford ilk—and today we’re exploring how you’d feel gearing up in the top-of-theline Executive Lounge version of the 2015 Toyota Alphard. Step inside: at 1,935mm high and with an access step 350mm off the ground, it’s a supervan that a chieftan whose physical stature matches up to his professional stature might literally be able to walk right into without ducking or breaking his stride. The plush, spacious second-row captain seats are where you’d settle yourself. (The Pa/entourage, if travelling with you today, would have pre-loaded themselves into the back seat for three; power sliding doors on both sides open wide and there’s plenty of front-aisle room for the second-row seats to slide forward, so getting into the back row doesn’t require acrobatic nimbleness.) Flip up the armrest pad to find controls for seat positions, lighting and—this function will be particularly useful for couples who can never agree on in-cabin climate, the automatic three-zone air conditioning system notwithstanding—individual heating or cooling in the seat itself to create a personal cocoon of comfort. If there’s work to be done, a stowaway table pops out of the centre armrest to lend its support, while your coffee fits into the cupholder. A USB charging point in each seat juices your tablet or phone while you’re on the move. When it’s time to relax and enjoy the ride inside this 6-speed Super ECT, 3.5L V6 mammoth, the padded ottoman leg rest rises at the touch of a button and extends some 14cm to let you comfortably stretch out; the “Mickey Mouse” headrest keeps you decorously positioned even if you nod off. A 12.1-inch monitor drops down from the roof for your entertainment needs, 17 JBL speakers providing a realistic home-theatre experience. Other updates to the new Alphard includes the much-talked-about front grille reminiscent of the mien of something Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley might do battle with. The imposing sight in the rear-view mirror of this chromeheavy spectre bearing down on them might well make road hogs move to the slow lane. The Alphard’s fraternal twin, the Vellfire, offers an alternative and equally bold front styling but is mechanically identical otherwise. Rigidity and soundproofing have been enhanced in this new model, and a double wishbone rear suspension replaces the torsion beam system, so your ride is quieter and more comfortable. Available at Richburg Motors Singapore (tel: 6283 7076).