Toyota Vellfire 1

Also appearing on the Toyota stand at the 2015 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) is what will soon be a grey market favourite in our part of the world – the new Toyota Vellfire. Available in sole 2.5G trim, the extroverted luxury MPV joins its more sober Alphard sibling in PT Toyota Astra Motor's lineup; the latter is also offered in a range-topping 3.5Q variant as well as a base 2.5X

With the advent of a second generation, the Vellfire becomes even more in-your-face compared to its already-imposing predecessor. The trademark dual-tier headlights are slimmer than before and now feature twin LED projectors, while the chrome-laden grille of the current car gets even larger.

Toyota Vellfire 48

Along the side, there's more barrel-like surfacing, and the windows on the front doors are now visually connected to the other side windows. Out the back, there's a wraparound rear windscreen and reshaped tail lights, and 18-inch multi-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels complete the look.

Inside, the more luxurious seven-seat (2-2-3) interior – in black as opposed to the Alphard's beige colour scheme – gains LED roof illumination (four brightness, 16 colour settings) and a seven-inch touchscreen with navigation, to go with the familiar triple-zone climate control, roof-mounted LCD monitor, twin sunroofs, powered sliding doors and keyless entry and start. The plush second-row captain chairs with "Mickey Mouse" headrest wings are also power-adjustable.

Beneath all this lies a new platform – the interior height stays at 1,400 mm despite the overall height dropping 10 mm, and new double wishbone rear suspension replaces the old torsion beam. This, paired with increased body rigidity, a more aerodynamic body shape, as well as enhanced soundproofing contribute to a luxurious, quiet and comfortable ride with stable handling that Toyota claims to be befitting of a luxury vehicle.

As mentioned, there's only one variant for the Vellfire, which means only one engine choice – a 2.5 litre 2AR-FE engine with 180 hp, matched to a Sports Sequential Shiftmatic Super CVT-i transmission with seven virtual ratios. The Toyota Vellfire 2.5G retails in Indonesia at 980 million rupiah (RM290,450).