Toyota Alphard, Vellfire, Latest-Gen Prius Hybrids Showcased At ‘Beyond Zero’

Besides Hydrogen FCEVs and EVs, central to the 'Beyond Zero' expo by UMWT are its core hybrid - or HEV - models too.

Apart from the Lexus RZ 450e, The ‘Beyond Zero’ expo currently held by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) at Technology Park Malaysia also hosted the local debut of three rather exciting hybrid (HEV) models from the mighty Japanese automaker.

Making their debut local appearances at 'Beyond Zero' are the electrified Toyota Alphard HEV and its Vellfire HEV twin.

We’ll start off with perhaps a duo of luxurious MPVs that *MIGHT* be launched by the firm in the near future, and they are none other than the latest fourth-gen Toyota Alphard HEV and its Vellfire HEV twin. This duo marks the first time that a hybrid powertrain is fitted in either nameplates too.

Unlike the non-HEV variants UMWT launched late last year, these luxo-MPVs duo see their turbocharged 2.4-litre and 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol hearts ditched. Instead, both share the same Dynamic Force 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cyl petrol mill that’s paired with a hybrid electric motor and battery system, altogether delivering combined output of 247 HP.

Apart from its electrified powertrain, the Alphard HEV mirrors its turbocharged twin, right down to its 'Executive Lounge' seating arrangement.

Said mill is paired with an electronic CVT (e-CVT) box. When they debuted in Japan, both electrified hybrid variants of the new Alphard and Vellfire were offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive (AWD) ‘E-Four’ options, the latter even gaining a dedicated rear motor rated at 54 HP and 121 NM in to the mix. It’s worth noting the latter AWD variant is already on sale in neighbouring Thailand too.

Apart from their electrified powertrains and drivelines, both the Alphard HEV and Vellfire HEV duo mirror their turbocharged twins in with their cabins. In the case of the Alphard HEV, it’s now on show at ‘Beyond Zero' in ‘Executive Lounge’ guise featuring visibly more plush second-row seats as opposed to the second row ‘Captain Seats’ primed in the Vellfire HEV present alongside it.

Though not as posh as its Alphard twin, the Vellfire HEV still boasts a very posh cabin thanks to its plush second-row 'Captain Seats'.

Clearly, UMWT is using this opportunity at ‘Beyond Zero’ to gauge the interest of discerning local High Nett Worth Individuals (HNWIs) for both models. Even in non-HEV forms, both these MPVs have proven popular amongst said crowd, and that’s despite the stiff prices UMWT have tagged them at – from RM438,000 (Vellfire) and from RM538,000 (Alphard).

Depending on the reception garnered during this expo mentioned, there’s a chance that UMWT might work towards having them on sale locally in the near future. Fuelling this further is the acceptance of latest HEV hybrid iterations of both the Corolla Cross crossover SUV and Innova Zenix MPV.

A surprise treat for both Gazoo Racing and Prius fans is the appearance of the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition.

Besides said large but posh MPVs duo, UMWT also has the very latest fifth-generation iteration of Toyota’s signature Prius hybrid model on show at ‘Beyond Zero’ as well. Moreover, the specific unit on display is the radical one-off Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition special.

We’ve detailed this motorsports-inspired special prior in our initial global debut report. Surely, this is a treat for avid fans of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing arm. Moreover, it also a treat for fans of the Prius as it marks the latest fifth-gen model’s first appearance on local soil. We’ve detailed this model at length in our previous reports, which you can read by clicking here and here.

This special's showcase marks the first time the latest fifth-generation Prius hybrid is being shown in Malaysia.

As a refresher, UMWT officially imported and sold the third-gen Prius alongside the smaller Prius c thanks to the incentive on fully imported (CBU) hybrid vehicles offered by the government at the time. Both were quickly discontinued once said incentive ceased, leading to UMWT to forego the subsequent fourth-gen Prius altogether too.

However, like the Alphard HEV and Vellfire HEV duo mentioned earlier, should the initial local reception for this model at ‘Beyond Zero’, even in radical form as this Le Mans special, prove encouraging, we might see the Prius nameplate return into UMWT’s line-up in the near future.

Also on show at 'Beyond Zero' is the Camry Hybrid. The model is widely touted to enter our market sometime this year.

At 'Beyond Zero', the Camry Hybrid is also available for test-drive.

Naturally, UMWT remains tight-lipped about any plans of introducing either of these hybrid trio, but what’s almost certain to be launched this year instead is the Camry Hybrid. Said model is also on display at ‘Beyond Zero’ with test-drive sessions also available.

UMWT previously previewed this electrified twist to its evergreen D-segment saloon last year alongside the bZ4X EV crossover. Should it be launched, we can expect UMWT to tag the Camry Hybrid anywhere between RM226,000 and RM248,000.

By the way, you can see and experience some of these Toyota HEV models at ‘Beyond Zero’ that’s happening at Technology Park Malaysia from Feb 20 to Feb 28. Online pre-registration is required before attending. Details for which are available in our pre-event report by clicking here.