New Vellfire
The Vellfire has been a surprisingly successful vehicle for Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) thanks to its positioning and exclusivity. This may surprise some, but TKM sold more than 100 units of the Vellfire in India on a monthly basis. Also, what has worked in the Vellfire’s favour is the fact that there is virtually no alternative for someone wanting a super-luxurious, chauffeur-driven MPV in that segment. Globally, the Vellfire has proven to be a practical alternative to a limousine, as it offers more useable space. Of course, it’s attractive to only those who don’t mind the boxy appearance compared to the sleekness of a luxury sedan.
Toyota sells roughly 8,500 units of its Alphard family every month in Japan, a third of which is made up by the Vellfire. The latter is a slightly sportier-looking derivative of the Alphard that is also sold alongside, globally. While the Vellfire attracts a slightly younger audience than an Alphard, in India, due to its positioning, the Vellfire’s audience is a bit older, comprising mostly politicians, actors and businessmen. It clearly stands out, and in its latest avatar, is probably amongst the flashiest Toyotas on sale anywhere.
It is likely that the new Vellfire’s price will be higher than that of the outgoing model given the high interest. While there is a petrol-torque converter powertrain option internationally, India will get the hybrid with an e-CVT. That too in top spec. Expect the new Vellfire to have a sticker price that is upwards of Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom) when launched here.
