[Test Drive] Toyota’s minivan Alphard boasts sedanlike drive
Toyota launched its fourth electrification model in Korea for this year, the luxury hybrid minivan Alphard that features a chauffeured, sedanlike driving experience.
The fourth generation of the multipurpose vehicle that has sold some 150,000 units in Japan and abroad hopes to offer “omotenashi” -- a Japanese expression that describes hospitality and mindfulness -- to customers ranging from company executives who need private space, to family car lovers.
“Compared to the previous model, the new Alphard has improved the body rigidity by 50 percent and reduced the vibration by one-third,” said Takahiro Sugama, project general manager at Toyota Motor Corp. The car also has turned down the road and car noise by using sound deadening materials, Sugama added.
Stressing that the car was also designed to give a pleasant experience for drivers, Alphard Chief Manager Kenichi Yoshioka noted that it improved the steering response with the Toyota New Global Architecture platform. It has three Proactive Driving Assist system modes: Obstacle Anticipation Assist, Deceleration Assist and Steering Assist.
The car’s official gas mileage is 13.5 kilometers per liter, which was drastically improved compared to the third-generation model, according to the automaker.
(责任编辑:스포츠)
- ·Foreign workers' deaths get weak sanctions
- ·S. Korea’s consumer sentiment turns sour in September: BOK index
- ·“러시아 공군기, 평양 도착…북러 간 접촉 활발”
- ·Hospital visits during Chuseok cost up to 50% more
- ·Gimbap and hanja cramming: Life of Korean Studies students in Paris
- ·S. Korea holds rare military parade, warns NK against nuclear attack
- ·[Herald Interview] 'UN peacekeeping forces need better gender equity'
- ·Young swimmer enjoys self
- ·SC Bank Korea CEO nominated for fourth term
- ·S. Korean ambassador says stronger Russia
- ·TvN Sports, CGV to screen Bundesliga’s first ‘Korean derby’
- ·Is S. Korea dangerous for women?
- ·Biz outlook stays flat for October amid slowing economy
- ·[Herald Interview] Forever is not impossible: Oneus aspires to global reach with 'La Dolce Vita'
- ·S. Korean diplomat discusses NK human rights with US envoy
- ·[Herald Review] ‘Carmen’ redefines iconic femme fatale as stalking victim
- ·Hospital visits during Chuseok cost up to 50% more
- ·Biz outlook stays flat for October amid slowing economy
- ·[Contribution] Why hope matters in climate crisis
- ·House ownership widens wealth gap between young and old