Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is likely to be the next automaker to introduce a luxury MPV in India. The Japanese automaker recently showcased the Toyota Vellfire MPV at a private event in the country, images of which have made it to internet. The Toyota Vellfire is already on a sale in a number of South Asian markets and shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Alphard, barring the cosmetically changed front and rear. The Vellfire will join the Mercedes-Benz V-Class in the new and niche segment and is likely to be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), when it arrives later. carandbike reached out to Toyota India for a statement on the Vellfire, but the company said, "It does not comment on rumours or speculations about future launches."
The Toyota Vellfire was showcased at a private event to dealers in India
The leaked brochure from the Toyota Vellfire's showcase events reveals the luxury MPV will be powered by a 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid engine under the hood. The motor belts out a combined output of 178 bhp and 235 Nm pf peak torque, while paired with an e-CVT unit. Power is sent to the rear wheels and there could be an AWD version too. For the Indian market, the automaker is likely to introduce the top-of-the-line version that will come with all the bells and whistles.
The Toyota Vellfire will take on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class in the segment
The leaked images also showcase the Toyota Vellfire in the 'Executive Lounge' package that gets dual captain seats for the second and third row that can be rotated for flexible seating configuration. The seats are ventilated, can be reclined and are upholstered in leather. The Japanese luxury MPV also comes with dual moonroof, triple-zone automatic climate control, AC vents for the rear seats, ambient lighting, individual tray tables and more.
The Toyota Vellfire is likely to come to India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU)
Visually, the Toyota Vellfire is imposing with its boxy appearance. The MPV gets a chrome-induced front grille with LED daytime running lights integrated in the lower lights, cornering lamps, LED wraparound taillights, 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, and powered sliding doors with obtruction detection for easy ingress and egress. The luxury MPV also comes with the Toyota Telematics System with a touchscreen infotainment system, while the safety tech includes seven airbags, electronic parking brake, ABS with EBD, S-VSC and more.
The Toyota Vellfire is likely to come in India with all the bells and whistles possibly by the year-end
The Toyota Vellfire is likely to arrive under the government's relaxed homologation norms that allows manufacturers to import niche vehicles up to 2500 units per year and meet the highest compliance norms internationally. The luxury MPV segment has just picked up with the V-Class and the it will certainly be nice to see more choices for that kind of a buyer. Prices for the Vellfire are expected in the vicinity of Rs. 70-80 lakh (ex-showroom), which will put it on par with the German offering. The MPV could be launched in India in the last quarter of 2019.
Leaked Images Source: Team-bhp.com
