In our current time when gas-guzzling vehicles are sucking our fuel budget dry and high-emission cars are slowly (quickly, in fact) killing us and our environment, it is truly a time for a change.
Toyota did come up with a solution – and with style.
Using the E-Four electric 4WD system, the Alphard Hybrid Minivan has low emissions, better performance and offers an impressive array of advanced safety features.
The E-Four electric 4WD system provides better driving performance by using power from the rear-wheel drive motor to optimize electric power distribution to all four wheels according to driving conditions. It provides additional drive power when needed and efficient wheel-by-wheel brake control.
Achieving levels 75-percent lower emissions than the Japanese government’s 2000 benchmark, the Alphard Hybrid Minivan qualifies as a Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV). The 2.4-litre gasoline engine has been developed specifically for use in Toyota’s hybrid systems and features a high-expansion ratio cycle that raises efficiency and reduces friction.
Standard on the "G edition" and optional on standard grades, the Alphard Hybrid Minivan offers advanced safety features: Blind Corner Monitor (which indicates the approach of other vehicles or pedestrians from the left and right), Back Guide Monitor with a color CCD camera and voice-guidance function (which uses signals from a steering sensor to calculate the likely reverse path during reversing and display it on the monitor screen), Lane-monitoring system (which uses images from the Back Guide Monitor camera to measure the lateral distance to white or yellow lines on major highways and triggers an alarm when the distance falls below a pre-set level), Radar Cruise Control (which uses laser radar sensors and steering sensors to keep track of the vehicle’s lane and any preceding vehicle and ensures that a safe distance is maintained in accordance with vehicle speed).
And strengthening its aim for a greener future, the Alphard Hybrid achieves approximately 42 mpg and boasts an insulated body and newly developed two-way compressor that is incorporated in the motor to optimize the use of the air conditioner, conserving fuel. Its specially developed windshield glass also reduces the amount of solar radiation penetration. Additionally, the roof and roof panels contain an insulating material to reduce cabin temperature, which helps conserve energy when the air conditioner is operating.
The Alphard Hybrid Minivan, next to the Sienna, is truly one outstanding minivan definitely worth checking out.
