Select Toyota dealerships in India have begun accepting bookings for the Vellfire MPV in the run-up to its launch in the coming weeks. The Toyota Vellfire is a high-end MPV which will arrive in six-seater form and be brought in as a CBU under the Indian government’s relaxed homologation rule. Deliveries for bookings made now are expected in March 2020.
Expected to launch with an ex-showroom price tag of about Rs 80 lakh, the Vellfire will be available in a single fully-loaded variant and be powered by a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
A leaked brochure had revealed earlier that the hybrid powertrain comprises a 150hp, 2.5-litre petrol coupled to a 143hp electric motor with a combined total output of 197hp. This engine seems to be the same one that powers the Lexus NX 300h and also seems to be paired with the same e-CVT gearbox that transmits power to all four wheels.
Considering its price point and the fact that it will come in a single, fully-loaded variant – features such as powered, ventilated and reclinable second row of seats, powered sliding doors and tailgate, two sunroofs, three-zone automatic climate control, mood lighting, individual tray tables, seven airbags and an option of a black or beige interior are all expected as standard – the Vellfire will directly rival the Mercedes-Benz V-class that launched at the start of this year at Rs 68.40-81.90 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India).
The Vellfire and V-class will also see competition from the upcoming Kia Carnival, which is slated to arrive in India sometime next year.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
