Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation Starts 2015 With A Bang, Releases 2 New Models

In an unexpected move by Toyota Motor Philippine Corporation, they have launched two models immediately today. The facelifted Toyota Prius C, and in a move that is fast by any standard in the industry, just a few days after its global debut in Japan, the 3rd generation Toyota Alphard has also been released in the Philippine market.

Toyota Prius C (P1,573,000 – 1,578,000 + P15,000 for White Pearl)

   

The Toyota Prius C is a cutesy little hybrid hatchback that is meant to offer people a more affordable entry into Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. However, being similarly priced with the Toyota 86 meant people will rather snatch up the fun to drive sportscar rather than a slow Prius C. Changes in the exterior include a front bumper design that is seemed to be inspired from the Toyota 86, while there are a few changes to the interior trimmings as well. The hybrid powertrain is made up of a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total output of 99 hp. It is mated to an e-CVT.

New features for the Toyota Prius C include a factory installed GPS, and in a field where a factory-installed GPS is still a rarity, this is a good thing. An emergency stop signal similar to those found in recent Hondas is now equipped as well, wherein the LED tail lights will flash vigorously when the driver brakes hard.

Toyota Alphard (P3,292,000)

*Japanese market model shown. May vary from local variants

The Toyota Alphard is one of the market’s favorite luxury vans or MPVs. It is posh, very comfortable to be in, thanks to its second row ottoman seats, and has the right amount of authority and stateliness for people to respect it on the road. When the 3rd generation Alphard had is global debut a few days ago, the public’s reception on the Alphard’s exterior design were on the negative side, but on the bright side, it did make people talk about it even more than before.

The third generation Toyota Alphard’s obvious change is its rather polarizing design. It’s hard to ignore the large grille and swoopy tail lights, which are done in LEDs. Inside, there are even more changes. The interior design has an even more upmarket design than the already upmarket design its predecessor already had.

Interior highlights of the all-new Alphard include LED ambient lighting in the roof, with 16 color choices, an 8-speaker audio system, a large 4.2 inch TFT color display between the gauges, and other niceties such as the 2nd row Ottoman seats.

Whereas most MPVs resort towards cheaper to build torsion beam rear suspensions, the Toyota Alphard goes the opposite direction, and switches towards a double wishbone suspension, and they claim that the Toyota Alphard is a more dynamic vehicle to drive than the vehicle it replaces.

The new Toyota Alphard is powered only by a 3.5 liter V6 petrol engine, with the 2.4 liter engine officially dropped from the line up. It produces 276 hp, and is mated to a 6-Speed Automatic.

If you’re interested, visit one of 44 of Toyota’s dealerships for more information.