2013 Toyota Vellfire Review
The Toyota Vellfire is largely the same as Toyota Alphard and differences are more cosmetic than functional. We were greatly impressed by the Toyota Alphard especially its lavish interior and we expected nothing less from its sibling. True to form, the Vellfire did not disappoint and it put on such a rousing performance that left no doubt about its claim to fame.
Detailed Review
This is a minor update to the 2012 Toyota Vellfire Review
The Toyota Vellfire entered the market in 2008 and has been in production for two generations. The first generation known as the ANH20 was in production from 2008 to 2015 and the second generation known as the AGH30 has been in production from 2015 to present. In Kenya, the Alphard competes with the Nissan Elgrand, Mercedes Benz V-Class, and the VW Transporter.
The 2013 Toyota Vellfire is offered with 2 engine options; A 2.4 Litre 2AZ-FE engine and a 3.5 Litre 2GR-FE engine that are available in normal and hybrid configurations. These are linked to either a 6-speed automatic, a 7-speed Super CVT-I or a CVT Automatic. Its available in both 2WD and 4WD.
2013 Toyota Vellfire Grades
- Toyota Vellfire 2.4X – This is the entry level grade that comes with the 2.4L engine, 17-Inch alloy rims, 8 Seater, Smart Start, Automatic AC, and DVD Player. Its available in both 2WD and 4WD.
- Toyota Vellfire 2.4V – This is the mid level grade that comes with the 2.4L engine, 16-Inch alloy rims, Smart Start, Automatic AC, DVD Player, monochrome seats and idling stop. This is further graded into Premium Seat Edition that comes with 7 seats with lie flat seats on the second row and the L Edition that comes with 8 seats without lie flat seats.
- Toyota Vellfire 2.4Z – This is the luxury grade that comes with the 2.4L engine, 18-Inch alloy rims, and an optional 2 panel sunroof. Its further graded into the G Edition that comes with 7 seats with lie flat seats on the second row
- Toyota Vellfire 3.5V – This is a mid level grade that comes with the 3.5L engine, 17-Inch alloy rims, Smart Start, Automatic AC, DVD Player, monochrome seats and idling stop. This is further graded into L Edition that comes with a beige interior.
- Toyota Vellfire 3.5Z – This is a luxury grade that comes with the 3.5L engine, 18-Inch alloy rims, and an optional 2 panel sunroof. Its further graded into the G Edition that comes with 7 seats with lie flat seats on the second row
Toyota Vellfire Hybrid Grades
The Hybrid is graded as Hyrid X, Hybrid V, and Hybrid ZR with similar equipment as the grades above
2013 Toyota Vellfire Interior
Legroom & Space
Without question, the Toyota Vellfire is one of the most luxurious vans we’ve seen in the market. The seats are spacious and comfortable and comparable only to business class seats on airlines. I mean, how many cars have you seen with lie-flat seats? The cabin is well insulated from external noise and you can have a conversation while cruising down a highway without having to raise your voice. The legroom for all the three rows is excellent and you really can’t ask for anything more.
Cabin Storage
There are plenty of storage compartments doled all over the cabin to store all manner of things. There are even secret compartments for hiding valuables that can only be found with the help of the user manual.
2013 Toyota Vellfire Boot Space
With all the three rows in use, there’s sufficient boot space to store about three medium sized suitcases. With the third row seats folded up, the boot space is really big cavernous. Additionally, the second row seats can be slid forward to create an even bigger boot space.
Other Extras: Anti glare rearview mirror, all auto windows, Alpine roof monitor, Navigation
Safety Features: SRS Airbags, ABS, EBD, 3 Point seat belts with ELR, Steering Assisted Vehicle Stability(S-VCS)
2013 Toyota Vellfire Exterior
The Toyota Vellfire is a tall bulky van that comes with alloy rims and fog lights as standard. The second generation features a sharper styling with bi-level headlights and a massive aero bumper.
2013 Toyota Vellfire Fuel Consumption
2013 Toyota Vellfire 2.4L fuel consumption: 12.0 Km/L
2013 Toyota Vellfire 2.4L Hybrid fuel consumption: 19.4 Km/L
2013 Toyota Vellfire 3.5L fuel consumption: 9.5 Km/L
2013 Toyota Vellfire Acceleration
2013 Toyota Vellfire 2.4L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.9 sec.
2013 Toyota Vellfire 2.4L Hybrid accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.3 sec.
2013 Toyota Vellfire 3.5L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.3 sec.
2013 Toyota Vellfire Hybrid 3.5L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.0 sec.
2013 Toyota Vellfire Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 Litres
2013 Toyota Vellfire Ground Clearance
The 2013 Toyota Vellfire has a ground clearance of 6.5 Inches(157mm), a few inches shy of the minimum recommended clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads. It’s not equipped for any off-road driving and we strongly discourage it. Even for on-road driving, it may be necessary to make some height adjustment to avoid scrapping speed bumps. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.
2013 Toyota Vellfire Stability and Handling
We drove the Toyota Vellfire and it was nothing short of spectacular. Don’t let its outsize demeanor fool you, the Vellfire can outpace most saloons on the road. It grips the tarmac surprisingly well and the ride quality is exceptional. Off the tarmac however, the Vellfire is like a fish out of water. We strongly discourage from venturing anywhere out of the tarmac with this motor. The body sits pretty low and scraps every imaginable protrusion on the road.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
As is a common practice with Toyota, most parts are widely shared with other Toyotas. Mechanical parts and service parts are easily available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are easy to find in Nairobi but can be difficult to find in other towns. Most spare shops in Industrial Area and Kirinyaga Road stock these parts. You can get listings for these shops here.
2013 Toyota Vellfire Reliability
The second generation Vellfire is a complex car with a lot of sensors and electronics that requires extra care especially in maintenance. The 2.4L 2AZ-FE and 2AZ-FXE engines are particularly sensitive to bad maintenance and will develop problems if not properly maintained. The hybrid systems are generally reliable at low mileage but tend to develop problems as the mileage increases. It is important to carefully read the owner’s manual if you are planning to own the Toyota Vellfire.
To download the 2013 Toyota Vellfire Owner’s Manual, click here.
Resale Value: Good
Toyota Vellfire Competitors: Toyota Alphard, Nissan Elgrand, Mercedes Benz V-Class, and the VW Transporter
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: Starting from Ksh.2,000,000
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 80,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If neccessary) Ksh. 32,000/- for 4 Tyres
See Latest Toyota Vellfire Prices here
What we like about the 2013 Toyota Vellfire
1. Spacious first class cabin
2. Lie flat seats
3. Automatic sliding doors
What we don’t
Low ground clearance
Conclusion
There are very few vans in the market today that can match the luxury and comfort of the Toyota Vellfire . Whether you are buying for your family or for business, you will not be disappointed with this car. Your passengers will be treated to a spacious cabin that is comparable to first class . The low ground clearance is an issue you will have to deal with and you will have to be selective on the roads you drive on. Besides this, everything else is the Toyota Alphard is a limousine fit for loyalty
Where to Buy the 2013 Toyota Vellfire in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the Toyota Vellfire locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.
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