Game of thrones

The latest generation of the Toyota Vellfire was launched in the country almost two years ago, but can it still hold to its promise of being a people carrier for the wealthy?

- Abhinav Jakhar

The Vellfire has always held a special place in my heart, not only because I am a fan of Toyota cars in general, but because it was one of the first few cars I had the privilege to review early in my career, back when it first arrived in the country. I distinctly remember driving the previous generation Vellfire at Toyota's test track in their Bidadi plant, and taking loop after loop at their figure-of-eight-shaped course. My younger mind, obsessed with speed and power, couldn't clearly comprehend this opulent MPV's purpose. After several rounds, in the driving seat and then shifting to the second row, it hit me like a strong gust of cold wind on a warm summer day.

Toyota's idea with the Vellfire is to provide a people carrier for the wealthy. In fact, not just the wealthy, but for those who already have at least a couple of cars in the garage. It's for those who want to go from point A to B in ultimate luxury and believe it or not, practically. Toyota has a very good handle on how to make a good MPV or people carrier, just take the Qualis and Innova as examples, and all becomes crystal clear.

In that respect, the Vellfire should be an extension of that experience. Before diving headfirst into those comfortable second-row seats, which is undoubtedly the business end of things for a car of this type, let's talk about all that's changed from the previous generation.