Due to historical reservations Koreans hold towards Japanese products—stemming from Japan's brutal occupation of Korea during World War 2 and the decades leading up to it—Japanese cars have traditionally received a lukewarm reception in Korea. For example, Honda is largely ignored there. However, Korean buyers rank among the most discerning when it comes to high-end luxury products. They make exceptions for Japanese luxury brands like Lexus. In fact, Korea is probably the only country where Lexu

While ministers and bosses in Malaysia await the official arrival of the all-new 2023 Toyota Alphard (AH40), the luxury mobile breadbox was launched in our neighbours, Thailand and Indonesia. Over in the archipelago, the all-new Alphard is offered in 3 variants – the petrol-powered X and G as well as a single Hybrid variant which are priced between IDR 1.356 billion to IDR 1.657 billion (~RM 412k-503k). Despite being the most expensive variant offered, the Alphard Hybrid is also the most popular

The Toyota Alphard is the default luxury breadbox on wheels which is a far cry from the Toyota Hilux, everyone’s favourite pick-up truck. Still, one Japanese automotive college is thinking of combining the two for the ultimate mash-up in luxury pick-up. A group of students at the Nihon Automobile College (NATS) are planning to display a unique customization project that combines an Alphard with a Hilux at Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 (TAS 2023). Every year since 1997, the automotive college exhibits a

According to latest information gathered by Japanese media, the all-new, fourth-generation Toyota Alphard is scheduled to launch in 2022, and it could look like what you see above. Like it? The current third-gen Alphard (AH30) was launched in January 2016. It received a facelift in December 2017 for the 2018 model year, with most of the changes revolving around the exterior and powertrain. That was when we were introduced to the currently-employed 2GR-FKS 3.5-litre V6 mill / 8-speed automatic tr

Last year in June, the government announced a decision to place sales tax (SST) exemption for cars – cut sales tax on CKD cars, while offering 50% sales tax discount for CBU models as part of the Penjana stimulus package. It was supposed to last until 31-December 2020 but in a twist that brought mixed reactions in the local automotive industry, the Ministry of Finance extended the exemption to 30-June 2021. So, if you’re interested to buy a new car, now might be the right time to take advantage

The Lexus LM is Toyota’s most favourite MPV in its most luxurious form. Sporting the same 3.5L V6 2GR-FKS engine as the Toyota Alphard, the LM offers enhanced luxury. This year, Thailand has received the LM 300h while the LM 350 has been launched in Indonesia. Available in either a 4-seater or 7-seater configuration, the LM350 comes with luxury features such as: Mark Levinson audio 26-inch on board display (4-seater only) 13.3-inch on board display (7-seater) Massage seats (4-seater model only)