Toyota recently unveiled the latest update for the 2021 Toyota Vellfire and Alphard twins which will be launched in Japan on 10-May 2021. This might be the final update for the current generation of Toyota’s twin luxury MPVs before the next generation arrives in 2022.

The updates are very minimal on both the Alphard and the Vellfire with the introduction of the S Type Gold II and Golden Eyes II trims on both respective models.

The improved variants see dual power sliding doors available as standard on all Alphard and Vellfire models while the Executive Lounge variants of the Alphard get foldable passenger seat headrests which help improve rear visibility for the driver.

Elsewhere, the Alphard S Type Gold II comes with special sunburst gold woodgrain panels for that added sense of class in this luxury breadbox on wheels and is available on both petrol- and hybrid-powered variants.

The Golden Eyes II grade is available on the petrol-powered and hybrid Vellfire and receives the same woodgrain panel trims. However, while Toyota still offers multiple grades for the Alphard, this remains the only three variants for the Vellfire.

In 2020, Toyota decided to remove the limit on what models can be sold across its four dealership networks (Toyota Store, Toyopet Store, Corolla Store, and Netz Store). As a result, the Vellfire has been suffering in terms of sales.

Dealers are easily selling out the more expensive and premium Alphard which even ranks as the country's fifth best-selling car last year.

Also read: 2020's top 10 most popular cars in Japan, Toyota Alphard is No.5

Thus, the Vellfire would be killed off after this final update as the next-generation approaches. Prior to this new update, Toyota offered up to ten grades of the Vellfire. Now it is down to just three (two 2.5-litre petrol variants, one 2.5-litre hybrid) with the 3.5-litre powered variants dropped entirely.

Also read: Rumour: Toyota Vellfire to be killed off in 2022, merge with Alphard

Even the colour options are limited to only two - white or black, compared to the wide array of previously offered colours.

Also read: Why is it so hard to buy a Toyota Alphard / Vellfire that’s not in white or black colour?

Malaysians love both Toyota MPVs with the Vellfire being more seen on the road. How will this affect the fate of the Velfire in Malaysia?

Also read: Toyota Alphard, used units from RM 40k, here’s some tips for buying one