TOYOTA 2020
ALPHARD EXECUTIVE LOUNGE

The Soul of the Machine

The Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge is Nairobi's favourite answer to the question: 'What do you buy when a family outgrows a Land Cruiser Prado, needs seven seats in comfort, but refuses to compromise on prestige?' The answer, in Toyota showrooms from Westlands to Mombasa Road, is almost invariably the Alphard.

The Executive Lounge specification's centrepiece is its rear cabin: two electrically adjustable ottoman seats in Ivory semi-aniline leather, which recline to an almost horizontal position for napping on the Nairobi–Nakuru run. Each rear seat has its own 11.6-inch entertainment screen, power footrest, and reclining function. The middle-row power side door slides back to reveal a cabin that borders on theatrical.

Mechanically, the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine connected to Toyota's Direct Shift CVT is more than adequate. Fuel consumption is genuinely impressive for a vehicle of this size and price, and Toyota Kenya's nationwide service infrastructure means running costs remain predictable.