By Christopher Tan
Senior Correspondent 

The Toyota Alphard is not the type of car motoring enthusiasts are automatically drawn to.

It has the stylistic finesse of a concrete block, with seemingly similar aerodynamics, and as much athleticism as a post-retirement Maradona.

But you would be surprised, as I was.

The Alphard is really quite a charmer once you get behind the wheel.

Clamber on board, plonk yourself on the plush seat and push the Start button.

You are startled first by the quietness.

Then, the complete absence of vibration.

Is this a Lexus, mislabelled as a Toyota?

Engage the CVT gearbox, release the foot-operated parking brake and the movable mass literally glides away.

The ride is equivalent to what a proper limousine dishes out. All the nasty imperfections of the tarmac are filtered out, as are the external noises.

And despite its shape, it does not betray any wind noise.

You do not hear the 2.4-litre fourcylinder engine either, unless the tacho exceeds 3,500rpm, which is seldom. The transmission governing the engine is a gem as far as CVTs go. Like the power plant, it is silent.

The Alphard is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace but it can get up to a decent gallop with minimal fuss. Truth be told, it punches above its specifications and there is hardly a moment when you wish you had more shove at your disposal.