Toyota FJ Cruiser

Bearing the vast majority of the rugged styling cues so favourably received at the 2003 Chicago international motor show, FJ Cruiser has finally landed in Oz some five years after first going on sale in the US, the delay the combined result of the GFC and a left-hand drive only configuration.

As its name -- and styling -- suggests, FJ Cruiser is a modern take on the legendary Toyota FJ-Series LandCruisers of the 1960s and '70s. Between 1961 and 1984 some 1.1 million examples of the original were produced, with 121,000 of those making their way Down Under – no small feat in anyone's book.

Drawing inspiration from its forebear, the new FJ Cruiser retains the familiar wide grille and round headlamps – complete with spelled-out TOYOTA lettering (which we're told was the source of great contention between Toyota's design and marketing departments), white roof, chopped  windscreen, wraparound rear glass and retro-inspired dash fascia.

It's this eye-catching blend of heritage styling and modern mechanicals that maintain the spirit of its muse, while at the same time delivering all the on- and offroad capability expected by those now accustom to an uncompromised multi-use vehicle that's equally suitable for everyday use.

The right-hand drive FJ Cruiser is available in a single specification to reduce complexity and, in Toyota's words, "keep things simple". It's a sentiment that rings true with those who can still remember earlier examples of the barebones original which arrived here ready-to-go and as simple as almost any car of its time could be.

Sharing a platform with big brother Prado, FJ Cruiser not only undercuts its more grown-up sibling, but commercial king HiLux SR5 and many seven-seat Kluger models as well.

With a manufacturer's recommended list price of just $44,990 the FJ Cruiser is certain to stop quite a few softroader buyers in their tracks – and might allow them to actually make some real tracks of their own.

Despite its relatively diminutive cost, the FJ Cruiser is still well equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine providing ample grunt through a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission, which is married to a part-time, dual-range four-wheel-drive system. An electronically-activated rear differential lock and Toyota's acclaimed A-TRAC traction control system keep the 17-inch alloys employed on rough terrain while all the safety kit expected of a modern passenger vehicle also makes the check list.

Inside, too, the FJ Cruiser provides all the essentials a discerning SUV buyer could want for without confusing the situation with unnecessary (read: never used) ancillary items. An up-to-the-minute surround sound system (complete with additional speakers in the head lining) with Bluetooth music streaming and telephony also plays up to six CDs and offers a 3.5mm auxiliary input and USB connectivity for maximum versatility. Power windows and mirrors of course come standard, as does a tilt adjustable steering column, air-conditioning, cruise control, multi information display binnacle cluster (comprising compass, external temperature gauge and inclinometer), remote central locking and nifty reversing camera system displayed in the auto-dimming rear-view mirror aided by sonar reverse parking sensors.

Toyota will also offer a number of accessories right from the get-go including roof racks, nudge bar, tow kit, side steps and deep-dish rubber mats. A long list of aftermarket offroad gear is also readily available through relevant stockists.

The FJ Cruiser is available in nine colours; many inspired by the original FJ40 Series' palette. All colours come with a white roof.

That discussion aside, the solitary mechanical package offer in FJ Cruiser is a good one. Toyota's gutsy (1GR-FE) 4.0-litre V6 petrol makes a meal of even the most challenging terrain and, thanks to the car's significantly lighter kerb weight (as compared to Prado), is quite rapid on tarmac, too. The Euro4-compliant all-alloy mill utilises a DOHC arrangement and dual variable valve timing (24 valves) to deliver peak power of 200kW at 5600rpm and torque of 380Nm at 4400rpm. Fuel economy returns see a combined average consumption figure of 11.4L/100km while CO2 emissions are just 197g/km.

Mated to a (A750F Super ECT) five-speed automatic transmission with electronically-controlled automatic lock-up torque converter and gated-shift, the FJ Cruiser offers part-time, dual-range four-wheel drive via a floor-shift transfer providing the usual 2H, 4H and 4L arrangement. A manual gearbox is not offered.

An electrically actuated rear differential lock provides surefooted torque distribution to each of the rear wheels over loose or slippery surfaces while Toyota's specifically calibrated offroad traction control system, A-TRAC (which mimics the functionality of a limited slip differential), helps stop unnecessary wheel spin in more demanding scenarios. Toyota says omitting hill descent control and full-time all-wheel drive not only helped it cut costs, but also "puts the onus on driver ability".

FJ Cruiser is suspended by a coil sprung double wishbone front end and multi-link rear, which is also coil sprung. Steering employs a variable-ratio hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion arrangement with a revised ratio for fewer turns lock-to-lock (2.7) and a turning circle of 12.7 metres. Braking incorporates ventilated discs all round grabbed by four piston calipers at the front and single piston units at the rear. The braking system includes anti-lock, emergency brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution systems.

Importantly, FJ Cruiser's suspension offers plenty of articulation offroad while also remaining poised on tar. Aided by impressive geometry, this combination makes for a capable performance in clearing rough terrain. Toyota has equipped the FJ Cruiser with the best overall geometry of any vehicle in the manufacturer's current 4WD line-up. Approach, break over and departure angles are ranked at 36-, 29- and 31-degrees respectively.

The FJ Cruiser also offers a critically important high ground clearance of 224mm (unladen); second only to the current 200 Series LandCruiser. Wading depth allows fording of up to 700mm. Further assisting the rugged off-roader's ability are short overhangs of 865mm (front) and 1115mm (rear). Braked towing capacity is rated at 2250kg.

The floors and cargo bay are clad in a durable synthetic rubber which is completely washable and designed to drain mud and mess from mountain bikes, scuba gear and the likes. The rear bay, accessed via a top-hinged glass window and/or side-hinged door offers up to 0.99 cubic metres of room, and with the 60:40 split fold (and removable) rear seats flipped forward, a full 3 metres length.

The CAD-designed flat panel motif of the FJ Cruiser's driver-oriented dashboard, penned by young designer William Chergosky of Chrysler fame, playfully mimics the original model's body-colour painted steel instrument panel and is backlit in amber for easy viewing at night. Unlike the original, however, FJ Cruiser's dash incorporates more style and function with a decor that recognises its predecessor's no-nonsense origins whilst still offering contemporary levels of amenity – that said, the knee-level position of the glove box is a little awkward.

Switchgear, controls and grab handles are all proportioned so as to be usable in ski-glove-clad hands and are of durable construction whilst still presenting a tactile feel.

For the most part, there's loads of space inside. Head, shoulder and legroom space up front is incredibly generous, thanks primarily to FJ Cruiser's box-like cabin shape. The rear seat too won't leave you wanting and is even pretty easy to get in and out of, with one notable exception: legroom. If you're quite tall and occupying the front row your rear seat passengers will have to lift their knees considerably.

Six airbags, including full-length curtain bags and the full gamut of electronic nannies keep a watchful presence over their occupants while active head rests lessen the chances of severe neck injury in both frontal and rear-end collisions. Lap/sash three-point inertia reel seat belts are included in all five seating positions with the front row adding pyrotechnic pretensioners to the itinerary.

Further, a reversing camera, big wing mirrors and rear parking sensors add to your peace of mind when backing up.

Toyota tells us that crash testing in the US saw FJ Cruiser exceed current standards, but to date, ANCAP testing has not been carried out. Taking into account the lack of a driver's knee airbag, early guesstimates predict a four-star rating is achievable.

Both the American-built rivals offer honest four-wheel drive capability and the retro-chic panache style-conscious buyers want -- while also delivering comparable levels of equipment.  Where FJ Cruiser stands out is, well, where it stands out. The look-at-me, plug-in componentry of its design really turns heads and has the advantage, in Australia at least, of being fresh in a landscape where the aforementioned rivals are now abundantly commonplace.

On the flipside, the two Chrysler products both offer the option of a more fuel efficient common-rail turbodiesel engine which develops more torque (460Nm versus 410Nm) and better consumption (9.4L/100km versus 11.4L/100km). Horses for courses, but it's worth keeping in mind if your priorities include long haul driving, towing or involve diesel tax concessions (for primary producers and the likes).

FJ Cruiser is a real surprise package where dynamics and performance are concerned with a competent and confident ride specifically tuned for Australian conditions. It shows, too. The FJ Cruiser feels planted at speed, no matter the terrain underfoot and cruises comfortably at highway speeds while still having enough in reserve for assertive overtaking manoeuvres. In many respects, it's far better behaved than Prado, even if the pair is aimed at different buyers.

Steering is well weighted; linear under load and presents a natural level of feel through its hydraulically assisted rack. Turn in is quick for a four-wheel drive, and the turning circle is small enough to shame quite a few family sedans I could name, making manoeuvring around obstacles and parking a cinch. If only a telescopically (reach) adjustable steering column was fitted, it'd be ideal.

Surprisingly, none of the aforementioned qualities hinder FJ Cruiser's ability offroad. Where some manufacturer's tune their four-by-four's for an obvious road bias -- perhaps aware of how few models actually ever make it off the beaten track --  Toyota has achieved the epitome of compromise.

Tackling some heavy terrain through the Wilpena Pound and surrounding districts (including the breathtaking Skytrek circuit at Willow Springs Station), FJ Cruiser proved itself an adept modern day remake of a legendary namesake with a distinct metallic knock from the front end on rocky terrain the only bone of contention raised in two days, in what realistically were reasonably acute offroad conditions. Ironically, the engineers told us this noise comes from the car's NVH (noise vibration harshness) damper on the front axle. Go figure.

A couple of other minor groans were encountered under heavy articulation, notably from the large cargo door. Weighted with the spare wheel the rubber seal could be heard moving in the jamb under torsional load, but again, not many in this situation wouldn't.

Up front, the driving position is both comfortable and, despite its obvious flaws in glass size and placement, provides good visibility. Perhaps the only major quibble in this department is forward visibility when climbing, with FJ Cruiser's long nose, high dashboard and lower driving position making for an unholy combination on what we considered quite moderate grades (we had to stick our head out the side window on the odd occasion).

Wind noise too is evident. Hardly surprising considering the body's squared-off design, flat windscreen and large wing mirrors, but bearable over even extended periods. Road and tyre noise are negligible.

As far ranging and subjective as tastes may be the FJ Cruiser certainly has the substance to back up its nonconformist looks, and will likely prove itself a prize possession among those with a penchant for the peculiar.

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