Toyota adds more style to line-up

Looking to bounce back from the battering it's taken in the wake of the on-going recall scandal, Toyota is trying to give its image a boost with the funky FJ Cruiser set to join the local line-up. Just days after confirming the trendy, compact Rukus Toyota Australia has revealed it will add the rough 'n' ready looking FJ Cruiser.

Based on the same platform as the Prado, but sporting a retro-styled body based on the 1960s FJ40 LandCruiser. Despite its rugged underpinnings, it is designed for the urban environment, making the Cruiser Toyota's answer to the Hummer H3.

"I think it will broaden the appeal of the SUV range," says Mike Breen, Toyota spokesman. "The American experience shows the car is popular everywhere from the streets of San Francisco to the mountains of Colorado.

"I think the styling of the vehicle will appeal [to the Australian market] just as it has in the States."

Already on sale in America since 2006, the FJ has only just become available in right-hand drive. It is a chance to arrive in local dealerships late this year, but most likely will lob early in 2011.

"We've been after the FJ Cruiser ever since it was available in the United States, but up until now it hasn't been available to us."

In America the FJ is powered by a 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine and is available in either four or two-wheel drive. But while final specifications haven't been announced for the local variants yet, Breen confirmed it will be all-wheel drive only and diesel is not on the agenda. The four-door FJ uses rear-hinged 'suicide doors' at the back to allow better access to the rear seats. 

No details have been released on pricing for the vehicle either.

"It's a bit too early to say," Breen said.

Breen did confirm that the company will expand its RAV4 line-up by adding a front-wheel drive only variant. Due in the second quarter the new entry-level model is expected to come in under the $30,000 pricetag and be offered in at least two trim levels.

"There was demand there for two-wheel drive for a while and this is the first chance we've had to get the car," Breen said.

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