Toyota FJ cruises into showrooms
Toyota announces local pricing for its retro off-roader five years after US launch, priced at under $45,000The Toyota FJ Cruiser has arrived in Australia priced at $44,990, and will offered in just one specification. Introduced as a concept at the 2003 Chicago international motor show -- and hitting the US market back in 2006 -- the Toyota FJ Cruiser sought to take a chunk of the retro-savvy SUV souk with its white roof, round headlamps and familiar grille, all reminiscent of the Japanese marque's circa 1960 FJ40 Series LandCruiser.
Four decades on and the FJ Cruiser's styling and go-anywhere ability are about the only aspects shared with its original namesake, Toyota promising its latest four-wheel drive champion will offer capable performance both on and off the beaten track.
To be sure 'FJ' will get you back home, Toyota have equipped the 'Cruiser with the best offroad 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, second only to the current 200 Series LandCrusier.
Further assisting the rugged off-roader's ability are short overhangs of 865mm (front) and 1115mm (rear).
Powered by a Toyota 4.0-litre V6 petrol developing 200kW/380Nm, the FJ Cruiser fails to offer the same turbodiesel option available under the bonnet of its platform sibling, Prado. That notwithstanding, FJ Cruiser's dual-range transfer case and large wheel articulation should see serious offroad enthusiasts afforded more than enough grunt to keep out of trouble.
With a comprehensive safety check list (six airbags, stability control, active traction control, anti-lock brakes, et al) the Toyota FJ Cruiser also packs a comprehensive feature list with a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels and active front head rests all included as standard. Options will include things like nudge bar, roof racks, tow bar and metallic paint.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser will cruise into local showrooms this month, and only one model will be offered priced from $44,990.
Visit Carsales again for our full launch report.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
