Toyota FJ Cruiser to arrive in March

The long awaited FJ Cruiser - an expected sub $50,000 addition to Toyota's range - this weekend went through its paces in the hands of rally champion Neal Bates at the Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Australia's impressive Willowglen facility north of Canberra.

The only FJ Cruiser in the country was shown no mercy - from water crossings to gnarly downhills, narrow hillside goat trails to rocky ascents - and proved it is likely to be more competent in the dirt than owners expect.

"It's very capable - more so in most cases than the Prado," says Bates as he plunges the blue FJ Cruiser into the water.  "That's because of the very short front and rear overhangs - you can get it into places the Prado may not be able to.

"The only thing it doesn't have is the Prado's downhill assist and a front diff lock. Many 4WD enthusiasts probably don't need downhill assist anyway."

The FJ Cruiser is based on the Prado chassis and drivetrain and comes into Australia in March with pricing expected in the $45,000-$50,000 bracket.  Only one model will be offered - a 4-litre petrol V6 with five-speed automatic.

Toyota Australia's product manager Greg Gardner says the Japanese-built SUV is aimed primarily at the US market.  "Japan and the US aren't markets for diesel, so only the petrol i available," he says.

The FJ Cruiser carries over a low-range gearbox with manual engagement.  The cabin seats four adults with the rear two accessing the cabin by small rear-hinged doors, similar to the Mazda RX-8. Though the doors are small, access is good because there is no B-pillar to impede access and entry.

The roofline looks low but headroom is sufficient thanks to low seat mounts. Because of its shorter length compared with Prado, boot space is less cavernous and is helped by the spare tyre mount on the rear swing-out door.

Dash design is a clash of military and funky, with bold switchgear, alloy-look panels interrupted by flat surfaces that match the body colour, and highlights such as the knurled gearshift knob.

Toyota Australia executive director Dave Buttner is aiming at 80 sales a month - "We'd be happy with that" - and doesn't see any cannibalisation of Prado sales.

He sees the FJ Cruiser competing with the more trendy end of the 4WD-capable SUV sector, up against the Jeep Wrangler and perhaps Land Rover Defender 90.

"We see it as a niche vehicle - much like Rukus - and aimed at the younger buyer," he says.  "It's not a volume seller but it certainly adds some excitement to our showrooms."