Toyota FJ Cruiser 2012 review

Securing the funky FJ Cruiser for Australia must have been a frustrating experience. Toyota Australia started talking about the possibility of getting the car with the stoned-faced execs at head office as far back as 2003.

The main impediment was that the Cruiser was produced initially in left hand drive only for the American market. As one of the biggest markets for Toyota's 4x4s in the world, our more animated marketing people must have wanted a piece of that action.

PRICE

Eight long years and a generation later, the FJ Cruiser is on sale here priced from a surprisingly sharp $44,990 plus on-roads. The FJ Cruiser is likely to have a broader younger appeal than Toyota's other offerings, ranging from those who just like the looks to others attracted by its off road ability.

It's a car that will win the hearts and minds of a few Aussies, and right now Toyota could do with a shot in the arm as it struggles to redefine its place in a highly competitive and rapidly changing landscape.

DESIGN

The Prado-based 4x4 is a design nod to the original FJ40 built from 1960 to 1984 and used during construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the car is described as a reinterpretation rather than a retro model. Few people would remember the original FJ40 anyway.

In penning the design, the FJ's Korean born designer, Jin Won Kim, described how he was inspired by the chunky, muscular stance of the pit bull terrier he had as a teenager. 

A five-seater, the FJ features smaller, rear-ward opening "suicide" doors at the back to provide easy entry to the rear. As always it's an intriguing design, but not entirely practical, not when you need to open the front doors first. 

With short front and rear overhangs, 224mm of ground clearance, low range gearing, traction control and a rear diff lock, the FJ is equipped to tackle the rough stuff.

ENGINE AND MECHANICAL

There's only one model, with part-time four wheel-drive, a V6 petrol engine and five-speed automatic — in a choice of nine colours (all with a white roof). The bad news is there's no diesel option and no manual either at this stage, both of which are preferred by the off road fraternity.

The 4.0-litre petrol V6 is a lift from Prado, with 200kW of power and 380Nm of torque. Weighing up to 270kg more than Prado, the FJ's economy is rated at 11.4 litres/100km. With a 72-litre tank, that gives it a range of up to 630km under ideal conditions. Note too that it takes premium unleaded.

You might be forgiven for thinking the company has cut some corners to arrive at the asking price, given that the FJ is offered with fulltime four-wheel drive and a six-speed auto overseas.

EQUIPMENT

It misses out on Prado's more sophisticated electronic aids like terrain response and hill descent control. You won't find a trip computer either nor is there a 12-volt power outlet in the rear, or for that matter room for a second battery under the bonnet to power a fridge.

On the other hand, Bluetooth is standard along with an eight-speaker sound system complete with subwoofer and two hidden, roof mounted speakers that provide a surround sound experience.

DRIVING

The ride from the Australian tuned suspension and replacement 17 inch 265/70 series Dunlops is impressive, both on and off the road. But those who take their off roading seriously will be disappointed to learn a snorkel is not offered.

On the road, the FJ offers a smooth, composed comfortable ride, but suffers from Prado's lethargic throttle response. All in all, however, what might be perceived as the car's shortcomings are not deal breakers.

We didn't get to take on anything too extreme but look forward to pushing the boundaries when next we meet.