Toyota FJ Cruiser 2011 review

Back when the Snowy Mountains Scheme was in full flight, a bunch of Toyota 4WD vehicles were brought in to tackle the arduous conditions. They handled it easily and so started the legendary reputation Toyota now enjoys in this country. Paying homage to these early Toyotas is the FJ Cruiser - a modern day, hose out, tough as teak, proper "fourbie" with looks harking back half a century.

VALUE

It's been around for a long time in the US but the (new) FJ only recently made it here and seems destined to be a popular addition to the Toyota range. This is emphasised by the fact that it's all Prado (petrol version) underneath and costs at least $10,000 less than the cheapest Prado - a three door turbodiesel. We are predicting Toyota won't be able to handle demand for the riveting FJ which turns heads in the street like a supercar.

DESIGN

It has enormous appeal particularly with males who warm to the tough guy styling and have an affinity with the old FJ40 `Cruiser' from which the modern day FJ issues. Built on a ladder chassis with coil springs all round and selectable two range four wheel drive, the FJ Cruiser can tackle the toughest off roading you can throw at it.

This is aided by impressive ground clearance and steep approach and departure angles. The entire vehicle has been "Australianised" with specific suspension and steering calibration as well as extra dust exclusion and and noise penetration treatment. FJ is sensibly offered in one spec' only - all with a white roof.

TECHNOLOGY

It weighs around two tonnes but the powerful 4.0-litre petrol V6 out of petrol Prado makes light work of all driving conditions. It generates a handy 200kW/380Nm output while drinking 95 octane at the rate of 11.4-litres/100km - driving carefully. A large load space is provided with a rubber floor mat behind the barn door tailgate complete with an externally mounted full size alloy spare.

The FJ rolls on 17-inch wheels with meaty 70 profile tyres suitable for moderate off roading and any sort of sealed road driving. The interior is a sea of hard plastic that looks cheap but imparts the necessary functional look. There's Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. OK audio, cruise, aircon, multi function trip computer and a reverse camera in the rear view mirror.

SAFETY

Safety kit includes six air bags, three wipers up front and stability control. No ANCAP crash rating is available.

DRIVING

The ride is excellent offering plenty of comfort and control in such a tall and potentially unwieldy vehicle. Not the case at all. It even steers pretty well and has plenty of kick from the engine across a wide speed range. This is harnessed by the five-speed auto offering smooth, almost predictive changes up and down.

A six speed auto would be an improvement particularly for fuel economy. It's bulky but fairly compact fitting easily into the standard residential garage. Seats for five are large but could be more supportive especially the driver's pew. The rear hinged "suicide" doors are a talking point and practical to a certain extent.

VERDICT

We really like this vehicle for a number of reasons not the least its styling. It is comfy, the right size, will go just about anywhere, is robust, well equipped and has plenty of poke. Uses too much fuel though. Wonder if there's a diesel planned.