Toyotas are usually high on utility but short on charisma, so the new FJ Cruiser bucks the trend with its very charming retro styling and generally rebellious demeanour.
Based on the Toyota FJ40 from 60 years ago but modernised for the 21st century, the big and chunky SUV looks like the typical rebel from the wrong side of the tracks.
It has several styling traits that pay homage to the original FJ – the mesh grille, single round headlights, upright windscreen, and white roof – and its square and chunky shape gives it a rugged, bring-on-the-bundu look. A man’s kind of SUV for a man’s kind of man, to steal a line from an old cigarette ad.
But this is no truck-like 4x4 in the Land Rover Defender or Mercedes Gelandewagen mould. The FJ’s shape may be old-school but there’s no bare metal in the cabin as in the Landy and Gelandewagen, the mechanicals are modern, and the luxuries and safety features are abundant.
The general refinement’s what you expect of a modern SUV, although the chunky aerodynamics do create a reasonable amount of wind noise while the engine makes a (not unappealing) hairy-chested hum when revved hard.
The V6 normally-aspirated 4-litre petrol engine channels its 200kW and 380Nm through a five-speed automatic transmission. It’s a gutsy performer with a responsive shove, as attested to by its 9.6 second 0-100km/h time at altitude, which is pretty good for such a heavy vehicle. The auto transmission’s pretty efficient and makes fairly quick, unobtrusive changes.
Not surprisingly fuel economy isn’t one of the FJ’s strong points at around 14 litres per 100km, and you can almost see the needle dropping as you put foot. There’s definitely room for a turbodiesel-powered FJ in the range – for now the thirsty 4-litre petrol’s the only available engine.
Suspension is independent up front with a good old solid axle at the rear, and it’s a very effective setup if your primary concerns are ride comfort and offroad ability. The handling’s rather soggy. This is no nimble-feeling X5 or Q7, and the FJ takes turns with all the body roll and vague steering you expect of a traditional SUV. However, the Toyota delivers one of the comfiest rides we’ve experienced, calmly gliding over bumpy and broken roads.
It’s because of this bump-soaking ride that when it comes to tackling a twisty road with a lot of bumps, the FJ will probably cover ground quicker than SUVs with sportier suspensions.
This is a pukka offroader with the ability to tackle the roughest dirt trails. At 245mm the FJ has the highest ground clearance of any Toyota 4x4 which gives it impressive rock-straddling, donga-duelling ability.
Short overhangs allow an excellent approach angle of 34 degrees, a break-over angle of 29 degrees and a departure angle of 30 degrees. Together with its selectable all-wheel drive (at driving speeds up to 80km/h), high- and low-range gears, and lockable rear diff, there wasn’t an obstacle that put the FJ Cruiser under any kind of pressure when we tested it on our hardcore 4x4 course.
The vehicle feels very robust and hardy too, and there are two heavy-duty hooks on the front bumper and one at the rear – which will probably come in handy to rescue lesser 4x4s that have become stuck on a trail.
If I have a minor complaint about the offroading ability, it’s that the engine braking could be slightly better when descending steep hills. I’d prefer not to have to dab the brakes down a slippery slope.
The FJ employs rear-opening back doors (affectionately known as “suicide” doors) which have their pros but mainly cons. They arguably provide slightly easier access to the rear seat, but once you’re seated their awkward angle makes them difficult to close from inside. Also, they can only be opened once the front doors have been swung open first, which is impractical.
Toyota is offering four FJ Cruiser variants starting at R435 500 for this “Base Model” with black grille, fabric upholstery and silver front bumper section. It’s fairly well equipped and comes with most of the expected luxuries, though a curiously absent one is an onboard computer – but maybe this is intended to spare owners the trauma of seeing the fuel consumption figure.
Other niceties are cruise control, a CD/USB audio system with USB input, and a reversing camera (which is useless as the screen’s not much larger than a postage stamp). The cabin abounds with grab handles, giving passengers something to grasp while you’re showing off your offroad skills. ABS brakes, traction control and numerous airbags make up the safety package
Each of the four versions comes with a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a five-year or 90 000km service plan.
VERDICT:
Mini, VW Beetle, Fiat 500, everyone’s jumping on the retro-styled bandwagon these days. Some very appealing and enduring designs come from yesteryear and it’s good to see them kept alive as long as they have modern refinement and safety – which the FJ does. It’s a very appealing boy’s vehicle for commuting and adventures. Now, how about that turbodiesel engine, Toyota SA? -Mercury Motoring