R ugged! Show-stopper! Head-turner! Awesome! The newly launched Toyota FJ Cruiser is definitely this and much more. One thing for certain is the fact that Toyota has and always will be ahead of their game from a marketing and branding point of view.
Their ability to cater for consumers’ needs is almost inarguable. They certainly have delivered world-class products at affordable prices. The cheapest in its product range is the Aygo which retails just under R99 000, excluding vat, and the most expensive in its range, the Land Cruiser 200, slightly under the million rand mark.
This week sees me behind the stylish, sleek FJ Cruiser, which when compared to any in its class, would appear to have the most outstanding retro feature yet the most modern style.
It has this aggressive attitude and power and is far from a middle-of-the-road SUV as you can get. The FJ is available in two models: the FJ Cruiser 4.0, V6, 4x4 Automatic and the FJ Sport Cruiser 4.0, V6, 4x4 Automatic. What I particularly like about this is that your choices are minimal. This vehicle is well priced from R435 500 to R457 300. It’s either one or the other!
The signature white roof makes a bold statement that's complemented by rugged black bumpers and silver mirrors. The look is completed with 17” alloy wheels and a full-size alloy spare wheel on the rear door. The FJ's style isn't just skin- deep, the look outside is perfectly coordinated with the look inside – the interior colour panels match the exterior body colour.
What fascinated my six-year-old was the extra-wide windscreen which is equipped with a 3-arm wiper system and there's a retractable rear window wiper on the hatch door. The rear wrap-around quarter windows further add to its style.
What's even cooler is that the FJ has double door openings so the doors open out from the middle. Imagine a utility vehicle with James Bond looks! I can almost imagine myself in an action-packed flick filming in the dunes on Dubai's deserts. This would be my choice of 4x4!
The model I am riding is the new Tidal Blue Sport Cruiser which comes standard with chrome trimmings on the door handles, front bumper, hood bulge, grille, mirrors and scuff plates, as well as a hard spare wheel cover in black. These machines are available in Ivory White, Grey Metallic, Raven Black and Sandstorm too.
For the launch of the FJ Cruiser in SA, you have the opportunity to customise your FJ in either the Desert Cruiser or Trail Cruiser accessory package, which gears you up for whatever lies ahead.
You can be revved and ready with these kits that just add tremendous value to your FJ without compromising any of the standard comfort or safety features.
Power! Power! Power! The FJ comes standard with an engine that boots out 200 kW of power at 5600 r/min and 380 Nm of torque at 4400 r/min and has Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Active Traction Control ( A-TRAC ).
The FJ is also loaded with features to make your trip that much more enjoyable: air conditioning, electric windows, an audio system with steering wheel switches, Bluetooth functionality, as well as USB and iPod inputs, 6 speakers (including two roof-mounted speakers) delivering an exceptional acoustic experience, cruise control and a reverse camera back monitor on the interior rear-view mirror.
It is also practical: there are storage spaces for small items, a rear seat that splits 60:40 with removable cushions to store large items, water-repellent seats and an easy-to-clean interior.
The Sport Cruiser comes standard with black leather seats and an FJ Cruiser carpet set. Impressive indeed!
For added safety, there is ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ground clearance of 245mm, reverse sonar, front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger and curtain shield airbags that protect all occupants.
The fuel capacity is 72 litres. At that price fuel consumption shouldn't even bother you. The only disappointing thing about this model is that it isn't available in diesel.
Off-road active sports enthusiasts are in for a treat! To book your test drive contact Naeem Saib at Durban South Toyota on 031-9496500 or visit www.durbansouthtoyota.co.za. If there is any car that you would like me to review or give advice on contact me on [email protected] or visit www.ravir.co.za