Toyota FJ Cruiser Coming To Australia

Mar 12, 2010
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TOYOTA AUSTRALIA has confirmed that it will bring the retro-styled FJ Cruiser to Australian showrooms, with the large off-roader possibly arriving before the end of this year.

Speaking to TMR, Toyota Australia spokesman Mike Breen said that the FJ Cruiser could arrive by “late fourth quarter at the earliest”.

The FJ Cruiser is built atop the Prado’s platform, and utilizes the same independent front and solid-axle rear suspension as the Prado.

Bodywork is entirely different, though, and the FJ Cruiser’s smooth, curvy form is designed to evoke memories of the classic FJ40 Landcruiser.

A white roof, round headlamps and big “TOYOTA” script across the front grille all echo the design of the FJ Cruiser’s ancestor, but its rear-hinged back doors are unique to the new model.

The powerplant is expected to be the same 178kW 4.0 litre 1GR-FE petrol V6 that’s used in the US version of the FJ Cruiser (and also in the local Prado), however being based on the Prado means a diesel may be a distinct possibility for Australia.

Automatic and manual transmissions will likely be offered, with the rest of the drivetrain being either full-time or part-time four-wheel drive (depending on which gearbox is chosen).

To date the FJ Cruiser has only been available in left-hand drive form, but the addition of a right-hand drive variant will allow Toyota Australia to tap into new markets.

The combination of a unique appearance and excellent off-roadability means the FJ Cruiser should boast broad appeal when it arrives, a sentiment shared by Toyota spokesman Mike Breen.

 

“It’s a very capable off-road vehicle, it’s based on the Prado platform so I think it’ll appeal to a wide demographic,” Mr Breen said to TMR.

“I think it will cross over between urban dwellers and hardcore four-wheel drive people.

“If you look at the US you see them in all walks of life, whether it’s in Los Angeles or the Rocky Mountains.”

 

Its arrival will also give Toyota a competitor to that other retro-styled off-roader, the Jeep Wrangler. Meanwhile, it should also trump the Hummer H3 in the “SUV-as-fashion-statement” stakes.

As for a precise launch date, nothing definite has been locked in just yet.

 

“We don’t have an exact date, but it’ll either be late this year or early next year,” Mr Breen said.

 

Expect further information and pricing details for the FJ Cruiser to surface towards the end of this year.


GALLERY: 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser (North America)

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Comments

  • MattJ [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Finally and interior shot!

    PS - white roof would be heard to keep clean!
  • 5 valve per cylinder [reply]
    5 months ago -1 points
    Finally a Hummer alternative that's actually practical and reliable, add to that it can be driven off-road without any worries.

    Plus it's neo-retro looks isn't very intimidating which will appeal to both male/female buyers.
  • Grumps [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    My eyes! My eyes!
  • Wheelnut [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    The rear seats look about as useful as t!ts on a bull,,,, they could/should have put them further back and made the suicide doors a little bit bigger - for easier access

    We also see what happened to all the tail-lights that Holden Had left over from the CV8 Monaro series
  • [reply]
    5 months ago 1 points
    Looks as slapped together as the old Toyotas too. However I saw a lot of these in Qatar early last year and they look terrific on the road.
  • DERRICK [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    Why even have rear seats where the space is so narrow. Appears to be able to compete with a jeep wrangler than the hummer h3. People who buy H3 are seeking the recognition of a city dwelling pimp or 'G' boi. Clearly H3 aren't for the rough terrain, & haven't seen a H3 in shot in the outback on any oz magazine as of yet. Nice retro styling though, hope it's not toooo expensive...
  • toesonthenose [reply]
    5 months ago 1 points
    DERRICK, by the looks of the handle on the drivers seat, looks like the backrest of the front seats fold forward making it a bit easier to get into the back. Not to mention ,that the front seats in the pic look like they are a fair way back. It's a bit tight in the back, but if the front seats are forward a bit it should be comfortable enough.
    I really like the exterior styling, but the interior looks a little cheap. More importantly, looks like it might be good off road,just like the FJ40 Landcruiser. Got very fond memories of 4wd'ing on Fraser Island with my old man in a FJ40 troop carrier as a kid & the thing never skipped a beat
  • LJSearles [reply]
    5 months ago -2 points
    It's a horrific piece of work. Horrific to look at, sit in, and drive.
  • MJ [reply]
    5 months ago 1 points
    Let's look at the positives.
    It would appear to have good offroad abilities.
    And a few scratches and dents will not affect its looks.
    So it might actually get used for its intended purpose.
  • Wheelnut [reply]
    5 months ago -1 points
    In 2007 Toyota sold 50 odd thousand FJ Cruisers [in the USA].. then on 08 sales fell to below 30 thousand.. and last year they sold approx 10 thousand - based on those figures; the FJ is [what some people on here would refer to as] a FLOP!

    Maybe that's the reason They are planning to off-load them on Australia
  • Bavarian Missile [reply]
    5 months ago -1 points
    Saw one of these in San Fran a few years ago and thought it was some sort of joke ,looked like a Tonka toy,then I saw another and thanked god we didn't get them. Here's hoping we don't.


    What an eye sore.
  • Daan [reply]
    5 months ago 0 points
    I must admit I do like the look of them, however the view of the pillar from the rear seat seems strange to me.

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