It's been a good run, and it'll be missed from the line-up. Goodbye to the Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Ending a nearly six year its production, the Toyota FJ Cruiser will no longer be manufactured after August 2016, leaving some 11,000 examples sold in Australia since its local launch in 2011 and leaving its final model year revision at 2014.
The retro-styled off-roader originally was not planned to make the Toyota Australia model list, but there was such positive reaction to the 4x4 as it launched in the United States from potential buyers Down Under that it came over anyway.
Meant to be a modern interpretation of the iconic FJ40 series Land Cruiser, the FJ Cruiser certainly looked the part with a front fascia design that’s immediately evoked Toyota’s rich off-roading heritage. Other cues such as the flat and rounded hood, angular wheel arches, and fully exposed spare wheel out the rear also contribute to its distinctive styling.
That aside, Toyota’s aim to position the FJ Cruiser as a basic, capable and affordable with serious off-roading chops was certainly met, even if at the slight expense of its ability as a road-going runabout.
Prior to its Australian debut, Toyota Australia made sure that there were at least some measures taken to better adapt it for our own needs: “Local testing resulted in unique calibration of the heavy-duty all-coil suspension and power steering to suit Australian conditions, plus the fitment of 17-inch alloy wheels and 70-profile tyres. Australia’s coarse-chip road surfaces prompted improvements to FJ Cruiser’s NVH that were adopted globally”.
The year 2013 saw some marked improvements to the FJ Cruiser that appealed to its off-roading customer base. Its 72-litre fuel tank was augmented by a sub tank that held an additional 87-litres, Toyota’s CRAWL off-road cruise control system was added, as were a new set of 17-inch alloys.
Under the hood of the single-spec FJ Cruiser sits a 4.0-litre petrol V6 with 200kW and 380Nm of torque mated to a five-speed automatic, with drive reaching the road (or less man-made surfaces) through a part-time 4x4 system.
Tony Cramb, Toyota Australia’s Executive Director of sales and marketing said: "The FJ rides into the sunset as a vehicle renowned for its ability to traverse rugged outback trails while offering plenty of utility for all types of activities and being equally well-suited for everyday driving. It will leave lasting memories as one of the most iconic vehicles in Toyota's rich SUV history, helping to bring renewed energy to the Toyota brand."
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