Toyota Australia today confirmed
it will add the rugged retro looks and solid
off-road performance of the FJ Cruiser to its
range early next year.
A pre-production version of the
sporty off-roader will make its local debut
at the Australian International Motor Show in
October.
Local sales are expected to kick-off
late in the first quarter of 2011.
FJ Cruiser will give Toyota a
second brand-enhancing vehicle inside 12 months,
following the launch of the eye-catching Rukus
from June 1.
With looks like no other SUV,
FJ Cruiser comes to Australia with a pedigree
that stretches back 50 years to the legendary
FJ40 LandCruiser.
The modern vehicle captures this
heritage with its body-on-frame structure, short
wheelbase, stocky appearance and the arrangement
of its headlights and grille.
FJ Cruiser will be the only Toyota
vehicle to use the name Toyota spelled out across
the grille, instead of the corporate emblem.
The vehicle's retro-inspired styling
is enhanced by the boxy shape, near-vertical
windscreen with three wipers, white roof and
wrap-around rear windows.
Four doors provide access to two
rows of seats. The front doors are standard
size while the rear doors are smaller and are
reverse-opening.
The FJ - equipped with a powerful
engine, dual-range 4WD, excellent ground clearance
and ample suspension articulation - will deliver
the off-road prowess implied by its "Cruiser"
badge.
Toyota Australia's senior executive
director sales and marketing David Buttner said
FJ Cruiser was all about style and substance.
"FJ Cruiser has loads of
character that isn't found in any other SUV,
let alone one that is built for off-road terrain,"
Mr Buttner said.
"It will be a lot of fun
to own and drive, satisfying those who want
a modern vehicle with the boulder-crawling spirit
of Toyota's legendary off-roaders," he
said.
In the United States, the FJ Cruiser
has recently been awarded for its quality and
its value.
In the J.D. Power and Associates
2010 Initial Quality Study, it was rated at
the top of the Compact Crossover/SUV segment.
FJ Cruiser was also named best-in-class
for mid-size SUVs in the 2010 IntelliChoice.com
Best Overall Values of the Year Awards.
Australian models will be produced
in Japan.
The Australian International Motor
Show will be held in Sydney from October 15
