Inspired by the original Land Cruiser FJ40 of the 1960s, the Toyota FJ Cruiser has proven popular since it was introduced to South Africa in August 2011, racking up average monthly sales of more than 70 units, and Toyota have just given it an even greater appetite for adventure.
Toyota’s General Manager of Marketing Communications, Kerry Roodt, concedes that the classic lines of the FJ Cruiser were crucial to its initial success, but one cannot forget that it is still a Land Cruiser: “The FJ has the crucial Land Cruiser DNA which means that it can travel to, and return from, the most extreme environments.
“It features impressive ground clearance (245 mm), a 34-degree approach angle, 31-degree departure angle and 29-degree break-over angle. The latter two dimensions are the best for any vehicle in in its class. Now with the addition of several hard core off-road enhancements the latest version of the FJ Cruiser is invincible.”
The 2013 Toyota FJ has been given a second, 87-litre, fuel tank that more than doubles the vehicle’s total fuel capacity to 159-litres. Combined with the original 72-litre tank, this added capacity gives the 2013 FJ a theoretical range of over 1 000km. While you might immediately start sketching a Southern Africa adventure in your mind, let’s not forget that 159-litres of premium unleaded will leave you with no change from R2 000 at Reef prices.
The second enhancement for 2013 is the addition of a ‘Crawl Control’ function. The system allows the FJ to ascend and descend and traverse challenging terrain at a constant speed set by the driver. Five preset speeds are available for the system, which places the FJ’s transmission into low-range and as a result, the system will disengage if speeds exceed 25 km/h or above 10 km/h if the rear diff-lock is engaged.
The system co-ordinates power from the engine, with the brakes and traction control to navigate hills, mud, sand and gravel or any situation where discretion may prove the better part of valour. As a result, the system can reduce the potential for damage to the vehicle by controlling vehicle speed over rugged terrain and reducing unnecessary stress on the drivetrain.
Apart from these two new features, the FJ Cruiser retains standard equipment such as: electric windows; leather covered and multi-function steering wheel; radio/CD-player with 6 speakers, iPod connector, external audio and USB connectors; air conditioning; extra power socket and cruise control. The FJ is also equipped with Toyota’s rear monitor system, which includes a rear facing video camera, electro chromatic rear view mirror and video screen integrated into the rear mirror to offer ease of reversing.
Available in either Standard and Sports Cruiser specifications, the FJ is powered by a 4.0-litre V6 that produces 200 kW and 380 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission and a choice of drive modes: 2WD, 4WD high range and 4WD low-range. An electronically activated rear diff-lock and switchable ‘Active Traction Control’ are available when the going gets tough.
| Prices (incl. VAT & CO2 tax) | |
| Toyota FJ Cruiser 4.0 V6 4×4 A/T | R462 200 |
| Toyota FJ Cruiser 4.0 V6 4×4 Sport A/T | R485 200 |
Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 5-year/90 000k maintenance plan.
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- 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
