2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Preview

The FJ Cruiser's unique styling, such as its wide grille with "Toyota" logo badging, round headlights, offset combination

The FJ will remain a Toyota heritage special, as functional as it is funky. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

lamps, upright windshield, white cap roof, and rear wraparound corner windows, among other design cues, most likely won't make it onto any of Toyota's other trucks or SUVs, that is unless the FJ is so successful that the Japanese automaker reincarnates a modern day FJ pickup truck version and maybe a new twist on the FJ45 wagon.

Like VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's PT Cruiser and Chevy's new HHR and SSR throwbacks, the FJ will remain a Toyota heritage special, as functional as it is funky, and surely a hit with all who have ever bought into the Land Cruiser image.

The only remaining question will be its base price. Will it be inexpensive enough for Esmond's Scion buyers to take advantage of? By looking at its rugged composition, base V6 engine and standard 5-speed automatic

Toyota indicates the FJ will be affordable enough to compete with other entry-level 4x4 capable SUVs, such as the Jeep Wrangler and Liberty, plus the Nissan Xterra. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

transmission, it will be tough to price it under $30,000, but Toyota indicates it will be affordable enough to compete with other entry-level 4x4 capable SUVs, such as the Jeep Wrangler and Liberty, plus the Nissan Xterra, which would give it a base price of less than $30,000.

Of course, the world's most profitable automaker rarely makes mistakes, and no doubt has crunched its numbers after thoroughly investigating its target demographic. Altogether Esmond feels that Toyota can sell more than the 40,000 stipulated as its initial U.S. sales target, and expects to be asking Japan for more.