And driving down the highway in the new FJ Cruiser, I can't help to think what having a vehicle like this around all the time could
 |
| Lots of room for the family. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
do for my relationship with my son, not to mention my two daughters. Certainly the new FJ is a great deal more civilized than the '70s era version we had. But while its cabin sports such standard amenities as climate control with air filtration, multiple-adjustment front seats, power windows, power door locks, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA compatibility and an auxiliary audio jack, not to mention rear seats that are comfortable to sit in, it's the go-anywhere attitude that intrigues me most.
And compared to the old FJ, the new one is a feast for the eyes inside. It uses
 |
| Love the body-colour trim, rubberized dials, and other cool styling details. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
body-colour accents very well, but other than a number of retro touches is all modern SUV under the skin. A full load of airbags can be had, as can traction control, while four-wheel discs with ABS, EBD and BA come standard, as does electronic stability control.
While important off-road, these safety features are especially critical when traveling at highway speeds, when tall 4x4s, with their inherently high centres of gravity, are more likely to tip over than lower slung cars. While it's impossible to get around general laws of physics, the new FJ was surprisingly nimble on pavement, even when purposely jerked around while testing. Even more surprising is its ride comfort, complemented by an interior roominess that make's the original FJ40's narrow cabin seem claustrophobic. Rear seat room is a bit on the abbreviated side, not from side-to-side mind you, but legroom is a tad on the short side. Cargo capacity, however, is way up, and Toyota deserves major points for putting the handle of its swinging rear door on the passenger's side, optimal for
 |
Toyota deserves major points for putting the handle of its swinging rear door on the passenger's side, optimal for loading and unloading when parallel parked. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)
|
loading and unloading when parallel parked. Normally Japanese-branded vehicles do it the other way, so that those who drive on the opposite side of the road can enjoy safer, easier access to the cargo area, but the FJ Cruiser will only be sold in left-hand drive markets - at least for now. Aren't we the lucky ones?
I certainly think so. Just think about it. Only a small number of off-road alternatives in this class are available, including Jeep's legendary Wrangler (previously called the TJ in Canada) and new five-door Wrangler Unlimited, the same brand's Liberty and larger Grand Cherokee, Nissan's Xterra, Kia's Sorento, and of course, the new Hummer H3. The FJ Cruiser bests most on this list
 |
| Toyota is stretching beyond its old conservative borders. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
with regards to power and handling performance, while delivering impressive off-road prowess and Toyota's renowned reliability and predominantly high resale values. The fact that it looks so cool is just another added benefit.
And it certainly is good to see Toyota stretching its styling legs, isn't it? Even some of its mainstream cars, like the new Yaris and Camry, are sporting a more appealing design language, but with the FJ Toyota has really gone all out. Of course, to Land Cruiser FJ40 fans the look of the new FJ Cruiser will be familiar. Sure its stance is more Hummer-like than the old SUV's Jeep Wrangler-proportions, but there's no mistaking its impudent smirk. Yes, its twin circular headlamps surrounded with a thick oval grille give it a cocky boldness, and substantial looking body panels make it seem almost indestructible.
