Here's a car that you probably haven't seen before, The Toyota FJ Crusier.
It's one of only a handful imported into Pakistan, but what sets this one apart is that it's got a bespoke suspension set-up and custom black wheels, which look superb. Disclaimer: I don't own this car, but I'm writing this review on behalf of a friend who does and has it available for sale. You can get in touch with him via this link.
I often joke that the only car that makes any kind of sense to drive on Pakistani roads is a 4x4 SUV. Our roads are so littered with potholes and bumps that you get the 'off road experience' even on a simple trip to the mall. I exaggerate of course, though there's no denying that large 4x4's have a certain appeal. Now, an SUV that looks cool and has incredible off road prowess, well that's just the bee's knees.
History Lesson:
The 40 series Land Cruisers Toyota produced from 1960 to 1984 are absolutely legendary in 4x4 circles. They are known for their reliability and unbeatable off road chops, and you can still see plenty of examples ferrying tourists around Kaghan Valley.
The 40 series had several variants throughout its production run, but the short wheelbase petrol engined models were designated FJ40, and it is that particular version that the FJ Cruiser pays homage to.
This cool-looking SUV has a rather interesting origin story. At the 2003 North American International Auto Show, Toyota introduced this car as a retro-styled concept reminiscent of the original FJ40. The response from consumers and press alike was so positive that Toyota gave the go-ahead for production and in 2005 the first FJ Cruiser rolled off the assembly line.
At a glance:
This particular FJ Cruiser is a 2011 Japanese import, available in right hand drive, with Toyota's venerable 4.0 liter V6 DOHC engine, designated 1GR-FE. It's coupled to a 5 speed automatic transmission which sends power to the wheels through a part-time all-wheel drive system with 4-H and 4-Lo modes. Unlike modern Land Cruisers which have arguably lost some of their 'edge' due to luxury concessions, the FJ Cruiser is a more focused off roader, but not bare-bones and painfully uncomfortable like the Land Rover Defender. As part of the car's adventurous persona, the interior surfaces are covered with washable rubber so you can easily clean it up after a muddy excursion, and the switchgear is oversized for easy manipulation with gloved hands.
Toyota developed this car on the toughest off road trials in North America, so it's capable of conquering pretty much any terrain you take it to. The short wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs and increased ride height over casual off roaders means you could actually drive it all the way up to Lake Saif-ul-Maluk if you felt like it. This particular example further ups the ante by riding on custom suspension that augments this car's already formidable off road capabilities.
Exterior:
This FJ Cruiser has a black paint scheme with chrome accents and custom black wheels, and a luggage rack on top. With the black wheels it's almost stealthy, but the chrome side mirrors and orange turn signals draw attention to the car without looking ostentatious. The tires are prominent and impart a purposeful stance on the car. The windscreen is almost upright and is equipped with three(!) wipers. Oh and, while it may look like a 3 door, it actually has 5: two suicide doors provide easy access to the rear seats, similar to the Mazda Rx-8.
Interior:
The interior is nicely appointed and fairly straight-forward. The nav and audio system is one integrated unit. The automatic transmission has a gated shifter with 5 drive modes, allowing you to set the maximum gear you want the car to be in, while a smaller gear lever manipulates the 4-wheel drive system. The steering wheel has a 3-spoke design and features controls for volume and other functions. The driving position is high and gives you a commanding view of the road. You get 5 seats for adults and a cargo area in the back that you can fill up with luggage or small children. The rear seats can be folded down for additional cargo space, so you can bring home that 50 inch LED TV without having to pay for carriage.
Safety:
This being an import, airbags are present for driver and passengers. Additionally, electronic safety systems such as ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are present, but the party trick is Toyota's A-Trac traction control system, that, in 4-Lo mode, uses the brakes to control wheel slip during low-traction scenarios, mimicking a locking differential.
Driving:
Off-road, expect this beast to gobble up anything you throw at it. The approach and departure angles are better than the Land Cruiser's, there's plenty of suspension travel and the car sits high enough for you to drive straight over rocks and small boulders. As for on road performance, it's pretty much what you'd expect from an SUV this size. It definitely has an off road bias, and as such 'dynamic handling' isn't one of its traits, but it's still a comfortable mile crunching machine. Acceleration is reasonably brisk (7.3 seconds to 100 km/h) and it gets decent fuel economy (7-8 km/l).
Conclusion:
So the FJ Cruiser looks great, drives great, is supremely capable off road and has plenty of creature comforts. The looks in particular are a real head-turner. This car is one of those rare few that are almost universally regarded as 'cool', but more than that, it's a cool Toyota, and that my friends, is even rarer.