WeeklySA_AdminFREEDOM AND JOY: Toyota SA marks a bold new chapter in the history of its iconic brand with a compact model primed for urban life yet capable for serious exploration…
By Ali Mphaki
For unto Toyota South Africa a child is born, and its name shall be called Freedom and Joy and the fortunes of the iconic Land Cruiser badge firmly upon its shoulders.
No toyi toyi is expected from the fiery March and March and the Mchunu brigade despite the new Land Cruiser FJ being declared an illegal immigrant in some overseas markets such as Australia where it does not meet their strict emissions regulations.
Instead, the new Land Cruiser FJ built from ground up on a shortened version of the platform shared with its Hilux and Fortuner siblings is a strictly two-row, 4,575 mm in length five seat SUV with a mandate to bring the premium class Land Cruiser closer to a broader generation of customers.
To this end the baby Land Cruiser FJ launches in South Africa with a two-model strategy, the entry-level GX and VX flagship, and the duo joins the existing family of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series line-up.
For the record, the initials FJ stands for “Freedom & Joy” according to Toyota speak, and this feeling finds expression in the newcomer’s bold and square retro “dice style” design featuring a Toyota-lettered grille, roof rack, and external spare wheel.
The overall design can be described as iconic and fearless, and thanks to its ladder frame structure the upright windscreen ensures a commanding view of the bonnet in a vehicle which boast a 29-degree approach angle as well as a 38-degree departure angle.
Another plus for the FJ’s ladder frame structure is that it is said to allow for generous wheel articulation further assisting the vehicle to achieve confident traction across challenging and various terrain.
Crucially the new FJ adopts a part-time four-wheel drive system and what Toyota would like us to internalize is that the new baby also benefits from Land Cruiser derived front drivetrain components and a lightweight Fortuner propeller shaft.
It is offered with other tech goodies which include a rear differential lock, Downhill Assist Control, Hill start Assist Control and Vehicle Stability Control.
The interior in the entry-level GX grade features a fabric upholstery whilst the GX flagship comes with a premium synthetic leather trim.
It will please enthusiasts to know with a 6.4 split the second-row seat slides forward and backward, reclines and includes seat backboards and the new FJ comes with a 795 litres of luggage space.
Disappointing in the cabin though is the lack of some modern creature comforts. Included in the missing list is a lack of rear USB chargers, no rear air conditioning vents and no rear centre armrest.
Further distinction between the two variants sees the VX quipped with driver assistance systems not available on the GX.
These include a Pre-Collision System, Full Speed Range Adapative Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive High Beam System.
The VX also gains Blind Spot Monitor, Panoramic View Monitor, Parking Support Brake functionality.
The shorter wheelbase is said to ensure sharper manouevrability and has a minimum turning radius of 5.5 m.
Toyota says the new FJ combines everyday usability with genuine Land Cruiser toughness and this it does with the combination of a naturally aspirated engine with a maximum output of 120 kW and maximum torque of 246 NM with a six-speed automatic moto.
Toyota insists the 2,7-litre engine maintains a smooth acceleration and achieves fuel efficiency of 8,7 km/L, yet critics have been quick to point out being underpowered for a vehicle this size making it feel sluggish particularly at higher altitudes and seem to suggest a higher fuel consumption rate when towing or at higher altitudes.
The GX starts at roughly R714,000, while the VX goes for R761,400, and is pitted against the likes of Suzuki JImny, Jeep Wrangler and GWM Tank 300.
It comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty and a 9-service/90,000 km service plan
