Toyota FJ Cruiser (2011)

It’s rare that any vehicle triggers a confused response from the average kiwi but the Toyota FJ Cruiser is one machine that can. With retro-inspired styling and unconventional angles the FJ Cruiser body has a brave disregard for low-key Kiwi tastes. Many Kiwi’s find themselves torn between loving it or loathing it. The Toyota badge draws us in, instantly recognising the FJ as a vehicle that must be reliable and practical like our much-loved Corolla or Hilux. But on closer inspection this Toyota seems different, it appears strangely familiar but clearly favours form over function, it’s bulky and flashy and we just don’t know. Toyota has certainly thrown the NZ market a curveball with its FJ Cruiser. In an attempt to avoid mass confusion, Car and SUV had some seat time in this distinctive off roader and brought back the results.

New Zealand is late in receiving the FJ Cruiser with it first released in the States back in 2006. It began life as a design concept paying homage to the original FJ40 Land Cruisers of the 1960s but its popularity led to full production. Built with the U.S market firmly in mind the FJ comes to us in one specification but with nine body colours on offer but the roof must be white.

Exterior design is the hot topic with the FJ and that’s because it’s bold and a touch brazen. The retro styling cues are most evident up front with a wide bonnet scoop, close-set circular headlights and rectangular mesh grille. The front indicators push wide of the guards and the windscreen is almost vertical like its go-anywhere ancestor. At the rear, wrap around glass continues the retro theme and the white roof caps it all off. More modern touches are found in the FJ’s bulky bumpers and toughened plastic guards, wide pillars and 17-inch alloy wheels with tall 265/70 rubber. There are also reverse-hinged suicide doors that help access to the rear seat while keeping the more traditional 2-door appearance. There’s no doubt the FJ styling polarizes opinion but it’s fun, it stands out, it’s almost overwhelmingly purposeful and it’s a refreshingly brave design for Toyota.