I don’t know why it took me so long to make up my mind, but whatever the reason I appreciate that Toyota took a gamble – they’re supposed to be the play-it-safe guys, the ‘All Bran’ of vehicle manufacturers. Finally, this test model arrived at our office and I thought to myself, “Yip, it’s actually quite cool.” Then the FJ launched in SA and again I wasn’t sure if it was for me. I first saw the Cruiser in ’08 when attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and I couldn’t make up my mind. It’s taken me three years to decide that I like the FJ’s retro looks.
#Fj cruiser idrive review driver#
On a more positive note, there are lots of stowage compartments and cup / bottle holders, the centre console boasts a deep storage bin with no lid (you can stash tall items too) and there’s an adjustable armrest for both driver and front seated passenger. Three ergonomics snarfus: on several occasions I bumped my knees getting into the FJ’s driver seat the one and only 12 V power point is awkwardly positioned in front of the drive-selection lever and, ingress / egress is difficult when accessing the rear seats. The FJ’s interior doesn’t have carpeting and features are limited however, the radio / CD unit works well, the steering wheel boasts cruise control and all the driver aids are cleverly grouped together on the lower dashboard. I think the cabin’s relative roominess can be attributed to its upright windscreen that’s more than an arm’s length away from front row occupants – that distance gives you some breathing room.
#Fj cruiser idrive review windows#
Sure, most of the windows are comparatively small when measured against similar-sized SUVs, but the FJ’s not as incarcerating as it may seem from the outside. Those rear seats aside, the FJ’s cabin is surprisingly pleasant and roomy.
Small, confined spaces don’t usually bother me but I couldn’t last for more than an hour on the FJ’s second row. Try and imagine a dark cell with limited legroom, poor ventilation and nothing but a small sealed window to peep through. Let me start with a warning: if you’re a family man and you buy an FJ you deserve to be reported to child welfare. No, we got the 4.2 straight-6 naturally aspirated diesel donk.įorget the FJ’s abilities – I love this vehicle simply for its uniqueness, its boldness, and the fact that it’s unlike any Toyota this country’s ever seen. Even the Land Cruiser 76 with its TDV8 engine.
As far as model options go we never get the cool stuff from Toyota, like the Supra, the Tundra, the Celica and the original Ferrari-fast MR2. That the FJ actually made it to our end of Africa is a shock to me. We got hold of one and found that although it’s not the ideal overlander, it’ll make an entertaining mockery of just about any off-road terrain. Toyota took their time to treat the South African market to a vehicle as boldly out-there as the fiery FJ Cruiser.
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