Toyota Land Cruiser FJ barred from Australia! New $60K Mini LandCruiser off the cards as RAV4-sized off-roader

Toyota Motor Corporation has at last shown the contemporary Land Cruiser FJ, a shrunken model of its iconic nameplate.

The worthy-anticipated Land Cruiser FJ — veritably regularly known as the Mini LandCruiser — has been scorching property on-line. But Toyota Australia acknowledged the contemporary mannequin isn’t in its plans.

“Toyota Australia continuously explores alternatives to adapt our automobile line up, nonetheless we don’t desire any most modern plans to introduce the Mini LandCruiser to our market,” a spokesperson instructed Chasing Autos.

Measuring 4575mm long (at the side of spare tyre), 1875mm broad, 1960mm elephantine, the Land Cruiser FJ is relating to the same dimension as a RAV4 medium SUV, making it greater than a Suzuki Jimny or Renault Duster.

As predicted, the Land Cruiser FJ makes relate of Toyota’s IMV ladder frame chassis from the Hilux Champ offered in creating markets. Toyota says extra bracing and greater physique rigidity will lend the five-door, five-seat Land Cruiser FJ unbelievable ability.

Toyota claims the Land Cruiser FJ matches the 70 Sequence in the case of wheel articulation — so it’s a ways going to be a capable mountain goat.

With a 2580mm wheelbase (270mm shorter than Prado), the Land Cruiser FJ will change into the contemporary entry level into the long-lasting nameplate, below 250 Sequence, fat-dimension 300 Sequence and rough-and-tumble 70 Sequence.

Putrid news is that the contemporary automobile makes relate of the ‘2TR-FE’ 2.7-litre inline-four petrol engine, producing a measly 120kW and 246Nm — a a lot advise from even Prado’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel that makes 150kW and 500Nm.

This petrol-handiest offering (as a minimum on-show veil) is one of many key aspects that might possibly quit the Land Cruiser FJ selling in Australia. With a combination of stricter emissions standards and a treasure of towing, both a diesel or petrol-electric would be wanted to resonate with Australians.

One line in Toyota’s press liberate indicates a more ambiance pleasant Land Cruiser FJ, treasure the 300 Sequence hybrid, might possibly neatly be a future addition: “the Land Cruiser will continue to adapt to meet societal calls for”.

Quiet, off-boulevard ability appears to be like to be correct with portion-time, selectable four wheel drive (treasure a Hilux ute) within the Land Cruiser FJ hooked up to a six-velocity computerized transmission.

There’s not any mention of a low-fluctuate switch case in Toyota’s press provides, nonetheless photos show off an ‘L4’ mode, plus buttons to lock the rear differential and have interaction hill descent help a watch on.

Toyota claims the Land Cruiser FJ has passed by “broad off-boulevard sorting out”, all the procedure by which the corporate found out “aspects for enchancment to be obvious steady Land Cruiser-ness ― reliability, durability, and off-boulevard efficiency.”

Of all aspects, the Land Cruiser FJ’s styling has caught the most consideration. The compact, rugged and boxy four wheel drive comes with both crisp, horizontal LED headlights or retro round objects — lawful treasure Prado.

No longer everyone appears to be like to be convinced by the appears to be like to be, nonetheless, with a elephantine yet slim physique looking out a shrimp bit awkward from some angles.

The entrance and rear bumpers are segmented for easy elimination of individual parts — helpful if they’re damaged within the twin carriageway of responsibility.

Because the Land Cruiser FJ is smaller than your fashioned Toyota four wheel drive, consideration has been paid to exterior storage, at the side of ‘MOLLE’ panels to which homeowners can connect tools, such as shovels, lights, or extra cargo.

Interior, the cabin layout is equivalent to the Prado with a draw-identical steering wheel and digital instruments. An unlimited touchscreen sits within the centre as the predominant impart centre, and there’s a low beltline to help visibility.

No notice on pricing yet, but given the Land Cruiser Prado starts at $72,500, a petroleum-engined Land Cruiser FJ would ought to be pitched below $60K in Australia, if it comes here.

Even supposing the Land Cruiser FJ  is no longer confirmed for our market, Toyota Australia previously took the niche Prado-primarily based utterly mostly FJ Cruiser and has trademarked the Land Cruiser FJ nameplate domestically, so the tune might possibly alternate one day.

One other clue is the ARB — an Australian off-boulevard tools manufacturer — bashplate shown in one of Toyota’s photos

Fat facts, at the side of gas efficiency, baggage skill and pricing, will be confirmed at this month’s Tokyo Mobility Demonstrate, which Chasing Autos will be attending.