With it’s 239hp VVT-i 4.0-litre V6 engine, suicide doors and booming sound system, upgraded locally by Toyota with a tiny single subwoofer, the retro-modern Toyota FJ Cruiser got no shortage of attention at Shakers on the Avenue. Even calypso legend, the Mighty Sparrow stopped by to share a few tunes and take a closer look. Co-incidentally he was driven to the event in his personal Toyota Corolla. Of course everyone stopped by to take a peek inside, put their hands on the wheel and give it a rev or two and naturally we caught them in the act on camera. ;)
We did manage to take it around the block and besides getting even more attention we took the opportunity to hear the 6-cylinder’s unique snarl and 0-60 is rumoured to be in the low 7-second range. The engine also puts out 278lb-ft of torque through a 5-speed automatic transmission with both 2WD and 4WD modes. Sadly, there is no diesel version available (worldwide) at this time. We also just had to mount a pavement or two and we were pleasantly surprised. The FJ while maintaining relatively minimal body roll (for an SUV-type vehicle) climbed the pavement ever so smoothly, as if it were riding on balloons. All reports indicate that the FJ’s off-road ability is remarkably good, with excellent wheel articulation and state-of-the-art four wheel drive system.
Some found it looked like a Hummer, but thanks to the old-school Toyota Land Cruiser (complete with offroad tyres, fogs, tow-hook and also packing a six) parked outside Shakers, it was easy to appreciate the obvious Toyota heritage. We loved the low roofline and the wide stance that actually dictates that the FJ carry three mini-wipers instead of the usual two bigger ones for the windshield.
There’s a lot more to explore in the Toyota FJ cruiser, so stay tuned as we tour T&T and take a full test drive in an upcoming issue of Zorce!
