Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV to Australian

Toyota's Australian arm said on Monday it will add the FJ Cruiser SUV to its range of models late in the first quarter of 2011. 

Australian buyers will get their first taste of the domestic market version with a pre-production model of the retro-styled SUV with the small reverse-opening rear doors at the Sydney International Motor Show on October 15.


"FJ Cruiser has loads of character that isn't found in any other SUV, let alone one that is built for off-road terrain," said Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner. "It will be a lot of fun to own and drive, satisfying those who want a modern vehicle with the boulder-crawling spirit of Toyota's legendary off-roaders," he added.


No specific details were given about the FJ Cruiser's powertrain options, but Toyota said the Australian market models, which will be imported from Japan, will come with "a powerful engine and dual-range 4WD".


In the U.S., the FJ Cruiser is offered with a 258-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine and the choice of two-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission, or four-wheel drive and either an electronically shifted five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox.


Photo Gallery: U.S. Market 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser