Toyota's Smallest And Cheapest Land Cruiser That's Coming To India: All You Need To Know
Toyota is preparing to launch the smallest and most affordable member of the Land Cruiser family in India- the Land Cruiser FJ (TRJ240). Previous rumours had suggested that the FJ would compete with the Mahindra Thar ROXX when launched. According to previous speculations, the FJ would be more affordable than the Fortuner when it is brought to India. It recently went on sale in Thailand, with an introductory ex-showroom price of 1.269 million Thai Baht (roughly Rs 36.12 lakh). This made it more expensive than the diesel-powered Fortuner that sells for Rs 1.239 million Thai Baht ( approximately Rs 35.27 lakh). This has created confusion about the possible India pricing. For now, here is everything we know about the Land Cruiser FJ.
The baby Land Cruiser measures 4,575 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,960 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,580 mm. The FJ will have a ground clearance of 215mm. The SUV has a boxy shape and an upright stance.
Its key design highlights include C-shaped LED DRLs, Toyota lettering on the front grille, squared-off LED headlights, silver skid plates on front bumper, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, C-shaped LED taillights, and chunky body claddings. The boxy design and chunky cladding give the FJ a solid stance. A rectangular body with chamfered edges is an important characteristic feature of this design.
Five exterior colour options will be offered- Ash, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Smoky Blue and Oxide Bronze Metallic.
Two distinct versions will be available on the FJ- square and round-headlight versions. Toyota is also offering a range of off-roading accessories with the FJ. These include the likes of snorkel, underbody protection and ARB hardware. The company had previously showcased four concept models highlighting the customisation options available.
Inside, the FJ feels modern and tech-heavy. The overall layout would remind you of larger Land Cruisers. The feature list includes a horizontal instrument panel housed in a low-set cowl to maximise visibility, a 12.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, level 2 ADAS, sunroof, automatic climate control with rear vents, selectable drive modes, and physical buttons on the centre console.
In addition to ADAS, the safety suite will also include seven airbags, panoramic view monitor, traction control system, vehicle stability control system, cruise control, hill-start assist control, tyre pressure monitoring system and front and rear parking sensors.
Underpinning the FJ is Toyota’s familiar IMV platform. This is the same platform that’s found in models like the Fortuner and Hilux and is a highly capable and durable ladder-frame architecture. In markets like Thailand, the FJ gets both petrol and diesel engines- 2.7L naturally aspirated petrol and 2.8L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel. The 48V mild hybrid (MHEV) is also on offer.
The same are likely to be introduced on the Indian version as well. The petrol engine makes 163 hp and 246 Nm on the Fortuner, while the diesel has an output of 201hp and 500 Nm.
The India-spec FJ will likely debut with the petrol engine first. It will be offered with a part time 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) system and a six-speed automatic transmission. The diesel version is likely to be introduced later. It is likely to be offered with the MHEV technology, as the Fortuner already has the same on offer on some of its variants.
When launched, the Land Cruiser FJ is likely to be manufactured at the company’s upcoming plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which has an annual production capacity of roughly 89,000 units. It is expected to stand close to the global model in terms of styling and equipment array. For now, the possible pricing remains unclear.
Many speculate that the FJ will sit below the Fortuner with its prices. The Fortuner now has a starting price of Rs 34.16 lakh, ex-showroom. Going by Thai pricing, the same seems uncertain. If priced well, this can be the next star product for Toyota here.