It's a goer for Toyota

Toyota says it created its go-anywhere FJ Cruiser to "raise the emotional pulse of the emerging youth market".

The new off-roader, styled from the original FJ concept of the late 1960s, will be pitched as an affordable sports utility vehicle for the active lifestyle set.

The carmaker is expected to confirm at the Chicago motor show next week that the new model will go into production next year, initially for the North American market.

It has been designed to compete with the H3 Hummer, the scaled-down 2006 model-year version of the vehicle originally developed for the US military.

The FJ Cruiser is marginally smaller than the H3 and was developed jointly by Toyota Motor Sales (USA) and Calty Design Research, the company's North American design centre in Newport Beach, California.

"The concept effectively connects two growing markets in the US - the light-truck segment and the emerging youth market," said Jim Press, TMS executive vice-president.

"It is a thoughtful approach to versatility that allows the customer to decide how the vehicle fits into their active lifestyles."

Toyota says the new model has been chiselled from 50 years of rugged, off-road performance and reliability provided by the legendary FJ 40 Land Cruiser and the 4Runner.

More than anything, Toyota's plan to go into production with the vehicle reinforces what the surveys say: the lifestyle vehicle sector has huge potential.

The FJ Cruiser adopts several styling cues from the original FJ, based on a customised 1967 FJ-45 Land Cruiser.

"Some of these cues are notable on the front end by its wide and narrow grille, round headlights, and offset combination lamps," said Jin Kim, its 25-year-old exterior designer.

"Additional inspiration can be found through its upright windshield and two-tone cap roof. Traits are also noticeable in the rear, with wrapping rear corner windows.

"The modern shape of the FJ Cruiser is woven into a more compact package. Its proportionately long wheelbase and wide track produce improved stability and a powerful stance."

Utility features include spotlights on both outside mirrors, an asymmetrical front spotlight, and a front-end towing winch.

The rear glass panel is a two-piece unit that retracts into the roof and the rear hatch for easy access to the rear cargo area. Toyota says specially built rear doors allow easy rear passenger entry into the two-door SUV.

Power comes from a 3.4-litre V6 engine equipped with a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) supercharger that creates 185kW (250bhp). The engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive with low range.

The FJ Cruiser rides on a modified American-market Tacoma pick-up platform and 20-inch wheels.

Calty designer William Chergosky said he extended the rugged and straightforward theme to the interior.

"The cabin is designed specifically for basic functionality and flexible utility," he said.

"The structural beam instrument panel has a sophisticated, handcrafted appearance.

"The faceplate with round inset instrumentation communicates precision and ruggedness. The steering wheel and centre-mounted shifter, and attached look door panels feature tool-like simplicity with an industrial feel."

Front and rear seats fold flat to create ample cargo space and maximum usability.

There are no remaining gaps once the seats are tucked away and, with a durable floor covering, the FJ Cruiser can be converted into a utility deck large enough for two people in their sleeping bags, says the company.

That's when another device might get some use: a removable GPS unit for backpacking in the bush.