Is the iconic Toyota LandCruiser FJ finally coming to Australia? The answer is a cautious 'maybe'. While there are reports of a turbo-diesel version of the downsized LandCruiser FJ four-wheel-drive in the works, it's a complex process with many hurdles to overcome. The engine, which could be the first step in the retro-styled 4WD reaching Australian showrooms, faces challenges related to emissions regulations, safety standards, and market demand.
The key question is: will it comply with Australia's stringent emissions rules, particularly the CO2 regulations that penalize car makers for high-emissions vehicles? The current 2.7-litre petrol engine in the FJ is only compliant with Euro 5 emissions rules, not Australia's latest Euro 6d. A variant of the engine developed to meet Euro 6 Stage C rules is coming to the LandCruiser 70 Series later this year, but it's not clear if this will be enough to meet Australia's demands.
Additionally, the LandCruiser FJ would need to meet Australian crash and child-seat safety regulations, which can differ from those in more stringent markets like Japan. The Japanese publication Best Car claims the 2.8-litre turbo four-cylinder diesel from the HiLux, Prado, and other Toyota models will be added to the LandCruiser FJ, but this has not been confirmed by Toyota.
The popularity of the HiLux ute and current LandCruiser family in Australia also makes it difficult for Toyota to offset its emissions and meet the regulations. However, if the 2.7-litre petrol engine were to be compliant with Euro 6, the FJ could be reconsidered for local showrooms. The future of the LandCruiser FJ in Australia remains uncertain, with many factors at play. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development!
