 Zoom In |
| Some vehicles are worth driving more than once... (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
There are some vehicles that leave a lasting impression in my mind, and then there are some that don't. So, when I get the chance to drive those cars that leave that lasting impression more than once, which doesn't happen all too often, it's a pretty awesome feeling. Some will be able to relate to me for sure, on those occasions when you go to a dealership, test out the car you have your heart set on and then leave without the car, only to return and test it again. You only come back for the really good ones, and the ones worth driving twice are usually the ones worth buying.
For me, the new FJ Cruiser is one of those vehicles. It evoked emotions that ranged from giddy schoolgirl one minute to dominatrix the next, when we first met last year. I looked forward to getting up everyday and walking to my parking spot, all the while thinking to myself, "This is one great ride."
 Zoom In |
| It's hard to be unbiased when you're in love. (Photo: Alexandra's friend, Canadian Auto Press) |
My second round with the FJ was probably just as fulfilling, if not more so than my first. I'll tell you why. First, I just love the colour. It's bold. It's beautiful. It's Voodoo Blue and it's totally cool. Mixing Toyota's 'Vibrant Clarity' design language with a healthy dose of Land Cruiser past, it pulls eyeballs from their sockets wherever it rolls up. Not only is it rough and tough looking, but it literally is rough and tough due to an exoskeleton comprised of high tensile steel sheets and rust-resistant steel panels, brake-hardened panels on the hood, fender and front doors.
 Zoom In |
| Smaller people fit better in the rear seats. (Photo: Alexandra's friend, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Cruiser's mix of Vibrant Clarity and retro history is not only seen on the outside but felt on the inside. The spacious cabin boasts a fair amount of people room, especially up front. Just ask my friend Dan who, at 6'7", sat comfortably for a six hour plus trip from Vancouver to Seattle and back with two girls and some luggage in back, also known as handbags. Sitting in the front, headroom was not a problem because the arched roof gives a little more in the height department. He also had ample room to move his amply sized feet around. As for me, the driver, I pulled my warm cloth upholstered seat forward and was snug as a bug. Natalie, my roommate, was stuck in the back seat, but wasn't too fazed since she managed to snooze comfortably for the majority of the trip. Taller rear passengers will probably find the rear a bit too snug, as the seats are a bit abbreviated and the legroom a touch on the tight side.
