Mention the name Toyota and the odds are than a multitude of complimentary words will be uttered in response. Words like 'safe' and 'reliable' have become synonymous with the brand, while many off-road enthusiasts will also mention 'strong' and 'tough', followed by almost unbelievable tales of the extremes to which their Toyota have taken them.

It's not surprising really, as Toyotas are one of South Africa's most loved car brands with an almost fanatical following.

This fanatical following is set to reach new heights after Toyota launched the new FJ Cruiser to the local market, the latest iteration of the legendary Land Cruiser range to reach our shores. It's apt as well, as this year sees the 60th anniversary of Land Cruiser across the globe, a vehicle that really has conquered everything from the Arctic to the Sahara Desert.

It's certainly taken a long time for the FJ Cruiser to reach our shores, as it has been on sale in the USA since 2003 already. It was actually developed with that country in mind, but with global interest – and especially from right-hand drive markets – Toyota had no choice but to further the FJ Cruiser's development. After driving the FJ Cruiser throughout Gauteng, on and off the beaten track, it's safe to say that the wait has been worth it, as it brings a fresh, unique and exciting new model to the Toyota stable, something I think has been lacking for quite a while.

I love the FJ Cruiser's styling – it stands out loud and proud and makes it impossible to miss. Like the MINI and Volkswagen's Beetle, it draws its retro-futuristic inspiration from days gone by, but much more successfully in my opinion. Thanks to its white roof and unique light-and-grille combination, its resemblance to the FJ40 from the '60s is immediately evident. More FJ40 inspiration was applied throughout the design, evident in how the rear suicide doors are hidden to resemble the original's two-door design, as well as the rear windows that wrap around the D-pillars. As with the FJ40, the name 'Toyota' also appears on the grille, and not the Toyota logo. It's a design that stands out for its extroverted and futuristic approach.

In terms of market positioning, the FJ Cruiser fills the gap between the (soon to be facelifted) Fortuner and the more expensive Prado. Apart from a base specification, the FJ Cruiser is also available in three limited-edition specifications, namely Desert, Trail and Sport. The Desert Cruiser, besides indentifying decals, gains a bull bar with built in spotlights, an all-weather carpet set, a towbar and side mouldings, and is only available in the Sandstorm colour.

The Trail Cruiser gains a roofrack with built-in spotlights, a black cover for the spare wheel, a towbar and the all-weather carpet set, with the obligatory decals. It's only available in grey metallic. The Sport Cruiser, on the other hand, is only available in black and gains leather upholstery, chrome detailing on the bumpers, chromed door handles, mirrors and grille, a unique carpet set and Sport decals.

Standard specification is excellent and includes a sound system with unique roof-mounted speakers that use the roof lining as sound membrane, as well as jacks for your iPod and USB stick. Also included is a reverse camera integrated into the rearview mirror, cruise control, electric windows, air conditioning, six airbags and ISOFIX child seat mountings.

Under the bonnet you'll find the same 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine with 24 valves and dual VVT-I that does duty in the Prado, mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. With 200kW and 380Nm on tap (same as the Prado), the FJ Cruiser feels light on its feet yet utterly powerful, quite possibly due to its 300kg weight advantage over the Prado. Fuel consumption is a claimed 11.9-litres/100km and carbon emissions are pegged at 278g/km. Active headrests, ABS with EBD, stability control and advanced traction control for off-roading (A-TRC) is also standard.

While the FJ Cruiser's chassis and engine is based on that of the Prado, it's 20mm wider, 500mm lower and 260mm shorter. This shorter length gives the FJ Cruiser a better approach angle than the Prado (34 degrees versus 32 degrees) as well as a better departure angle (31 degrees versus 24 degrees). With 245mm ground clearance, a heavy duty suspension, a break-over angle of 29 degrees and a wading depth of 700mm, the FJ Cruiser lives up to the Land Cruiser's off-road credentials.

The car makes use of a part-time four-wheel drive with transfer case, rear differential lock and traction control to make it unstoppable in the bush. It's in the bush where the FJ Cruiser also comes to life, with a compliant ride over rough terrain and very little unnecessary feedback through the steering wheel, something that inspires more confidence in the bush. Our launch route included a relatively serious bout of off-roading, and I was immensely impressed with how easy the FJ made everything feel, especially when it seemed visually impossible.

On the road the FJ Cruiser is deceivingly fast and I had to take my foot off the accelerator several times to get back to the legal speed limit. Because of the light steering, steering feedback seems a bit vague at times, with notable body roll in corners. There's also severe diving under hard braking, but I owners will be able to modulate both these minor complaints the more familiar they get with the car.

The FJ Cruiser may not be the most practical 4X4 for families due to the suicide doors and slightly cramped rear space, but it's perfect for serious yet image-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. More importantly, its styling is spot on and will undoubtedly draw a younger, funkier buyer – the type of buyer than probably won't look at a Toyota otherwise. It's the Prado for extroverts and I absolutely love it. Now, if only Toyota SA will take some initiative and put a D-4D engine under that bonnet...