New DiscoverOman Car: Land Cruiser FZJ76. The first impressions.

Since last week i am using a last version of J76 model with six cylinder petrol engine 4.5L (1FZ-FE). After four years intensive use a big models of Land Cruiser HZJ80, and two FZJ100 it is time to switch on the smaller but heavy duty version like FZj76L. This particular model from the 70-series lineup is most rarely occurs on the streets in Oman. The most popular version is J79 pick up. FZJ76L on the Middle East market characterised by few significant difference then the models from the other part of the world. 

First of all the standard fuel tank contains around 120 L of petrol and the car is not equipped in the sub-tank  like series J80, J90 and J100. Standard tires are 215/85/16 Michelin LTX but my car has Brigestone Dueler AT 275/70/16. Interior is very simple and there is one AC only, radio and cassette player, electrical windows and mirrors and … nothing more :)

Transmission is classic as well. Part Time 4WD and manual gearbox (H151F). Level of noise inside the car is dramatically bigger then i had experienced in series 100, even in the simple version. Comfort during the driving on the road is also worst then in the biggest model.

FZJ76 is much lighter then FZJ100 so car is perceptibly faster and more dynamic then the previous one. The thing i may  concern during the on roaring is stability on the traverse. J80 and J100 gave me much more comfort then J76.

Today I set off in to the wide stony valley located just 25 km from Muscat to test the car on the stony tracks and water pools. I was not confused after first few kilometres on the stony track. Off-road performance of the car was amazing. I have not experienced any problems during the wadi bashing in the water or climbing on the small rocky hills. The biggest test in the sandy desert in the next week :)      

 

 

 

Jerzy Wierzbicki