Impending small city sports utility envisaged as petite power player is adding to NZ line-up.

EXTRA spice is set to add to a Lexus sports utility recently released here as the epitome of small suave.

The LBX Morizo RR set to show up here later this year, pricing yet announced, is a version of the small crossover with performance parts from Toyota’s performance division, Gazoo Racing, not least the three-cylinder turbo that slots into the GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches.

It spawns from a study displayed in January at a motor show in Tokyo, where it was was tagged the LBX Morizo RR Concept.

‘Morizo’ is a pseudonym adopted Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda in motor racing. at that point, the man said it could be easily built. And so it has been.

LBX is based on the same platform as the Toyota Yaris Cross and the Yaris, so the cost of developing a high-performance flagship has been conceivably much lower than if it was a standalone model.

The LBX - for ‘Lexus Breakthrough X(cross)-over’ - already represents here in three trim levels, all running a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid, primarily front-drive though Relax and Cool also come in all-wheel-drive. 

LBX prices span from $58,900 to $68,900; it can safely be assumed the LBX Morizo will raise that level altogether higher, even though its entire running gear is plucked from a $59,990 performance Toyota.

Which is? Specifically, rhe Toyota GR Yaris, of course. This popular hot hatch that’s been around since 2020 and came about originally because at one point it was to be the basis of the brand’s World Rally Championship contender. That plan changed, but the Yaris GR came into production nonetheless.

GR Yaris was updated this year and LBX adopts all the latest tweaks. So it’s 1.6-litre makes 206kW and 390Nm and drive is sent to all four wheels through a ‘Direct Shift’ eight-speed automatic transmission – a gearbox also availing in the previously manual-pure GR Yaris from this year.

Significant changes have also been made to the LBX’s appearance. Morizo stands out by taking more aggressive bumpers, 20mm wider wheel arches, 19-inch aluminium wheels – shod in 235/45 tyres – and 10mm lower sports suspension.

Inside there are unique sports seats and yellow seat belts, giving the cabin a sportier feeling to go with the aggressive exterior.

The general issue LBX was positioned as an entry-level option with aim to deliver Kiwi customers an accessible path to owning a luxury vehicle.

The Morizo has a different role; in media material, Toyota NZ reminds this has become Toyoda’s personal car. 

Lexus New Zealand vice president Andrew Davis says the development aim was to create a ‘partner’ that could provide a thrilling out of the ordinary experience and bring a smile to the face of the true enthusiast, someone like Morizo.

“LBX Morizo RR is a compact luxury car for casual driving, but when a car enthusiast decides to enjoy some spirited driving, the car is capable of delivering dynamic performance that does not disappoint.”

LBX diverts from recent Lexus design language. Up front the slim headlights rise towards the outer edges, while the front of the bonnet drops down, giving a wider appearance. The signature spindle grille has been reworked, sitting below a narrow aperture that runs along the lip of the bonnet.

In terms of dimensions, the car measures 4190mm in length, 1822mm in width and 1545mm in height. Compared with Yaris Cross, the A-pillars are moved further back. Cladding around the wheel arches and along the sills is a feature.

Despite being noticeably smaller than other Lexus models, the LBX has many of the same materials and technology inside.