NEW LEXUS LBX MORIZO

The compact LBX has propelled Lexus sales to another level, the premium small car showcasing both hybrid and all-wheel-drive technology and now adding serious fun and performance in the form of this top-performing Morizo RR. The Morizo moniker and Rookie Racing acronym reflect the direct influence of Akio Toyoda (aka Master Driver Morizo) although other racing drivers had a hand in the car’s development at circuits such as Shimoyama, where Lexus has its Japanese technical centre.

At launch, our initial impressions were of a spirited allrounder with a modest footprint that will prove practical and entertaining for city dwellers in particular. A scenic South Island drive route highlighted the agility, refinement and excellent overtaking ability while well-judged exercises at the Highlands circuit included a timed gymkhana, repeated trail-braking into a fast 90-degree bend, and track-lapping in convoy (using the full circuit). Conditions could not have been better and the Morizo RR excelled at each discipline, suggesting a fair degree of performance potential was left untapped.

For a whisker under $90k you get a beautifully finished car intended to double as both a comfortable daily driver and a weekend funster that begs to be exercised hard. The 1618cc three-cylinder turbo has Toyota GR origins and generates 206kW and 390Nm. These impressive outputs are transmitted to all four wheels via an eight-speed direct-shift while Torsen LSDs are fitted front and rear. Selecting AWD mode locks the system into a 50:50 traction split.

The gearbox is a complex multi-plated unit that cleverly anticipates driver attitude and preferences and is impressively quick-shifting when left to its own devices. Of course, paddle shifters are at your disposal for manual shifting. Active Sound Control certainly amplifies driving sound in Sport mode by synchronising engine and exhaust resonances with the car’s acceleration and deceleration. Bringing things to an abrupt halt are four-piston brake calipers up front and 356mm discs.

The driver sits 10mm lower than in the regular LBX hybrid, so what is classified as a small SUV manages to deliver hot hatch sensations. The sports seats are clad in a mix of leather and ultrasuede with red stitching and there’s 10-way power adjustment with two-way tweaking for lumbar support. Other interior highlights include large aluminium sports pedals and a seven-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

As for the exterior, there are five options on the colour palette and an ebony roof and A-pillar treatment can be applied to four of them. Wheels are two-piece 19-inch alloys in super-gloss black. Up front, the Lexus spindle grille is a conversation-starter in its own right and there is plenty of intricate detailing in bumper designs, spoilers, side skirts and arch mouldings. A pair of chromed tailpipes have been pushed out to each rear corner and serve to emphasise the Morizo’s extra width. They also trumpet a great soundtrack when the Morizo is on a charge.

Lexus NZ has done surprisingly well to secure 45 units for delivery in 2025 so you would expect local dealers will keep pace with initial demand. Total projected LBX sales for 2025 sit between 300 and 350. It’s already been a key model in the brand’s elevation to number two in the local premium car ranks (behind BMW) and Morizo only adds momentum, demonstrating a desire to continue developing models that engage drivers and fire the imagination.