Latest news with #MorizoRR
News.com.au
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR review
Take the fizzing turbo engine from Toyota's GR Yaris, wrap it in a luxury skin, then lower, widen and stiffen. Cook it up and it's the most 'Banzai!' Lexus we've seen in years – the LBX Morizo RR. This new model shakes off the normal LBX's sensible shackles to become a Gazoo Racing LBX city SUV in all but name. The code name Besides, the Morizo 'Rookie Racer' badge is cooler, as it's the alias of Toyota Corp's chairman – and utter rev head – Akio Toyoda. Such is the big boss's affection for this hot little Lex, he's gifted his racing name to the model. Why? Because it's the funnest Lexus we've seen in years. But it's not cheap. At $76,490 – over $80,000 to drive away – it's 30 grand more than a well-equipped entry-level LBX hybrid. But that's not stopped Aussie shoppers. There's already a year-long waiting list for this Morizo RR. Here's the appeal. Its screaming 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo's good for 206kW and 390Nm, meaning 0-100km/h in only 5.2 seconds. That matches Toyota's GR Yaris weapon, and trumps the larger GR Corolla. Helping the performance cause is race car-like electronically variable all-wheel drive, Torsen rear limited slip differential, bespoke sports suspension, forged aluminium 19-inch wheels and sticky Continental performance tyres. It looks the business There's body coloured fenders, twin exhausts, unique bumpers for improved airflow, red brake callipers on ventilated rotors, and it sits 15mm lower and 15mm wider than lesser LBXs. Front occupants enjoy semi-aniline leather and suede heated seats; dash and door trims are suede with red stitching, there's classy push button door handles, aluminium pedals and chunky heated steering wheel. It's not luxe-dripping like larger Lexus offerings, but feels classy enough inside, and a mighty leap over the hard plastic cocoon of the related Toyota Yaris Cross. Tech includes an angled 9.8-inch infotainment screen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto (which you must use – the native software's very average), digital driver display, Mark Levinson audio and five USB-C ports. Why you need five is a mystery, as this LBX is cosy for two but a serious squeeze for more. Rear seats are a challenging fit, and the boot's also a tiddler as the rear suspension changed to a sportier independent set-up. Which shows priority's been given to the drive rather than practicality. Good. Something is missing But then a major misstep, for this reviewer at least, is no manual gearbox offered. Not only is a six-speed stick shift offered in the GR Yaris and Corolla, LBX Morizo RRs in Japan feature three pedals. Lexus Australia (rightly) says demand for manuals is near non-existent here, but we still say boo. On our Victorian Alps test road, the driver engagement is still extraordinary. Being a Lexus, this mongrel LBX must be more sophisticated than commoner GR Toyotas, so isn't as raw, exhaust-poppy and spine-smashingly firm. But it remains toylike in bends, exhibiting phenomenal balance and grip, while the steering – key to a rewarding car – is superbly weighted in Sport mode, helping accurate dives into a corner apex. It's a car that just sticks. Glue like. The engine is a star Its petrol particulate filter robs of some performance next to a GR Yaris, but you'd not notice. Torque pull's mighty so you fly out of bends, ready to nimbly dart into the next direction change. The eight-speed auto gearbox is smooth and eager, and paddles give control to hold it to the redline, where the noise is windows-down worthy. It's docile in town, but seriously thirsty. Reckon on over 12L/100km on urban or back roads. Ride quality's also on the firm side for daily use, but you'll forgive it for the thrills offered. Unlike $6950 for five years' servicing – that's tough to swallow. Verdict No manual gearbox is a shame, but it's still a great fun, capable and desirable pocket rocket dressed in a fancy Lexus suit. 4 stars 2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR ENGINE: 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol, 206kW and 390Nm THIRST: 9.2L/100km
The Advertiser
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Lexus LBX Morizo RR: No limit on pocket rocket's availability for Australia
Lexus won't cap the availability of the limited-run LBX Morizo RR in Australia, as orders continue to mount for the genre-bending performance model. Around 90 units have been allocated to the Australian market for the first year of deliveries, which is less than the number of orders Lexus has received. One third of the initial allocation has already been delivered including dealer demonstrators, leaving 60 cars to satisfy an order bank exceeding 100 vehicles. In response to brimming demand, Lexus Australia is pushing the decision-makers in Japan to bolster local stock of the Morizo RR. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There is no predetermined, finite number for this car, but it will be built in limited volumes," a Lexus Australia spokesperson told CarExpert. "There's been high anticipation for it because of the type of car that it is and demand for the car is exceptionally high, both overseas and locally. It's only been on sale in Australia for one month, and we already have a really healthy order bank. "We're always working with our production teams in Japan to try to increase the volume of cars that we can get." The LBX Morizo RR swaps out the hybrid powertrain of regular LBX variants for a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 206kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Both the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission have been sourced from the related Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris. Priced from $76,490 before on-roads, the Morizo RR is $19,500 more expensive than the LBX Sports Luxury AWD, and pitched as a compact performance SUV to rival the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc R, Cupra Formentor, and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, It's also $13,500 more expensive than the Toyota GR Yaris GTS automatic, and $6000 more than the Toyota GR Corolla GTS automatic. Aside from extensive mechanical upgrades, the Morizo RR sits 10mm lower and 15mm wider than the core trim levels, with a meaner face and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside there are black leather-accented sports front seats, as well as a leather-accented shift knob, dimpled steering wheel with contrast red stitching, and suede trim throughout the cabin. MORE: Everything Lexus LBX Content originally sourced from: Lexus won't cap the availability of the limited-run LBX Morizo RR in Australia, as orders continue to mount for the genre-bending performance model. Around 90 units have been allocated to the Australian market for the first year of deliveries, which is less than the number of orders Lexus has received. One third of the initial allocation has already been delivered including dealer demonstrators, leaving 60 cars to satisfy an order bank exceeding 100 vehicles. In response to brimming demand, Lexus Australia is pushing the decision-makers in Japan to bolster local stock of the Morizo RR. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There is no predetermined, finite number for this car, but it will be built in limited volumes," a Lexus Australia spokesperson told CarExpert. "There's been high anticipation for it because of the type of car that it is and demand for the car is exceptionally high, both overseas and locally. It's only been on sale in Australia for one month, and we already have a really healthy order bank. "We're always working with our production teams in Japan to try to increase the volume of cars that we can get." The LBX Morizo RR swaps out the hybrid powertrain of regular LBX variants for a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 206kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Both the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission have been sourced from the related Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris. Priced from $76,490 before on-roads, the Morizo RR is $19,500 more expensive than the LBX Sports Luxury AWD, and pitched as a compact performance SUV to rival the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc R, Cupra Formentor, and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, It's also $13,500 more expensive than the Toyota GR Yaris GTS automatic, and $6000 more than the Toyota GR Corolla GTS automatic. Aside from extensive mechanical upgrades, the Morizo RR sits 10mm lower and 15mm wider than the core trim levels, with a meaner face and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside there are black leather-accented sports front seats, as well as a leather-accented shift knob, dimpled steering wheel with contrast red stitching, and suede trim throughout the cabin. MORE: Everything Lexus LBX Content originally sourced from: Lexus won't cap the availability of the limited-run LBX Morizo RR in Australia, as orders continue to mount for the genre-bending performance model. Around 90 units have been allocated to the Australian market for the first year of deliveries, which is less than the number of orders Lexus has received. One third of the initial allocation has already been delivered including dealer demonstrators, leaving 60 cars to satisfy an order bank exceeding 100 vehicles. In response to brimming demand, Lexus Australia is pushing the decision-makers in Japan to bolster local stock of the Morizo RR. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There is no predetermined, finite number for this car, but it will be built in limited volumes," a Lexus Australia spokesperson told CarExpert. "There's been high anticipation for it because of the type of car that it is and demand for the car is exceptionally high, both overseas and locally. It's only been on sale in Australia for one month, and we already have a really healthy order bank. "We're always working with our production teams in Japan to try to increase the volume of cars that we can get." The LBX Morizo RR swaps out the hybrid powertrain of regular LBX variants for a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 206kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Both the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission have been sourced from the related Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris. Priced from $76,490 before on-roads, the Morizo RR is $19,500 more expensive than the LBX Sports Luxury AWD, and pitched as a compact performance SUV to rival the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc R, Cupra Formentor, and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, It's also $13,500 more expensive than the Toyota GR Yaris GTS automatic, and $6000 more than the Toyota GR Corolla GTS automatic. Aside from extensive mechanical upgrades, the Morizo RR sits 10mm lower and 15mm wider than the core trim levels, with a meaner face and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside there are black leather-accented sports front seats, as well as a leather-accented shift knob, dimpled steering wheel with contrast red stitching, and suede trim throughout the cabin. MORE: Everything Lexus LBX Content originally sourced from: Lexus won't cap the availability of the limited-run LBX Morizo RR in Australia, as orders continue to mount for the genre-bending performance model. Around 90 units have been allocated to the Australian market for the first year of deliveries, which is less than the number of orders Lexus has received. One third of the initial allocation has already been delivered including dealer demonstrators, leaving 60 cars to satisfy an order bank exceeding 100 vehicles. In response to brimming demand, Lexus Australia is pushing the decision-makers in Japan to bolster local stock of the Morizo RR. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There is no predetermined, finite number for this car, but it will be built in limited volumes," a Lexus Australia spokesperson told CarExpert. "There's been high anticipation for it because of the type of car that it is and demand for the car is exceptionally high, both overseas and locally. It's only been on sale in Australia for one month, and we already have a really healthy order bank. "We're always working with our production teams in Japan to try to increase the volume of cars that we can get." The LBX Morizo RR swaps out the hybrid powertrain of regular LBX variants for a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 206kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Both the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission have been sourced from the related Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris. Priced from $76,490 before on-roads, the Morizo RR is $19,500 more expensive than the LBX Sports Luxury AWD, and pitched as a compact performance SUV to rival the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc R, Cupra Formentor, and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, It's also $13,500 more expensive than the Toyota GR Yaris GTS automatic, and $6000 more than the Toyota GR Corolla GTS automatic. Aside from extensive mechanical upgrades, the Morizo RR sits 10mm lower and 15mm wider than the core trim levels, with a meaner face and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside there are black leather-accented sports front seats, as well as a leather-accented shift knob, dimpled steering wheel with contrast red stitching, and suede trim throughout the cabin. MORE: Everything Lexus LBX Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Why the Lexus LBX Morizo has less power than its cheaper Toyota GR cousins
The new Lexus LBX Morizo RR may be a performance model, but the Japanese manufacturer has chosen to play the long game with its pint-size hero by prioritising emissions compliance over outputs. Despite sharing an engine with the Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris, the 206kW/390Nm LBX Morizo RR produces 15kW and 10Nm less than its hot hatch cousins. It's also $13,500 more expensive than the Toyota GR Yaris GTS automatic, and $6000 more than the Toyota GR Corolla GTS automatic. It would be easy to assume that Lexus has simply detuned the engine for this application, but a local spokesperson has confirmed a deeper reason behind disparity. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The LBX Morizo RR has a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) to trap a lot of harmful emissions in the warmup stage, and that does affect the power of the car," the spokesperson told CarExpert. "The GPF actually makes this vehicle compliant to Euro 6c emission standards, whereas without that, it would be only Euro 6b. So the GPF is future-proofing the car for Euro 6c." Both the GR Corolla and Yaris are Euro 6b compliant. Despite the fitment of a power-draining GPF, the LBX Morizo RR can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds, just 0.1 seconds slower than the beefier, lighter GR Yaris. The Morizo tops out at 230km/h. In terms of fuel economy, the Morizo RR is thirstier than its hot hatch cousin, consuming a claimed 9.2L/100km compared to 8.2L/100km for the GR Yaris. However, in automatic guise the GR Corolla is the least efficient of the bunch, with a claimed fuel consumption of 9.5L/100km. While the Morizo RR was revealed last year as a limited-run performance hero, all the signs suggest it will enjoy an extended presence in the Lexus lineup. Euro 6c compliance will aid the longevity of the model, and the same Lexus spokesperson says there's no volume or time limit on Morizo RR production. Around 90 units have been allocated to the Australian market for the first year of deliveries, although Lexus has already received more than 100 orders for the pocket rocket. MORE: Everything Lexus LBX Content originally sourced from: The new Lexus LBX Morizo RR may be a performance model, but the Japanese manufacturer has chosen to play the long game with its pint-size hero by prioritising emissions compliance over outputs. Despite sharing an engine with the Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris, the 206kW/390Nm LBX Morizo RR produces 15kW and 10Nm less than its hot hatch cousins. It's also $13,500 more expensive than the Toyota GR Yaris GTS automatic, and $6000 more than the Toyota GR Corolla GTS automatic. It would be easy to assume that Lexus has simply detuned the engine for this application, but a local spokesperson has confirmed a deeper reason behind disparity. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The LBX Morizo RR has a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) to trap a lot of harmful emissions in the warmup stage, and that does affect the power of the car," the spokesperson told CarExpert. "The GPF actually makes this vehicle compliant to Euro 6c emission standards, whereas without that, it would be only Euro 6b. So the GPF is future-proofing the car for Euro 6c." Both the GR Corolla and Yaris are Euro 6b compliant. Despite the fitment of a power-draining GPF, the LBX Morizo RR can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds, just 0.1 seconds slower than the beefier, lighter GR Yaris. The Morizo tops out at 230km/h. In terms of fuel economy, the Morizo RR is thirstier than its hot hatch cousin, consuming a claimed 9.2L/100km compared to 8.2L/100km for the GR Yaris. However, in automatic guise the GR Corolla is the least efficient of the bunch, with a claimed fuel consumption of 9.5L/100km. While the Morizo RR was revealed last year as a limited-run performance hero, all the signs suggest it will enjoy an extended presence in the Lexus lineup. Euro 6c compliance will aid the longevity of the model, and the same Lexus spokesperson says there's no volume or time limit on Morizo RR production. Around 90 units have been allocated to the Australian market for the first year of deliveries, although Lexus has already received more than 100 orders for the pocket rocket. MORE: Everything Lexus LBX Content originally sourced from: The new Lexus LBX Morizo RR may be a performance model, but the Japanese manufacturer has chosen to play the long game with its pint-size hero by prioritising emissions compliance over outputs. Despite sharing an engine with the Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris, the 206kW/390Nm LBX Morizo RR produces 15kW and 10Nm less than its hot hatch cousins. It's also $13,500 more expensive than the Toyota GR Yaris GTS automatic, and $6000 more than the Toyota GR Corolla GTS automatic. It would be easy to assume that Lexus has simply detuned the engine for this application, but a local spokesperson has confirmed a deeper reason behind disparity. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The LBX Morizo RR has a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) to trap a lot of harmful emissions in the warmup stage, and that does affect the power of the car," the spokesperson told CarExpert. "The GPF actually makes this vehicle compliant to Euro 6c emission standards, whereas without that, it would be only Euro 6b. So the GPF is future-proofing the car for Euro 6c." Both the GR Corolla and Yaris are Euro 6b compliant. Despite the fitment of a power-draining GPF, the LBX Morizo RR can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds, just 0.1 seconds slower than the beefier, lighter GR Yaris. The Morizo tops out at 230km/h. In terms of fuel economy, the Morizo RR is thirstier than its hot hatch cousin, consuming a claimed 9.2L/100km compared to 8.2L/100km for the GR Yaris. However, in automatic guise the GR Corolla is the least efficient of the bunch, with a claimed fuel consumption of 9.5L/100km. While the Morizo RR was revealed last year as a limited-run performance hero, all the signs suggest it will enjoy an extended presence in the Lexus lineup. Euro 6c compliance will aid the longevity of the model, and the same Lexus spokesperson says there's no volume or time limit on Morizo RR production. Around 90 units have been allocated to the Australian market for the first year of deliveries, although Lexus has already received more than 100 orders for the pocket rocket. MORE: Everything Lexus LBX Content originally sourced from: The new Lexus LBX Morizo RR may be a performance model, but the Japanese manufacturer has chosen to play the long game with its pint-size hero by prioritising emissions compliance over outputs. Despite sharing an engine with the Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris, the 206kW/390Nm LBX Morizo RR produces 15kW and 10Nm less than its hot hatch cousins. It's also $13,500 more expensive than the Toyota GR Yaris GTS automatic, and $6000 more than the Toyota GR Corolla GTS automatic. It would be easy to assume that Lexus has simply detuned the engine for this application, but a local spokesperson has confirmed a deeper reason behind disparity. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The LBX Morizo RR has a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) to trap a lot of harmful emissions in the warmup stage, and that does affect the power of the car," the spokesperson told CarExpert. "The GPF actually makes this vehicle compliant to Euro 6c emission standards, whereas without that, it would be only Euro 6b. So the GPF is future-proofing the car for Euro 6c." Both the GR Corolla and Yaris are Euro 6b compliant. Despite the fitment of a power-draining GPF, the LBX Morizo RR can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds, just 0.1 seconds slower than the beefier, lighter GR Yaris. The Morizo tops out at 230km/h. In terms of fuel economy, the Morizo RR is thirstier than its hot hatch cousin, consuming a claimed 9.2L/100km compared to 8.2L/100km for the GR Yaris. However, in automatic guise the GR Corolla is the least efficient of the bunch, with a claimed fuel consumption of 9.5L/100km. While the Morizo RR was revealed last year as a limited-run performance hero, all the signs suggest it will enjoy an extended presence in the Lexus lineup. Euro 6c compliance will aid the longevity of the model, and the same Lexus spokesperson says there's no volume or time limit on Morizo RR production. Around 90 units have been allocated to the Australian market for the first year of deliveries, although Lexus has already received more than 100 orders for the pocket rocket. MORE: Everything Lexus LBX Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Lexus LBX Morizo RR: No limit on pocket rocket's availability for Australia
Lexus won't cap the availability of the limited-run LBX Morizo RR in Australia, as orders continue to mount for the genre-bending performance model. Around 90 units have been allocated to the Australian market for the first year of deliveries, which is less than the number of orders Lexus has received. One third of the initial allocation has already been delivered including dealer demonstrators, leaving 60 cars to satisfy an order bank exceeding 100 vehicles. In response to brimming demand, Lexus Australia is pushing the decision-makers in Japan to bolster local stock of the Morizo RR. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'There is no predetermined, finite number for this car, but it will be built in limited volumes,' a Lexus Australia spokesperson told CarExpert. 'There's been high anticipation for it because of the type of car that it is and demand for the car is exceptionally high, both overseas and locally. It's only been on sale in Australia for one month, and we already have a really healthy order bank. 'We're always working with our production teams in Japan to try to increase the volume of cars that we can get.' The LBX Morizo RR swaps out the hybrid powertrain of regular LBX variants for a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 206kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Both the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission have been sourced from the related Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris. Priced from $76,490 before on-roads, the Morizo RR is $19,500 more expensive than the LBX Sports Luxury AWD, and pitched as a compact performance SUV to rival the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc R, Cupra Formentor, and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, It's also $13,500 more expensive than the Toyota GR Yaris GTS automatic, and $6000 more than the Toyota GR Corolla GTS automatic. Aside from extensive mechanical upgrades, the Morizo RR sits 10mm lower and 15mm wider than the core trim levels, with a meaner face and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside there are black leather-accented sports front seats, as well as a leather-accented shift knob, dimpled steering wheel with contrast red stitching, and suede trim throughout the cabin.
Perth Now
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Lexus LBX Morizo RR: No limit on pocket rocket's availability for Australia
Lexus won't cap the availability of the limited-run LBX Morizo RR in Australia, as orders continue to mount for the genre-bending performance model. Around 90 units have been allocated to the Australian market for the first year of deliveries, which is less than the number of orders Lexus has received. One third of the initial allocation has already been delivered including dealer demonstrators, leaving 60 cars to satisfy an order bank exceeding 100 vehicles. In response to brimming demand, Lexus Australia is pushing the decision-makers in Japan to bolster local stock of the Morizo RR. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'There is no predetermined, finite number for this car, but it will be built in limited volumes,' a Lexus Australia spokesperson told CarExpert. 'There's been high anticipation for it because of the type of car that it is and demand for the car is exceptionally high, both overseas and locally. It's only been on sale in Australia for one month, and we already have a really healthy order bank. 'We're always working with our production teams in Japan to try to increase the volume of cars that we can get.' The LBX Morizo RR swaps out the hybrid powertrain of regular LBX variants for a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 206kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Both the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission have been sourced from the related Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Priced from $76,490 before on-roads, the Morizo RR is $19,500 more expensive than the LBX Sports Luxury AWD, and pitched as a compact performance SUV to rival the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc R, Cupra Formentor, and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, It's also $13,500 more expensive than the Toyota GR Yaris GTS automatic, and $6000 more than the Toyota GR Corolla GTS automatic. Aside from extensive mechanical upgrades, the Morizo RR sits 10mm lower and 15mm wider than the core trim levels, with a meaner face and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside there are black leather-accented sports front seats, as well as a leather-accented shift knob, dimpled steering wheel with contrast red stitching, and suede trim throughout the cabin. MORE: Everything Lexus LBX
