The high-performance Lexus LBX Morizo RR pairs the turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive system of Toyota’s GR Yaris rally car with a compact crossover body, priced from about $84,000 drive-away in Australia, according to local vehicle testing and pricing data.
Performance Specs and Rally Roots of the Lexus LBX Morizo RR
Toyota’s rally engineering underpins this unconventional hot hatch. The Morizo RR drops standard hybrid running gear in favor of a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder powerplant producing 206kW and 390Nm of torque. According to vehicle performance evaluations, it accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission featuring steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. Unlike the Japanese domestic market version, which offers a manual gearbox option, Lexus Australia decided against importing the manual variant.
Stopping power and handling benefit from upgraded hardware. The vehicle features larger wheels, beefed-up brakes, and wider tyres wrapped around 19-inch forged alloy wheels. Despite the aggressive mechanical upgrades, the cabin retains comfort features including a digital dashboard, a 9.8-inch touchscreen, heated seats, and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, interior packaging remains tight, offering restricted rear legroom and a modest 266-litre boot capacity.
Track Performance Against NSW Highway Patrol
During a police charity event known as “Beat the Blue”, hosted on a soaking wet skid pan by NSW Highway Patrol, the high-performance crossover demonstrated unexpected agility. According to event outcomes, NSW Highway Patrol officers conducted 100 races against community members and won 94 of them. The LBX Morizo RR ranked among just six vehicles capable of navigating the technical, slippery circuit faster than the competing police interceptor.
Drivers noted that the vehicle’s compact dimensions, high-traction all-wheel-drive setup, and quality rubber contributed heavily to its wet-weather performance. Testers observed that the vehicle lacks a traditional handbrake and resists aggressive sideways drifting, behaving more like a composed cruiser than a raw drift machine. Fuel consumption sits at an average of 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres, demanding frequent fuel stops during spirited driving.
Pro Tip: Spectators interested in seeing local charity track battles can attend the “Beat the Blue” events held at venues like Sydney Motorsport Park, where public entry is typically free of charge.
FAQ Section
How much does the Lexus LBX Morizo RR cost?
Pricing for the high-performance compact crossover starts at approximately $84,000 drive-away in Australia, representing about a $20,000 premium over a standard all-wheel-drive LBX.
What engine powers the Morizo RR?
It utilizes a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine sourced directly from the Toyota GR Yaris rally car, generating 206kW of power and 390Nm of torque.
Is a manual transmission available in Australia?
No. While Japanese market customers can purchase the vehicle with a manual gearbox, Lexus Australia elected not to offer the manual version locally, equipping Australian models solely with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What is the fuel consumption of the vehicle?
The crossover is rated at 9.2L/100km and features a compact fuel tank.
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