Overview
LEXUS pitches its 4 variant, five-door LBX line-up as a small section SUV, however we reckon it’s a small section five-door hatch. Including to the confusion is the existence of the Lexus UX vary in the identical SUV area because the LBX… unusual.
We had the chance to take the top-of-the-range $76,490 + ORC Lexus LBX Morizo RR for a spin and couldn’t wait to get behind the ‘wheel having intimate expertise with the similar-under-the-skin Toyota GR Yaris (there’s one within the household).
Leveraging mechanicals from the potent GR Yaris and GR Corolla, the LBX Morizo RR has loads to distinguish itself from these two autos – 5 doorways for instance as an alternative of three within the GR Yaris, and sexier styling in comparison with the bigger and generic-looking GR Corolla five-door hatch.
Opponents are scant however probably embrace the Volkswagen T-Roc R which greater than matches engine output with the Morizo, has a bigger 2.0-litre turbocharged 4 cylinder petrol engine and prices much less at $69,290 + ORC for the fascinating Wolfsburg Version.
Motive energy within the Morizo RR comes from Toyota’s G16E-GTS three cylinder1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that on this case generates some 206kW and 390 Nm, the previous at 6500rpm the latter from 3250-4600rpm.
It drives all 4 wheels full-time by an eight-speed ‘direct shift’ torque converter automated transmission with paddle shift and two modes (Regular and Sport) with additional drive management by way of a Torsen restricted slip differential on the rear.
The AWD is electronically modulated between entrance and rear axles (and lockable at 50:50 entrance to rear) as wanted whereas braking duties are carried out by massive 356mm entrance disc brakes with 4 piston callipers and 281mm discs on the rear with single piston callipers underneath solid 19-inch alloy wheels.
The Morizo RR’s observe is wider than different LBX fashions by 10mm on the entrance and 15mm on the rear and it rides 10mm decrease.
Suspension modifications convey firmer damping and spring charges and stiffer sway bars designed to tie the Morizo down by quick corners and exhausting braking whereas sharpening its reflexes.
It rides on a strut entrance /double wishbone rear suspension with the entrance decrease management arms in resin as an alternative of metallic for “improved responses”. The suspension parts are bigger than these on different LBX fashions being lifted from the Toyota/Lexus GA-C platform.
Aside from the bigger matte black 19-inch alloys, the Morizo RR is definitely differentiated by particular entrance and rear bumpers, black mesh grille, twin exhaust ideas and Morizo RR badging.
Inside is just like different fashions within the LBX line-up centred on two screens, a centre mounted 9.8-inch infotainment unit in the midst of the sprint and a bigger 12.3-inch driver’s console. Upholstery is leather-based and fascias are largely black suede extending to the door playing cards.
Sporty touches embrace alloy pedals and a chunky leather-clad multi-function sports activities steering wheel. The mannequin is fitted with acoustic entrance aspect glass and energetic sound management in deference to the three-pot mill’s distinctive thrum.
The Morizo is effectively geared up from a security standpoint containing an in depth vary of energetic and passive security package complementing the newest suite of Lexus ADAS.
The tech providing is likewise beneficiant based mostly round Lexus Linked Companies together with sensible telephone wi-fi connectivity, native satnav, distant dual-zone local weather management operate and a telephone charging pad.
Luxurious package contains eight manner electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated entrance seats, auto headlights and wipers, energy tailgate sensible entry and begin and an electrical park brake whereas dulcet tones emanate from a premium audio system.
The mannequin is supplied with two ISOFIX catches within the rear and has a tyre restore package.
Driving Impressions
Driving this automotive was a hoot on various ranges due to its sharp reflexes aided by compact dimensions that marry properly with rollicking efficiency out of the blocks and on the transfer.
It pushes you again within the seat, strains your neck and provides you seat belt bruising – all to the accompaniment of a rousing three-pot warble from underneath the vast bonnet.
Completely not “Lexus quiet” some examine the Morizo RR’s noise to a Daihatsu Charade from many years previous, however we reckon it’s extra soulful like a Triumph Pace Triple or Rocket Three motorcycle that builds to a mad crescendo approaching 7000rpm.
Pull (click on) the subsequent cog and away it goes once more to the purpose of being completely addictive… and to the shock of different drivers at nighttime about what lurks underneath the lovable little Morizo RR’s bonnet.
It might be the close to excellent lower and thrust automotive if it wasn’t so dear – elegant, fast and nimble suddenly however care should be exercised lest different drivers are caught napping (as is the case more often than not).
We have been so impressed by the little Lexus’ efficiency potential that we determined to do a number of hand-timed acceleration runs and got here up with a finest 0-100kmh sprint in a snip over 5.0 seconds which is loads fast for a highway pushed sportscar.
It feels faster little doubt as a result of AWD offering most traction at launch, however our stopwatch doesn’t lie.
As anticipated on the open highway, the diminutive SUV is a pleasure, a sense replicated on the town the place its compact dimension comes into play affording many advantages like straightforward parking in tight buying centre areas so long as you don’t thoughts working the danger of being “doored”, nipping round tight cul-de-sacs and chucking the occasional yewie in a slim road.
In its component, which is unequivocally a kind of mystical mountain passes folks enthuse about, the Morizo RR is a chunk of labor and as fast as something costing tens of 1000’s extra the worthy VW T-Roc a contact heavier and extra of a handful.
We went up and down our favorite stretch of highway on a transparent Sunday arvo’ in the course of the mortgage interval merely to benefit from the Morizo RR’s drive really feel.
The query is… How would all this translate to the observe?
Positively, the Morizo RR would must be correctly set-up however in out of the field as per delivered from a seller, the little Lexus acquits itself with benefit.
So, we love the way it drives however what of different crucial facets comparable to consolation, financial system, ease of use, practicalities, styling and worth to call a number of.
Let’s take them separately beginning with gasoline financial system which ticked over at a whisker over 10.0 litres per 100km on take a look at however in isolation, exhausting driving sees that enhance by as much as 50 per cent.
With a 50-litre tank of premium unleaded, you possibly can count on a spread of 500km pushed fastidiously.
It’s pretty primary inside sharing just about the identical options as lesser LBX fashions ratcheted up a contact in supplies and tools.
The seats leather-based clad seats are good for lengthy hauls whereas providing first rate assist by quick corners.
They usually’re heated within the entrance which is a giant plus this time of yr.
The cabin is comparatively small so area is at a premium mirrored in all 4 seats, however the boot is half first rate.
We appreciated the environment friendly twin zone local weather management that may be activated remotely, and the premium audio was appreciated as have been the a number of electrical changes to the motive force seat that makes discovering the best place straightforward.
Mastering the info-screen takes some time with some buried menus and the same old ADAS intrusions detract from the drive expertise until turned off at each start-up.
It’s a chunky little bugger with a fats face however the look is in step with the Morizo RR’s character, drive really feel and sporty nature which welcomes pumped guards, large wheels and a squat stance.
Negatives?
No spare wheel is a significant difficulty for driving on this nation and a tyre inflation package doesn’t lower it. The Morizo RR additionally has a particle filter down the again which smells worrisome given points with the units up to now.
And the worth is wealthy significantly as a prime spec GR Corolla GTS is priced from $70,490, the GR Yaris much less once more…
However they don’t have the cache of the Lexus model which counts for lots to some…
