Hot 296bhp Lexus LBX Morizo RR confirmed for the UK
Luxury brand's hot sub-brand gearing up to launch its first performance offering in the UK market
Lexus has announced it is committed to introducing its high-performance LBX Morizo RR to the UK market, but the European boss won't spill the beans on when the 296bhp all-wheel drive super SUV will touch down here.
Back in March, the vice president of Lexus Europe, Pascal Ruch, admitted the Japanese luxury brand was exploring the possibility of bringing in its high-performance Morizo RR brand to the European region, but now Auto Express can reveal the fast LBX Morizo model has been green lit for a launch here.
Speaking at the launch of the latest Lexus ES in Belgium, Ruch confirmed the fast LBX was on the way but refused to provide a timeline: "I cannot tell you the date, [but] we see the interest of having a niche model and we are not going to miss that opportunity".
In past interviews, Ruch declared that the presence of the LBX Morizo RR in the brand's line-up would add "sportiness and dynamism" to the brand, with Lexus UK said to be more content with the exposure such a car in its range would give, than the extra sales volumes it will bring.
But now Lexus VP claims buyers are already lining up to snap up super-SUV: “TThere are customers looking for such a car now,” he said.
No indication on pricing has been given for the LBX Morizo RR, with the RR standing for Rookie Racing, but in Japan the high-performance small SUV sells for 6.5 million yen, which equates to around £33,500 in our money.
Sharing the same turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder petrol with Toyota GR Yaris, the hot LBX produces 296bhp and 400Nm of torque and sends power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. Off the line, Lexus claims the LBX Morizo RR can launch from 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds, although top speed is limited to 112mph.
After sampling one in Japan, we noted that the LBX Morizo provided a different character to the Toyota GR Yaris currently available in the UK, with the Japanese Ford Puma ST rival featuring extra sound deadening and double-glazed side glass for enhanced refinement, making it easier to live with on a daily basis.
Despite no official announcement, it's thought Lexus might be tempted to roll out the production version of the Lexus LBX Morizo RR at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed this July, with sales possible shortly after.
Are you excited for the Lexus LBX Morizo RR? Let us know in the comments section...
