Try GOLD - Free
Lexus LBX
Auto Express
|January 29, 2025
FIRST DRIVE With Lexus’s F brand on hiatus, the LBX Morizo RR previews the company’s future performance models
AEX LEXUS has an interesting relationship with high-performance cars. The F brand, which started with a legion of V8-powered rear-drive saloons such as the IS F and GS F, quickly gave rise to the LFA-one of the most revered supercars of the past two decades. But since then the F brand has been largely left to stagnate, and judging from the new LBX Morizo RR, that seems set to continue.
But all is not lost, because the Morizo moniker also happens to be the alter-ego of Toyota's inspirational, car-loving chairman Akio Toyoda - he races under the name Morizo Kinishita - and signals that while F will remain in the dark (for now), this LBX Morizo RR might be something quite special.
This is reinforced the moment you hear the spec, because this B-segment SUV packs an impressive 296bhp and 400Nm of torque, which is generated by the same brilliant three-cylinder turbocharged engine that is found in the Toyota GR Yaris.
This story is from the January 29, 2025 edition of Auto Express.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Auto Express
Auto Express
...and electric Super-N set to steal hearts in the UK in 2026
HONDA is back in the small EV game with the funky Super-N hatch, an affordable but fun-to-drive electric city car that will go on sale in the UK next year.
1 mins
November 05, 2025
Auto Express
3 CAR GARAGE
Genesis G80, Infiniti Q30 and DS 7 for the price of a DS No.8
2 mins
November 05, 2025
Auto Express
MIKE RUTHERFORD
I'VE just served a 30-day stretch in North East Asia, doing my digital nomad bit.
2 mins
November 05, 2025
Auto Express
Six-wheel Lexus LS may replace flagship saloon
NO, your eyes aren't deceiving you. Lexus has actually revealed a six-wheeled van concept at the Japan Mobility Show as a possible replacement for its flagship LS saloon. But look beyond the apparent madness and you realise there's actually some sense behind this move.
1 mins
November 05, 2025
Auto Express
E-Class shapes up for electric future
Replacement for EQE will wear more familiar badge and sell alongside combustion-engine models
2 mins
November 05, 2025
Auto Express
NEXT MAZDA 2 REVEALED
EX MAZDA surprised visitors to the Japan Mobility Show with a unexpected concept car called the Vision X-Compact. This superminisized model previews a new Mazda 2, which should arrive some time in 2026 or early 2027 with a choice of hybrid and ICE powertrains.
2 mins
November 05, 2025
Auto Express
Honda's O Alpha SUV ready to challenge Elroq
HONDA has surprised Japan Mobility Show goers with a brand-new Series O SUV prototype that's only a year or so away from series production. This new model, the O Alpha, will be based on the same architecture as the larger SUV and saloon, and rival similarly sized EVs such as the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3 and forthcoming Toyota C-HR+.
1 mins
November 05, 2025
Auto Express
Alfa Romeo Tonale
THREE years after it launched, the Alfa Romeo Tonale has been given a little midlife refresh, including an updated interior and a sharper look that draws from the brand’s glorious history, showcasing its strong sense of style.
3 mins
November 05, 2025
Auto Express
New Corsa GSE hot hatch will go on sale next year
Performance EV will inspire sportier trim levels in supermini line-up
2 mins
November 05, 2025
Auto Express
USED BUYER'S GUIDE Cupra Ateca Mk1
FROM £20,000 The model that launched SEAT's sporting offshoot is now a great-value family car that offers performance and handling to match its purposeful looks
5 mins
November 05, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size