In association with Lexus.
Central Otago is good road-trip country, so when Lexus invited me to the launch of their new LBX Morizo RR, I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel.
After a dawn start and hearty breakfast at Gibbston Valley Lodge, we received maps for the adventure ahead. Having experienced the first-ever LBX hybrid launch last year, I wanted to find out what the new and improved LBX Morizo RR offered. The model is named after Akio Toyoda, CEO of Toyota and Lexus (‘Morizo’ is his racing alter ego for anonymity on the track).
Inspired by Akio’s favourite Lacoste sneaker, the sporty crossover design features Lexus’s streamlined lines and a robust, performance-oriented aesthetic. “People think that big is luxury and small is economical, but that’s not true,” says Akio. “To me, smaller cars are more fun to drive.”
Making our way up over the Crown Range, the LBX Morizo RR traversed the winding roads with ease, offering strong power and sharp handling. Its responsiveness makes it well-suited for dynamic driving — something I was about to find out more about at our next stop: Highlands Motorsport Park.
Watching pro-driver Andrew Waite navigate his way through a gymkhana course, I felt a little anxious knowing my turn was coming up. With a practice run under my belt, the nerves gave way to excitement, and it was truly a thrill to lean into trusting the car to deliver rapid acceleration, quick reflexes and solid grip as I weaved my way through a series of cones before screeching to a halt at the click of the stopwatch.
Inside, Lexus prioritises the driver with a luxurious, functional cabin. The design is in the details here — finely stitched upholstery and soft-touch surfaces add tactility to the experience, while the infotainment system integrates seamlessly with your smartphone, offering intuitive operation.
Beneath the streamlined exterior, the turbocharged engine is matched to a new 8-speed, direct-shift automatic transmission, delivering 206kW of power, paired with dynamic all-wheel drive for enhanced acceleration and stability. This is a car that offers enthusiasts control over their driving experience. Or, as Lexus New Zealand Vice President Andrew Davis says, “During the week, this car will comfortably see you through the daily commute, when it’s not being pushed to the limits on the weekend.”
Driving back through Central Otago, the LBX Morizo RR reminded me that, with the right car, every journey becomes an adventure, and reaffirmed the value of doing one thing every day that challenges me.
lexus.co.nz