Lexus unveils the LBX Morizo RR

Don't think the 129bhp from the hybrid drivetrain of the Lexus LBX does its exterior any justice? Lexus seems to agree and has decided to build a new performance-oriented version of the crossover graced with hot hatch-rivalling performance.

Just how much performance, you ask? This new Lexus LBX Morizo RR comes with a 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 300bhp and 400Nm of torque, allowing it to blitz the century sprint in just 5.2 seconds.

The Lexus LBX Morizo RR gets new bumpers at the front and rear alongside new dual tailpipes

That's obviously enough to make the 9.6 second sprint time of the hybrid LBX that we get here look outright leisurely, but it's also enough to get you ahead of the 257bhp GR Yaris, which will complete the sprint in 5.5 seconds.

Not impressive enough? Have you considered the fact that this 1.6-litre in the Lexus LBX Morizo RR comes paired to either an eight-speed automatic transmission, or a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission, while its power is sent to all its four wheels? And yes, this car's handling has been calibrated by Akio Toyoda himself.

The 300bhp engine can be paired to a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission, although an eight-speed automatic transmission is also offered

Lexus states that under the car's body lies a new Response-Enhancing Damping Structure, said to enhancing responsiveness while delivering the Lexus LBX Morizo RR a high level of control on a variety of road surfaces.

Tasty visual add-ons for the body of this Lexus LBX Morizo RR include new bumpers at the front and rear, 19-inch forged wheels, new wheel arches that match the car's body colour. The car's rocker mouldings likewise also follow the car's body colour, to give it's a wider visual stance. And on the inside, you get sports seats and aluminium pedals.

Toyota dealerships across Japan have already started accepting orders for the Lexus LBX Morizo RR, and Lexus states it will additionally build another 100 examples with a 'Bespoke Build', which can be secured only via a lottery with the winners set to be notified by their respective dealerships.