Here’s a surprising twist in the automotive world: the Lexus LBX Morizo RR, a compact luxury performance car, has completely sold out in Australia for the next 12 months, leaving eager buyers facing a year-long wait. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this isn’t just any car—it’s essentially the upscale sibling of the Toyota GR Yaris, yet it’s commanding a staggering drive-away price nearing $85,000. Despite the hefty price tag, demand has far outstripped supply, with only around 100 units allocated to the Australian market for its first year of production.
Launched in May, the LBX Morizo RR quickly became a hot commodity. By the time the first models hit showrooms, the order list was already overflowing. “It’s literally sold out, and now we’re fighting for stock,” admitted Lexus Australia CEO John Pappas. “We’ve got a massive backlog of customers, and we’re working hard to reduce the lead time, but it’s incredibly popular—and it’s only been on the market for a short while.” The result? A 12-month delay for new orders, with no clear indication of how many units will be available in the second year of production.
And this is the part most people miss: what makes the LBX Morizo RR so irresistible? It’s not just about luxury or performance—it’s a “passion product,” as Pappas puts it. Unlike anything else on the market, this specialized performance car has captured the hearts of enthusiasts willing to wait. But here’s the controversial part: is it worth $13,500 more than a Toyota GR Yaris GTS, its mechanical cousin? Or is Lexus charging a premium simply for the badge?
Let’s break it down. The Morizo RR packs a 206kW/390Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine—a slightly detuned version of the GR Yaris’ powerhouse, thanks to stricter emissions controls. Paired with variable all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, it’s a unique blend of performance and luxury. Yet, rivals like the Volkswagen T-Roc R ($64,990) and Mercedes-AMG GLA35 ($99,000) offer stiff competition in the small performance SUV segment. So, what justifies the price?
Pappas credits Lexus’ customer-centric approach, emphasizing communication and engagement. “We hold regular town hall meetings with our dealers to keep them informed, so they can clearly communicate with customers,” he explained. But is that enough to keep buyers patient for a year? Or is the Morizo RR’s exclusivity and passion-driven appeal the real selling point?
Here’s the burning question: Would you wait 12 months for a car that’s essentially a luxury GR Yaris, or is this just a case of overhyped exclusivity? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this automotive phenomenon!
