Small but driveable
I have an issue with the all-new Lexus LBX.
It’s not the car though, it’s me. I’m a few (or a lot?) of pounds too heavy, and about 20 years too old for it. Otherwise, it’s brilliant.
So brilliant that even Akio Toyoda, aka Morizo-san built one for himself at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon, sporting the Yaris GR’s powertrain, a wider, lower stance and big brakes, plus a menacing bodykit. This later came to be known as the Morizo RR. When he could have picked any other Toyota or Lexus vehicle as a base, Morizo chose the LBX instead.
I had low expectations to drive the LBX, but during the course of the lend-out, I found myself wanting to keep it. It’s compact, has fantastic driving dynamics, punchy and very classy inside, targeted to a young enthusiast (and well-heeled) audience. Think of the LBX as a raised hot hatch, replete with its exciting, high-energy driving experience and you get it.
The LBX (which stands for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover) is powered by a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder hybrid power plant driving the front wheels via CVT transmission. Total system output is a very decent 134hp and 185NM of torque. It feels more than that as the electric motor peaks earlier and fills in the torque gap at low RPM’s helping to deliver the punchy acceleration from rest, powering out of corners or transitioning from cruising to overtaking in a flash. Top speed is a modest 170kmh as per Lexus, accelerates to 100kmh from rest in 9.2 seconds (more simmering than searing) but crucially, Lexus promises a shade under 23km / liter if driven moderately. The hybrid system seems to default to electric, too, whenever there’s any sufficient charge which is nice in city driving, or in the morning leaving my Basement 3 carport.
As with any current Lexus, the LBX gets the latest Lexus Safety System+ which adds things like Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist with Lane Change Assist and Adaptive High-beam System along with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, and Reversing Camera (sorry, no 360-degree system), and Parking Brake Support. Of course you also get ABS-EBD brakes, traction and stability control, plus six airbags to keep you safe. That supplants the 5-Star Euro NCAP Crash Rating the Toyota TNG-A platform receives.
You sit low in the LBX as a 285mm hip-point makes it more car-like than crossover, hence the hot-hatch mood. The firm suspension is a tad busy on less than perfect roads, but feels confident and composed at speed, and when you slowly start sawing through the steering wheel in excitement. Thanks to its compact size and crucially it’s somewhat square-ish stance at 4,190mm length, 1,825mm width and 1,560mm height (it’s the brand’s smallest, and most affordable model yet), the LBX encourages you to keep weaving through traffic and make hard, tight turns, marveling at how easily the small ‘ute turns in and go like a frightened cat. And with a 220mm ground clearance, you’re confident to take it almost anywhere.
The interior is very nice with two-tone leather and suede matched with some bright stitching. There’s a 9.8-inch touchscreen LCD display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB Type C chargers and a wireless pad as standard, plus physical controls for the climate control. With 317 liters, there’s adequate cargo space in the boot. Drop the second row and space increases to 944 liters.
Crucially, it has the appeal to its young target market, that intangible street-cred enthusiasts know, can identify but cannot exactly explain. No coincidence why the LBX is one of very few Lexus models that get a three letter name. In a rarefied field that includes the F1-inspired V10 LFA, the RCF and ISF, that says a whole lot.
Downside? Aside from the overall snug interior (or maybe I’m just fat and old?), the CVT can be noisy when you’re giving it the beans, the rear seats are pretty much for kids only. At P2.968 million, it’s still pricey for what is ultimately a starter car for rich kids. And if you’re husky like me, it’s really tight.
Overall, it’s worth losing a good bit of weight and gain some flexibility to comfortably fit into the LBX. It’s brilliantly engineered, surprisingly very fun to drive, casual yet effortlessly elegant. If you’re unconvinced just ask Morizo.
Check out the LBX along with the RCF and the legendary LFA next weekend at Bloc 10 in Filinvest City, Alabang from August 23-25, Friday to Sunday where Lexus is hosting an event open to all enthusiasts. Believe me, it’s going to be worth your time.
