Forget what you thought you knew about the Lexus LBX, the compact crossover that’s more common than a flat white in a hipster café. Lexus has taken the rulebook, shredded it, and set the pieces on fire. Enter the LBX Morizo RR, a wild child now packing the fiery heart of the GR Corolla.

First seen as a one-off in January at the Tokyo Auto Salon, this feisty crossover is now prowling the streets of Japan. Under the bonnet, you'll find the same G16E-GTS powertrain that turned the GR Yaris into a cult classic. That’s a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine churning out a robust 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.

In a nod to its rally-inspired sibling, the LBX Morizo RR offers a choice between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The latter isn't available in the GR Corolla just yet, but a leaked Canadian order sheet suggests it’s on the horizon. Lexus claims a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, though they’ve kept mum on which gearbox achieves this feat. For reference, the GR Yaris posts almost identical times with both setups.

All-wheel drive? Check. The LBX Morizo RR grips the road with tenacity, riding on 19-inch forged wheels shod in 235/45 R19 rubber. Weighing in at 1,440 kg with the manual gearbox (tack on another 30 kg for the auto), this crossover is a mere 15 mm wider and sits 10 mm lower than its hybrid sibling.

Measuring 4,190 mm in length and 1,840 mm in width, the LBX Morizo RR fits snugly between the GR Yaris and the GR Corolla. With beefier brakes, an assertive body kit, and a dual exhaust system, it’s clear this isn’t your average LBX. Inside, you’re treated to snug front seats and the joy of a stick shift.

Price tag? A cool 6,500,000 yen (€41,600) no matter the transmission. For those with deeper pockets and a flair for customization, the “Bespoke Build” version is available for 7,200,000 yen (€46,000). Only 100 of these limited editions will be made, each sold via a lottery system. Deliveries kick off in Japan in late August.

The LBX is the first non-Toyota model to harness this plucky three-pot engine. Hopefully, it’ll soon find its way into a lighter, sportier vehicle where it can truly shine. Until then, the LBX Morizo RR is here to spice up the crossover game.