Confession time: I’m one of those who firmly believes in the manual transmission supremacy in specific types of cars, i.e., Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5, or the Toyota GR Yaris.

These are the types of cars that want you to be involved in the act of driving instead of merely manoeuvring it. It’s not about sheer speed, it’s all about the sensation, the communication between you as the driver and the car.

They won’t flatter poor driving and yet, won’t punish you for it either. They provide feedback, whether you mess up a shift, mishandle your steering, or exhibit less-than-ideal driving habits.

An automatic transmission takes away one aspect of that experience and ultimately, the connection between driver and car.

However, Toyota has recently unveiled the updated GR Yaris with an automatic transmission – the 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. Personally, I still lean towards the manual preference for the GR Yaris.

Yet, Toyota's notion that the automatic broadens the joy of driving the GR Yaris, especially for those with automatic-only licenses or disabilities, is incredibly sweet.

Plus, it’s not like they’ve replaced the manual transmission, they’ve simply added an option, and options are always nice. More pertinently, the automatic transmission has led to the creation of this, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR.

The Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept, unveiled at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, is Lexus’ smallest model borrowing the powertrain from the facelifted Toyota GR Yaris. It’s the 1.6-litre 'G16E-GTS' 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 304 PS and 400 Nm of torque, coupled with the newly introduced 8-speed automatic transmission.

Lexus says that every aspect, from the body and suspension to the tyres, has been turned up a few notches from the standard model. Chairman Akio Toyoda himself had a hand in developing this concept, hence the name “Morizo,” the alias he uses in racing.    

Also read: Harder, sharper and angrier - facelifted 2024 Toyota GR Yaris debuts; 304 PS/400 Nm, 8AT option

In this application, the automatic transmission makes perfect sense. For one, it’s a Lexus. A manual transmission can be a chore to many, and that’s not very Lexus-y. It aims to give a different type of driving enjoyment, one that makes you feel at ease.

Akio says the LBX is his personal car, which he uses daily and says it’s as comfortable as his sneakers. He disagrees with the idea that "big is luxury, small is economical."

This LBX Morizo edition is his special creation with the GR Yaris’ powertrain. He describes it as “the favourite dish from your favourite chef, giving the perfect amount of salt and pepper.” Yes, the LBX is his favourite Lexus, and I can absolutely see why. I wouldn't mind having one myself.

Also read: Lexus LBX makes ASEAN debut in Singapore, baby Lexus priced from equivalent of RM 749k