The 2018 Toyota Auris (rebranded as Corolla Sport in Japan) is the moment Toyota stopped being boring. Built on the TNGA platform, it sits lower, wider, and looks aggressive enough to scare a VW Golf. It ditches the "appliance" feel of the old Auris for sharp handling and a premium interior. In Kenya, it is quickly becoming the hatchback of choice for young professionals who want Toyota reliability without the "Uber driver" image of the Fielder.

Two distinct personalities:

• 1.2L Turbo (8NR-FTS): 116 HP / 185 Nm. STANDARD A punchy small turbo engine. It feels livelier than the horsepower suggests thanks to early torque. Available with a CVT or a rare 6-speed manual (iMT).
• 1.8L Hybrid (2ZR-FXE): 122 HP (Combined). The Prius powertrain. Smooth, quiet, and incredibly efficient. Best for heavy Nairobi traffic.

• Bucket Seats: The front seats are heavily bolstered "sport" seats on high trims (GZ / Sports). They hold you tight in corners but might be snug for larger drivers.
• Tight Rear: The stylish sloping roofline eats into rear headroom. Legroom is adequate but not generous. The boot (361 Litres) is usable but smaller than a VW Golf.

• Consumption: 14–16 km/l (1.2T) vs 22–25 km/l (Hybrid). The Hybrid is the fuel economy champion.
• Service: The 1.2T requires high-quality synthetic oil to protect the turbo. The Hybrid system is robust (Toyota reliability), but check the cooling fan filter for the battery pack under the rear seat.
• Resale: High demand. The "Corolla Sport" badge carries a premium over the older "Auris" name.

Low Rider: At 135mm, it sits lower than the old Auris. You must take speed bumps diagonally or risk scraping the front lip. The 18-inch wheels on the "GZ" trim look fantastic but result in a firmer ride on rough tarmac.

Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (Pre-collision, Lane Trace Assist). It scored 5 Stars in JNCAP. Reliability is flawless, typical of the E210 Corolla platform.

The following are average showroom prices for fresh imports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Who is this for? The driver who wants a stylish, fun-to-drive hatchback that won't break the bank on repairs. Who is it NOT for? Families with tall teenagers—the rear seats are claustrophobic compared to a Fielder.