Toyota Corolla Sport (Hatchback) Review
2018-2023
The Toyota Corolla Sport (E210 Series: 2018–2023) is Toyota's flagship 5-door executive compact hatchback. Built on Toyota's low-center-of-gravity TNGA (GA-C) platform, the Corolla Sport delivers dynamic hatchback styling, independent rear multi-link suspension, digital cockpit displays, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. Powered by 1.2L VTEC Turbo, 1.8L THS II Hybrid, and 2.0L Dynamic Force petrol engines, it is a favored choice among young executives, urban commuters, and car enthusiasts in Nairobi and Mombasa. Landed prices in Kenya range from KSh 1.95M to KSh 3.25M depending on model year, trim, and drivetrain.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-1,500 cc KRA duty relief (1.2T model): 1,196 cc engine sits in KRA's lower import tax baseline.
- Exceptional 25.6 km/L hybrid efficiency: Ultra-low operating expenses in urban traffic and highway cruising.
- Sharp TNGA chassis handling: Low center of gravity and independent rear multi-link suspension deliver precise cornering.
- Aggressive hatchback styling: Wide stance, honeycomb front grille, LED triple-J headlights, and dual-tone roof options.
What’s not so good
- Low 135 mm ground clearance: Requires cautious driving over tall estate speed bumps in Nairobi.
- Modest boot space (352 L): Smaller cargo capacity compared to the Corolla Touring station wagon.
Most popular: Corolla Sport 1.8 Hybrid GZ / 1.2T GX / 1.8 Hybrid G
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Corolla Sport Hatchback (E210 Series)
- Production years
- 2018–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Compact Hatchback
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Full Hybrid (THS II)
- Engine sizes
- 1,196 cc (1.2T) / 1,797 cc (1.8L Hybrid) / 1,986 cc (2.0L Petrol)
- Transmission
- 10-Speed Simulated Super CVT-i / 6-Speed iMT / e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 135 mm – 140 mm
- Source market
- Japan (JDM RHD Spec) / UK
Trims & variants
HYBRID GX / HYBRID G / HYBRID GZ
- Setup
1.8L 4-cylinder petrol engine + electric motor (122 hp combined), e-CVT, FWD, tank size 43 L, returning 25.6 km/L combined (WLTP).
- Why it gets shipped
Core volume seller in Kenya; offers bulletproof hybrid reliability, smooth urban EV gliding, and exceptional 25.6 km/L economy.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the Toyota Corolla Sport 1.8L THS II Hybrid (1,797 cc 2ZR-FXE). Tank: 43 L (about 1101 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 966 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 834 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 8,866
- Full tank (43 L)
- KES 9,759
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Package tiers
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| GX | Entry Sport | 16-inch steel/alloy wheels, fabric bucket seats, 7-inch touchscreen, manual climate control, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. |
| G | Mid Luxury | 16-inch aluminum alloys, premium fabric seats, dual-zone auto climate control, leather steering wheel, LED headlights. |
| GZ | Flagship Sport | 18-inch aluminum alloys, dual-tone bucket sport seats (Ultrasuede/leather), 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, head-up display, rear spoiler. |
About the Toyota Corolla Sport (Hatchback)
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Corolla Sport models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window, while 2018 models face month-by-month cutoff dates.
The 1.2L Turbo (1,196 cc 8NR-FTS) qualifies for KRA's sub-1,500 cc tax valuation bracket, saving over KSh 400,000 in customs duty compared to 1.8L and 2.0L variants.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
