Though the Sport hatchback variant is arguably the better looking of the pair, the four door is a sleekly-shaped vehicle showcasing swoopy, fluid bodylines that are a product of the Hiroshima automaker’s Kodo “Soul of Motion” Design language. 

Even the interior is quite Lexus-like, as the grade-topping XSE comes with all the bells and whistles like the much-improved Toyota Audio Plus infotainment system utilizing a nine-inch display, beautiful heated leather steering wheel and wireless charging.

Those who prefer maximum performance aesthetics may choose the available Sport Package that bundles dark chrome accents, painted diffusers, up-to 21-inch special alloy wheels, circular instead of vertical dual exhaust tips, exclusive steering wheel and optional carbon fibre overlays.

A longer and taller cargo area (up to 1,690 litres of space available when rear bench is folded) can accommodate some mighty large items — I was able to squeeze in a patio table and a full-size Ikea bookshelf on two separate occasions. 

Though boasting a long wheelbase form factor for maximum space and stability, the car doesn’t look nor handle like the limo one might expect. Cue the short front overhang, wide track, large diameter flush-mounted wheels and optional rear-wheel steering that significantly reduces turning radius.

Top-of-the-line Touring grades, for example the unit Darpan tested, include for the first time a fully digital 10.2-inch LCD instrument cluster. The on-screen information can be customized to show different virtual gauges, music selection, trip computer and so on.