The Toyota Glanza is a premium hatchback that combines style, practicality, and efficiency, making it a top choice for urban drivers and small families in India. Built on the same platform as the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Glanza brings Toyota’s trusted reliability, a sleek design, and a feature-packed cabin to the table. Whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising on the highway, this car offers a blend of comfort, affordability, and modern technology. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Toyota Glanza, including its design, performance, features, pricing, and why it stands out in the competitive hatchback market.
What is the Toyota Glanza?
The Toyota Glanza is a premium hatchback introduced by Toyota Kirloskar Motor in India as part of a collaboration with Maruti Suzuki. Launched in 2019 and updated in 2022, it’s essentially a rebadged version of the Maruti Baleno but with Toyota’s unique styling tweaks, enhanced warranty, and brand reliability. Available in both petrol and CNG variants, the Glanza caters to buyers looking for a budget-friendly yet feature-rich car that’s perfect for daily commutes and occasional long drives.
With a starting price of around ₹6.90 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), the Glanza is competitively priced, offering excellent value for money. It comes in multiple variants—E, S, G, and V—with manual and automatic transmission options, giving buyers flexibility to choose based on their needs and budget.
Eye-Catching Design: Sleek and Modern
The Toyota Glanza stands out with its stylish and contemporary design. Its front fascia features a bold grille with a chrome accent, sleek LED headlamps, and daytime running lights (DRLs) that give it a premium look. The sporty bumper with a carbon-fiber texture adds a touch of flair, making it more eye-catching than its sibling, the Maruti Baleno.
On the sides, the Glanza sports smooth, flowing lines and 16-inch alloy wheels (in higher variants) that enhance its modern appeal. The rear design is clean and minimal, with inverted C-shaped LED tail lights and a chrome bar that adds a touch of elegance. Available in five vibrant colors—Enticing Silver, Insta Blue, Gaming Grey, Sportin Red, and Café White—the Glanza lets you express your personality.
The car’s compact dimensions (length: 3990 mm, width: 1745 mm, height: 1510 mm) make it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces while still offering a commanding presence on the road. Its aerodynamic shape also contributes to better fuel efficiency and stability at higher speeds.
Spacious and Comfortable Interiors
Step inside the Toyota Glanza, and you’re greeted by a well-designed, spacious cabin that prioritizes comfort and convenience. The dual-tone dashboard and premium upholstery create a sophisticated ambiance. The seats are ergonomically designed, offering ample legroom and headspace for both front and rear passengers, making it ideal for families.
The Glanza is packed with smart storage solutions, including door pockets for 1-liter bottles, cup holders, a glove box, and a center console for small items like wallets or sunglasses. Rear passengers also get USB-C and USB-type charging ports, ensuring everyone stays connected on the go. However, front passengers might miss a USB-C port, which is a minor drawback.
The boot space is generous for a hatchback, offering enough room for weekend luggage or grocery runs. The addition of a luggage shelf and a pet bottle holder further enhances its practicality. Whether you’re heading to work or embarking on a road trip, the Glanza’s interior ensures a comfortable and clutter-free experience.
Advanced Features for a Modern Drive
The Toyota Glanza is loaded with features that make every drive enjoyable and convenient. Some standout features include:
- 9-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
- ‘Hey Toyota’ Voice Assistant: Allows hands-free control of navigation, music, and calls, keeping your focus on the road.
- Head-Up Display (HUD): Projects key information like speed and navigation onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.
- Automatic Climate Control: Keeps the cabin comfortable in all weather conditions.
- Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start: Adds a touch of modern convenience.
- Three Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport modes let you tailor the driving experience to your needs, whether it’s fuel efficiency or a spirited drive.
The Glanza also offers a 360-degree camera (in higher variants), cruise control, and a multi-function steering wheel, making it a tech-savvy choice for young buyers and families alike.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the Toyota Glanza offers two engine options, both based on a 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine that complies with BS6 Phase 2 norms for lower emissions:
- Petrol Engine: Produces 88.5 bhp and 113 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual or AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). It delivers a mileage of 22.35 kmpl (manual) and 22.94 kmpl (AMT), making it ideal for cost-conscious buyers.
- CNG Engine: Delivers 57 kW and 98.5 Nm of torque, with an impressive mileage of 30.61 km/kg. The 55-liter CNG tank ensures long drives without frequent refueling.
The petrol variant offers smooth and responsive performance, with quick acceleration for city overtaking and stable handling on highways. The CNG variant is perfect for eco-conscious drivers, offering lower running costs without sacrificing drivability. The four-cylinder engine ensures minimal vibrations and a refined driving experience compared to three-cylinder alternatives.
The AMT gearbox is tuned for comfort, with smooth shifts in city traffic, though some users note a slight lag in stop-and-go situations. For those who enjoy more control, the manual mode on the AMT adds flexibility.
Safety First: Top-Notch Protection
Safety is a priority in the Toyota Glanza, with a robust set of features to keep you and your loved ones secure:
- Six Airbags: Includes front, side, and curtain airbags for comprehensive protection.
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD: Ensures stable braking in emergencies.
- Vehicle Stability Control: Enhances control on sharp turns and slippery roads.
- Hill Hold Assist: Makes driving on inclines easier and safer.
- Rear Parking Sensors and Camera: Simplifies parking in tight spaces.
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: Ensures safety for young passengers.
The Glanza’s sturdy body structure is designed to absorb and disperse collision energy, adding an extra layer of safety. Toyota’s reputation for reliability further enhances peace of mind.
Pricing and Variants
The Toyota Glanza is available in four variants—E, S, G, and V—with prices ranging from ₹6.90 lakh to ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). The on-road price in cities like Hyderabad can range from ₹11 lakh to ₹13 lakh, depending on the variant, fuel type, and additional charges like RTO and insurance.
- E (Base Variant): Offers essential features like automatic climate control and ABS, ideal for budget buyers.
- S: Adds alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment, and keyless entry.
- G: Includes advanced features like the HUD and ‘Hey Toyota’ voice assistant.
- V (Top Variant): Fully loaded with a 360-degree camera, cruise control, and premium upholstery.
The CNG option is available in select variants, commanding a slight premium but offering significant savings on fuel costs.
Why Choose the Toyota Glanza?
The Toyota Glanza stands out in the premium hatchback segment for several reasons:
- Toyota’s Reliability: Backed by Toyota’s trusted after-sales service and a longer warranty than competitors.
- Fuel Efficiency: Both petrol and CNG variants offer excellent mileage, reducing running costs.
- Feature-Packed: Modern tech like the HUD, voice assistant, and touchscreen infotainment appeals to tech-savvy buyers.
- Spacious and Practical: Ample cabin space and smart storage make it ideal for families and urban drivers.
- Value for Money: Competitively priced with a strong resale value compared to rivals like the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and Maruti Baleno.
How Does It Compare to Rivals?
The Toyota Glanza competes with popular hatchbacks like the Maruti Baleno, Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and Honda Jazz. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Maruti Baleno: While nearly identical in design and features, the Glanza offers Toyota’s superior warranty and service network.
- Hyundai i20: The i20 has a bold design and premium features but comes at a higher price point.
- Tata Altroz: Known for its safety and diesel option, the Altroz lacks the Glanza’s CNG variant and extensive service network.
- Honda Jazz: Offers a spacious cabin but misses out on some modern features like a HUD.
The Glanza’s combination of Toyota’s brand trust, fuel efficiency, and modern features gives it an edge for buyers seeking a reliable and practical hatchback.
Ownership Experience: What Owners Say
Owners of the Toyota Glanza praise its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and low maintenance costs. Many appreciate the smooth AMT for city driving and the spacious cabin for family trips. However, some note that the factory audio system could be better, and the lack of a reverse camera in lower variants is a minor inconvenience. Overall, the Glanza scores high for its value-for-money proposition and Toyota’s dependable service.
Tips for Buying the Toyota Glanza
- Test Drive Both Variants: Try the petrol and CNG variants to see which suits your driving needs.
- Choose the Right Variant: The S or G variants offer the best balance of features and price for most buyers.
- Check for Offers: Toyota often provides festive discounts or accessory packages, especially for limited editions.
- Consider CNG for Savings: If fuel costs are a concern, the CNG variant is a budget-friendly option.
- Visit a Toyota Dealership: Explore the Glanza Configurator on Toyota’s official website or visit a showroom for a hands-on experience.
Conclusion: Is the Toyota Glanza Right for You?
The Toyota Glanza is a well-rounded hatchback that ticks all the right boxes for urban drivers and small families. Its stylish design, fuel-efficient engines, spacious interiors, and modern features make it a compelling choice in the premium hatchback segment. With Toyota’s trusted reliability and competitive pricing, the Glanza offers excellent value for money, whether you choose the petrol or CNG variant.
If you’re looking for a practical, stylish, and budget-friendly car that doesn’t compromise on features or comfort, the Toyota Glanza is worth a test drive. Visit your nearest Toyota showroom or check out the Glanza Configurator at Toyota Bharat to explore its variants and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the mileage of the Toyota Glanza?
A: The petrol variant offers 22.35–22.94 kmpl, while the CNG variant delivers an impressive 30.61 km/kg.
Q: What is the price of the Toyota Glanza in India?
A: The ex-showroom price ranges from ₹6.90 lakh to ₹10 lakh, with on-road prices varying by city.
Q: Does the Toyota Glanza have a CNG option?
A: Yes, the Glanza offers a CNG variant with a mileage of 30.61 km/kg, ideal for cost-conscious buyers.
Q: How does the Toyota Glanza compare to the Maruti Baleno?
A: The Glanza is based on the Baleno but offers Toyota’s branding, better warranty, and service network.
Q: What safety features does the Toyota Glanza offer?
A: It includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, hill hold assist, and ISOFIX mounts.
