Toyota Glanza

Same Same But Different

Is the Toyota Glanza anything more than a rebadged Maruti Suzuki Baleno? After all, not much has changed inside or out. But that is not necessarily a bad thing, since the Baleno is one of the most successful B2 segment hatchbacks in India. But while the last gen twins pretty much only had the badges to distinguish them, this generation has actually done a slightly better job at differentiating the two cars. While the differences are small and not necessarily incremental, the Glanza still commands a small premium over the Baleno. Should it still be on your shortlist given that the Baleno offers all of the same while being slightly cheaper? Let’s find out.

Toyota Glanza Pros and Cons 

Toyota Glanza Exterior Design 

While the previous Glanza looked exactly like the Baleno, Toyota has added a few nips and tucks to the Glanza to differentiate it from the Baleno. Having said that, it still looks very much like the Baleno. The rear and the side profile are largely the same, and the distinguishing features are only up front. The LED DRLs in the headlamps are L-shaped instead of the triple LED DRLs design of the Baleno, and are reminiscent of the Toyota GR86. The bumper also gets U-shaped cladding down below, and the grille gets a thick chrome bar which looks similar to that of the Camry. At the back, the tail lamps flow into the boot lid and the C-shaped look suits the overall look of the car. 

Toyota Glanza Interiors 

The Glanza gets the same interiors as the Baleno, but with a twist. The dual-tone dash has a new beige finish with piano black inserts that look more upmarket. The upholstery is also beige and black, but the seats themselves are the same. The flat bottom steering wheel feels great to hold and the Glanza also gets a heads up display unit. The door bins can all store 1-litre bottles and there are a bunch of other spaces to store your valuables, such as a decently sized glove box (not cooled), cup holders and pockets to store your phone in. Sadly, there is no wireless charging pad. The 318 litre boot on the Glanza is also spacious enough to carry large suitcases, and the rear seats are 60:40 split in case you ever need to transport larger cargo. Passengers in the rear also get AC vents and two charging ports (USB A and C). 

Toyota Glanza Comfort 

Over short distances, the Toyota Glanza is a very comfortable car. The front seats have a fair bit of bolstering and are well contoured, but the seats are too soft to be comfortable over long journeys. The UV cut glass helps the AC keep the cabin cool, and the fabric seats fare well compared to leatherette in summers. The lack of ventilated seats is felt though, as they are a nifty trick to have up your sleeve when getting into the car on scorching days. 

The steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach, and combined with the seat adjustment, you won’t find it hard to find your ideal driving position. The rear seats are also decent with good knee and leg room, but three adults will be a squeeze despite the wide stance of the car. The underthigh and back support in the rear could also have been better. There is also no sunroof on offer and the addition of one would have really helped the cabin feel more airy. 

Toyota Glanza Performance and Handling

The 1.2-litre, 4 cylinder petrol engine has been carried over from the Baleno, and produces 88 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. It is available with either a 5-speed AMT automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. The manual is tuned quite well and is quite tractable, allowing you to be in higher gears at lower speeds, making it great for chugging around in the city. The 113 Nm of torque does feel inadequate when overtaking though and you are left wanting a little more grunt. The AMT is sluggish to shift too, especially when compared to the dual clutch automatic gearboxes available in rivals.

The suspension on the Glanza is stiffer, but still doesn’t inspire confidence at higher speeds. The car is also unsettled quite easily over bumps and you do have to be careful. The Glanza shines as a daily commuter. The clutch is light and even if you’re stuck in long traffic jams your leg will not feel fatigue. The same goes for the steering wheel and gear shifts on the manual, which are light and smooth respectively. Overall, the Glanza is a great car to drive around in the city and is capable of highway runs as well, as long as you keep your speed in check. The Glanza is also available with a CNG kit, and the engine produces 76 bhp and 98.5 Nm when driven in CNG mode.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Key specifications 

Toyota Glanza Safety Features

The overall build of the Glanza feels better and the door does have noticeable heft to it compared to the older model. We do hope that this is safer than the last-gen model, since the last-gen Baleno scored 0-stars in the Latin NCAP crash tests. It also gets six airbags, overspeed warning, ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill hold control, and traction control. 

Toyota Glanza Technology and Infotainment

The first thing you notice upon entering the cabin is the new, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is a lot more responsive. The six speaker music system produces good sound and is more than enough to fill the cabin with your favourite music. The sound does tend to distort at higher volumes and is something to keep in mind. The Glanza also gets a heads up display unit and this little gadget helps you keep your eyes on the road at all times, displaying valuable information such as your speed. It gets a 360 degree camera, although the picture quality could have been better. The driver instrument cluster is analogue with a small digital display in the centre that doesn’t show much information.

Is the Toyota Glanza for you?

The Toyota Glanza costs a small premium more than the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and for that added money you don’t get much more in terms of product. The front bumper is different and may appeal to some people more than that of the Baleno, and the beige interiors also look better than the Maruti Suzuki twin, but apart from that nothing has changed. So why would you pick a Glanza over a Baleno? The answer for that is simple: it's the Toyota badge! Yes, underneath it is a Maruti Suzuki product, but the sales and service side of things for the Glanza will be taken care of by Toyota. And Toyota has a great reputation when it comes to after sales service, especially in India, and there will be many buyers who would happily pay the premium to get that badge. And as for the product itself, if you’re looking for a budget hatchback with premium features for yourself or a small family that is capable of city commutes and the occasional road trip, it is the perfect car for you.