Toyota and Suzuki had come together to sign an agreement in 2017 that would have cars from Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio and rebadge them with the Toyota logo, and sell it from Toyota dealerships. The Glanza – an identical twin of the Maruti Baleno – is the first result of this Japanese car maker relationship. We list out ten points that will guide you in buying a Toyota Glanza.
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First model from partnership
The Toyota Glanza is the first product to be developed under the Toyota and Maruti Suzuki partnership in the country. What it is, in essence, is a rebadged Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback with minimal cosmetic and interior updates. This was an ideal way to kickstart sales of the rebadged model as the premium hatchback segment is very popular in India. Other models like the Maruti Brezza and Ertiga will follow in the future.
Same design language
Parked side by side, you’re sure to have a tough time telling the two apart, for the design cues and lines and panels – all remain the same. There’s no denying the fact that it is a stylish looking product, but the Glanza is nothing but a rebadged Baleno. The front fascia, with its stylish projector headlights, two-slat grille with chrome garnish and the edgy bumper are all Baleno material. The rising beltline and the subtly flared wheel arches along with the dual-tone alloy wheels are all the same. The rear too, with its chrome strip and smart tail lamp clusters are from the Baleno.
Only top-end variants offered
The Toyota Glanza has been positioned as a premium hatchback. The model is sold in two trim levels: G and V, with four variants available – G, G CVT, V and V CVT. These trim levels are based on the Zeta and Aplha trims on the Baleno. These variants will come loaded with features.
Interior layout remains the same
The cabin has been carried forward from the Baleno, except for the infotainment screen and the badge on the steering. Of course, we aren’t trying to fault the fact that Baleno’s cabin is the same, for it offers practicality and has successfully lured buyers already. The cabin gets an all-black theme with blue contrast on the upholstery. You get adjustment for reach-rake and the speedometer and tachometer dials are neatly placed with a TFT multi-information display in the middle. The quality of plastics is decent, and there are quite a couple of storage spaces around. The cabin is roomy, and the front seats are huge and off good under-thigh support. Space at the front and rear too is good. You can spend long hours seated at the rear and three occupants can be seated abreast. Boot space is sufficient at 339 litres.
No diesel engine option
The Glanza comes with two BS6 petrol engines: a 1.2-litre K12B motor that produces 83bhp and 113Nm of torque and a 1.2-litre, Dualjet K12C motor with mild-hybrid tech that churns out 89bhp and 113Nm of torque. The mild-hybrid technology is offered solely on the G variant. It is mated to either a CVT or a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Lots of equipment on offer
In terms of features, the Glanza is equipped with 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, mild-hybrid system, LED projector headlamps, rear defogger, wiper, front fog lights, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (Smart Playcast) with Aux, USB, Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, power adjustable and folding wing mirrors, dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, seatbelt reminder for the height-adjustable seatbelts, speed warning and rear parking sensors.
It’s a smooth performer
We drove the K12B engine, which can also be had with a CVT gearbox. Start up the engine, and the motor can barely be heard. At idle, it is refined, even when picking up pace. The mid-range is where this motor feels it is at its best. There’s sufficient power and torque to keep you going in the city. However, we experienced the rubber-band effect of the CVT when we floored it. The engine is tractable and there’s no lag whatsoever. But after 3000rpm, the engine does get loud and feels like it’s running out of breath at the red line. The car feels light and the engine is responsive. The Sports button at the side of the gear lever alters the engine and transmission characteristics. This also results in peppier performance.
It rides and handles well
The Glanza soaks in bumps without any fuss, and it doesn’t filter into the cabin. At high speeds too, the ride remains quite flat and the car stays composed without getting unsettled. However, at triple digit speeds, suspension noise becomes evident. Around corners, the car maintains body control and inspires confidence during a quick lane change. The steering is light and offers decent response. We wish the steering had a little more weight to it.
It’s a frugal runabout
The 1.2-litre K12B engine returns a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 21.01kpl, mated to a manual transmission and 19.56kpl, paired to a CVT gearbox. The Dualjet motor with its mild-hybrid system, on the other hand, delivers 23.87kpl.
The warranty package is better
The Glanza will lure customers to Toyota showrooms, chiefly because of its 3 year/1,00,000kms warranty, as opposed to the Baleno’s 2 year/40,000kms warranty period. The Glanza is ₹ 65,000 cheaper than the Baleno, making it better value for money. Also, grab the latest info on the new cars, only at autoX.
