Introduction
The Indian hatchback segment has always been one of the most competitive automotive markets in the world. With rising fuel prices and growing demand for safe, stylish, and feature-loaded cars, brands are continuously innovating to deliver value-packed options to Indian families. Among these, the Toyota Glanza has steadily made its presence felt as a premium yet affordable hatchback. Priced competitively starting at ₹6.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the Glanza blends fuel efficiency, safety, and modern technology with Toyota’s badge value and reliability.
Launched as Toyota’s counterpart to the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Glanza has evolved with its own identity, offering subtle styling updates, enhanced safety features, and advanced connectivity options. With a mileage of up to 22.3 kmpl, 6 standard airbags across variants, and a stylish cabin design, the Glanza has managed to attract both young buyers and families alike.
This article dives deep into the Toyota Glanza, analyzing its engine specifications, performance, interiors, features, design language, safety, and how it fares against its key rivals in India’s hatchback space.
Powertrain & Mileage: Balance Between Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Toyota Glanza is powered by a 1197cc, 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 89 bhp at 6000 rpm and a torque of 113 Nm at 4400 rpm. The powertrain is tuned for a balance of performance and efficiency, making it suitable for both city commutes and long highway drives.
Transmission Options:
- 5-speed Manual (MT)
- 5-speed AMT (Automatic Manual Transmission)
Mileage Figures:
- Manual (Petrol): ~22.35 kmpl
- Automatic (AMT): 22.23 kmpl (Highway) & 17.34 kmpl (City)
This ensures that the Glanza is one of the most fuel-efficient hatchbacks in its segment, offering excellent running economy for budget-conscious buyers.
Interior: Comfort Meets Technology
The cabin of the Toyota Glanza feels modern, premium, and practical. Designed to provide comfort on long drives as well as everyday usability, the Glanza’s interiors feature a dual-tone dashboard with soft-touch inserts, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and well-cushioned seats.
Key Interior Highlights:
- 9-inch SmartPlay Cast touchscreen infotainment system
- Android Auto & Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Arkamys-tuned music system
- i-Connect features: allows smartphone & smartwatch integration for remote operations
- Rear AC vents for passenger comfort
- Ample boot space of 318 liters, enough for weekend getaways
Safety: 6 Airbags Now Standard
Toyota has made a major move in the hatchback segment by offering 6 airbags as standard across all variants of the Glanza. This ensures safety for both front and rear occupants.
Other Safety Features:
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
- Hill Hold Assist
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- ISOFIX child-seat mounts
- Rear Parking Sensors & Camera
With these inclusions, the Glanza has become one of the safest options in its class.
Exterior Design: Sporty and Premium
The Toyota Glanza’s design language exudes style and modernity. Though it shares its base with the Baleno, Toyota has added unique design touches to give it a distinct identity.
Design Elements:
- LED Projector Headlamps with DRLs
- Glossy Black Front Grille with Toyota Badge
- Chrome Highlights on Bumpers
- 16-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels
- Sleek LED tail-lamps with Toyota’s signature styling
The dual-tone paint options and refined aerodynamics further add to its youthful appeal.
Variants & Pricing
The Toyota Glanza comes in four trims: E, S, G, and V. Both Petrol and CNG versions are offered, with automatic transmission available in higher trims.
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | 1.2L Petrol | Manual | ₹6.90 lakh |
| S | 1.2L Petrol | Manual/AMT | ₹7.60 lakh – ₹8.10 lakh |
| G | 1.2L Petrol | Manual/AMT | ₹8.70 lakh – ₹9.20 lakh |
| V | 1.2L Petrol | Manual/AMT | ₹9.80 lakh – ₹10.00 lakh |
| CNG (S, G trims) | 1.2L Petrol-CNG | Manual | ₹9.00 lakh onwards |
(Note: Prices may vary depending on city and dealership. Buyers are advised to confirm with authorized dealers before purchase.)
Technology & Connectivity
One of the Glanza’s biggest USPs is its connected car technology. Through the i-Connect system, users can control several car features via smartphone and smartwatch apps.
Key Connected Features:
- Remote door lock/unlock
- Vehicle health report
- Real-time fuel monitoring
- Geofencing alerts
- Find-my-car feature
This adds an extra layer of convenience, especially for tech-savvy buyers.
On-Road Performance
In real-world driving, the Toyota Glanza feels light and agile. The steering is tuned for easy maneuverability in urban conditions, while the suspension absorbs bumps comfortably.
- City Drive: Smooth clutch operation and refined AMT make it hassle-free in traffic.
- Highway Drive: Stable at triple-digit speeds, thanks to Vehicle Stability Control.
- CNG Performance: Though slightly less powerful, it offers significant savings in fuel costs, making it a smart option for high-mileage users.
Toyota Glanza vs Rivals
The Toyota Glanza competes directly with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, and Tata Altroz. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Feature | Toyota Glanza | Maruti Baleno | Hyundai i20 | Tata Altroz |
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol | 1.2L Petrol | 1.2L Petrol | 1.2L Petrol |
| Power | 89 bhp | 89 bhp | 88 bhp | 86 bhp |
| Mileage | 22.3 kmpl | 22.3 kmpl | 20.4 kmpl | 19.5 kmpl |
| Safety | 6 Airbags Std | 6 Airbags | 6 Airbags (Top trims) | 2-6 Airbags |
| Boot Space | 318L | 318L | 311L | 345L |
| Price Range | ₹6.90L – 10L | ₹6.70L – 9.9L | ₹7.5L – 11.2L | ₹6.5L – 10.2L |
The Glanza stands out for its standard 6-airbag offering and Toyota’s after-sales service reputation.
Who Should Buy the Toyota Glanza?
The Toyota Glanza is ideal for:
- Families looking for a safe, fuel-efficient, and spacious hatchback.
- Young professionals who want modern connectivity and a stylish design.
- Daily commuters seeking a car with low running costs and reliability.
- CNG buyers who prioritize fuel savings without compromising comfort.
Final Verdict
The Toyota Glanza ticks all the right boxes for an Indian hatchback buyer:
- Fuel efficiency (22+ kmpl)
- Safety (6 airbags standard)
- Modern technology (i-Connect, 9-inch touchscreen)
- Affordability (starting at ₹6.90 lakh)
While it does not offer a turbo engine like some rivals, it makes up with practicality, reliability, and Toyota’s brand trust. For buyers who want a feature-rich, safe, and efficient hatchback at a reasonable price point, the Toyota Glanza is a highly recommended option.
Disclaimer
This article has been prepared using information from official Toyota sources and publicly available data. Prices and features may vary across regions and dealerships. Buyers are strongly advised to check with authorized Toyota dealers for the latest updates, offers, and availability.
