Toyota has introduced its rebadged version of the hatchback, the new Glanza, just a few weeks after the new Maruti Suzuki Baleno. While the previous Glanza could only be distinguished from the old Baleno by its front grille and logo, Toyota has made significant changes this time around to distinguish it from its Maruti counterpart.
Glanza vs Baleno: Variant line-up and price
Unlike the previous Glanza, which was only available in higher G and V trims, the new Glanza is available in four trim levels: E, S, G, and V, which correspond to the Baleno’s Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha trims. This means that the Glanza now has a much lower starting price than before (Rs 7.70 lakh for the MT variant).
The new Toyota Glanza is priced between Rs 6.39 lakh and Rs 9.69 lakh, while the Baleno is priced between Rs 6.35 lakh and Rs 9.49 lakh. Depending on the variant, the Toyota costs Rs 4,000 to 20,000 more than the Maruti. It’s also worth noting that Glanza’s prices are introductory and will be raised in due course.
Glanza vs Baleno: Exterior and Interior
The new Glanza, like its predecessor, has a lot in common with the Baleno on the outside. While the overall proportions and silhouette of the two models are nearly identical, Toyota has made significant changes this time around to differentiate the two models. The Glanza has been updated with a new, Camry-inspired front grille, a sportier front bumper, and headlights with different LED daytime running lights (DRLs). Baleno’s DRLs have three individual LED elements, whereas Glanza’s DRLs are simpler, L-shaped units.
Round the side, the Glanza also gets a different design for the 16-inch alloy wheels. At the back though, both models are near-identical, with the only differentiating factor being the badging. Both hatchbacks are available in Blue, Grey, White, Silver, and Red paint shades, with the Baleno also getting the additional option of a Beige colour.
Inside, the Glanza and the new Baleno share the same design and layout, with a layered dashboard, a free-standing touchscreen in the centre, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The main difference on the inside is the Glanza’s black and beige colour scheme, as opposed to the new Baleno’s black and navy blue combination. The outgoing Glanza’s cabin was virtually identical to that of the Baleno, save for the Toyota badge on the steering wheel.
Glanza vs Baleno: Features
In terms of features, the new Glanza and Baleno are identical. Both hatchbacks have a head-up display (HUD), a 360-degree parking camera, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, connected car tech, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, push-button start-stop, auto headlamps and wipers, steering with tilt and telescopic adjustment, six airbags, ESP, hill-hold control, and ISOFIX child seats.
Glanza vs Baleno: Powertrain and Fuel efficiency
The engines and transmissions of the new Glanza and Baleno are shared. Both hatchbacks are powered by a 90hp, 113Nm, 1.2-litre, four-cylinder Dual Jet K12N petrol engine with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT automatic transmission. In addition, the Glanza is the first Toyota in India to be equipped with an AMT transmission.
The claimed fuel economy figures for both hatchbacks are also identical – 22.35kpl for the manual and 22.94kpl for the AMT auto.
Glanza vs Baleno: Warranty comparison
The warranty coverage is one area where Glanza distinguishes itself from the Baleno. The Toyota comes standard with a three-year/1,000,000-kilometer warranty, which can be extended to five years/220,000 kilometres. In comparison, the new Baleno comes with a two-year/40,000-kilometer standard warranty that can be extended to five years/1,000,000 kilometres.
This should attaract a number of buyers towards the Glanza rather than the Baleno, especially since the price difference between the two is currently marginal.
Glanza vs Baleno: Competitors
Both the Toyota Glanza and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno remain competitive in the premium hatchback segment. As a result, their competitors include the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz.