Toyota Glanza

Toyota has recently launched the refreshed version of the Glanza. Deliveries have also begun. So, for all those who are looking for a compact yet premium hatchback, is this the one to consider? Let's find out by going through its highlights and key features.

Now, one would ask isn't this the rebadged version of the Maruti Baleno that was recently launched. Yes, indeed. However the changes upfront make this one look slightly different. In fact, in my opinion, it looks even better. Take, for example, the curvy front grille with a chrome accent. It ends into new projector headlamps with a single DRL as against the three-piece one seen on the Baleno. The headlamps are sharper and now look more modern than the older ones. Lower down, the chiselled bumpers add to its sporty yet premium quotient. Then, on the sides, the new 16-inch alloy wheels add to the appeal. Round at the back, though similar to the Baleno, new wrap-around LED tail lamps are one of the key profile updates on the car.

The interior of the Glanza is almost identical to that of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. That said, it is very different from the outgoing Glanza. This is a restyled cabin that gets a dual-tone dashboard with a floating nine-inch touchscreen infotainment head-unit in the centre. The other changes include a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and a new twin-dial instrument cluster. The seats are more or less the same but get new seat covers. In the second row, again things might feel familiar, but there are some changes that owners will appreciate. For example, these rear air-con vents are such a boon in a climate like ours!

Now, in terms of features, there are a handful of changes, with the most interesting one being a heads-up display. This HUD displays quite a lot of information than just the speed as seen on some conventional displays. It will help the driver focus on the road, without having to take their eyes off the road. Then, there's a new touchscreen infotainment system which deserves mention among the many upgrades. It's nice and large and it goes without saying that it gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on the top-spec trims.

What's more, the other noteworthy features include a 360-degree camera, automatic climate control, voice assistance, and cruise control, among many others. On the safety front, it boasts ABS, ESP, and even six airbags which will get mandatory in all new cars later this year.

The new Glanza comes powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine only. This unit produces 89bhp of power and 113Nm of torque. It is the same K12N DualJet mill that powers the Baleno. The engine comes mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT.

The other cars in the B+ premium hatchback segment in India include the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz, and the Tata Altroz. All of them fall in a similar price bracket as the Glanza, which starts at an ex-showroom price of Rs 6.39 lakh with its top-spec automatic version priced at Rs 9.69 lakh. Though similar to the Baleno, the Glanza has some differentiating factors as seen earlier. In fact, the biggest unaccounted one yet is the hassle-free service and reliability from Toyota which many buyers vouch for. Then, there's an extendable warranty on the car of up to five years or 2,20,000 kilometres, whichever is earlier.

So be it for the looks, the powertrain options, or new features, the Glanza ticks many boxes right. And since it’s a product from a brand known for its reliability, the Glanza gets a big thumbs up from us.

Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi

Location courtesy - Madhuban Toyota