Baleno AMT vs Glanza AMT: Which Premium Automatic Hatchback Offers Better Value in 2024?

Top Reasons for Consideration

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT:

1. Fuel Efficiency: ARAI-rated mileage of 22.94 kmpl

2. Advanced Features: 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

3. Safety: Six airbags for enhanced protection

4. Comfort: Automatic climate control, rear AC vents, telescopic steering wheel

5. Design: NEXWave grille with chrome finish and LED headlamps

6. Practicality: 318-liter boot space and 60:40 split rear seats

7. Brand Value: Maruti Suzuki's reputation for reliability and wide service network

8. Advanced Connectivity: Suzuki Connect for remote functions and driving behavior analysis

Toyota Glanza S AMT:

1. Fuel Efficiency: ARAI-rated mileage of 22.94 kmpl

2. Brand Reliability: Toyota's reputation for quality and extensive service network

3. Spacious Interior: 2520mm wheelbase for ample cabin space

4. Comfort Features: Automatic climate control and adjustable steering

5. Safety: ABS, EBD, and dual airbags

6. Infotainment: 7-inch touchscreen system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

7. Smooth Transmission: 5-Speed AMT for convenient city driving

8. Styling: LED taillights and chrome accents for a premium look

What do their key specifications reveal?

1. Price:

- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT: Rs. 888,000

- Toyota Glanza S AMT: Rs. 825,000

(The Glanza is approximately 7.1% more affordable)

2. Engine Specs (identical for both):

- 1.2L petrol engine

- Power: 88.50bhp@6000rpm

- Torque: 113Nm@4400rpm

3. Transmission:

- Both use a 5-speed AMT gearbox

4. Fuel Efficiency:

- Both models: 22.94 kmpl (ARAI-rated)

5. Dimensions (identical for both):

- Length: 3990mm

- Width: 1745mm

- Height: 1500mm

- Wheelbase: 2520mm

6. Boot Space:

- Both models: 318 liters

7. Weight:

- Baleno: 925-955 kg

- Glanza: 935-960 kg

(The Baleno is marginally lighter)

8. Wheels:

- Baleno: 16-inch alloys

- Glanza: 15-inch wheels

9. Infotainment:

- Baleno: 7-inch touchscreen

- Glanza: 7-inch touchscreen)

10. Airbags:

- Baleno: 6 airbags

- Glanza: 2 airbags

Exterior Design:

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT showcases a fresh and modern design with its NEXWave grille, chrome finish, LED headlamps, and LED taillights. The 16-inch painted alloy wheels contribute to its stylish look. The Toyota Glanza S AMT, being based on the same platform, likely shares many design elements but may have subtle differences in styling cues to differentiate it as a Toyota product.

Interior and Comfort:

The Baleno's interior impresses with its quality and features, offering a dual-tone dashboard, fabric upholstery, and a front center sliding armrest. It provides a 60:40 split rear seat, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a tilt & telescopic steering wheel. The Glanza also offers automatic climate control and tilt steering. Both cars provide essential convenience features like power windows, power steering, and keyless entry.

Driving Experience:

Both cars share the same 1.2L petrol engine and 5-speed AMT transmission, which should provide adequate performance for city driving and highway cruising. The Baleno's slightly lighter weight might translate to marginally better agility. Both feature disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The Baleno's electric power steering might offer a more modern feel compared to the Glanza's hydraulic system.

Practicality:

Both cars offer a 318-liter boot space, sufficient for daily use and weekend trips. The Baleno's 60:40 split rear seat enhances cargo flexibility. Both provide essential storage solutions like cup holders and a cooled glovebox.

Feature Comparison

Infotainment and Connectivity:

- Baleno: 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Suzuki Connect

- Glanza: Glanza: 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

Safety:

- Baleno: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear camera, ISOFIX child seat mounts

- Glanza: 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear camera, ISOFIX child seat mounts

Comfort and Convenience:

- Baleno: Automatic climate control, rear AC vents, height-adjustable driver seat, cruise control

- Glanza: Automatic climate control, tilt steering, height-adjustable driver seat

Lighting:

- Baleno: LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, LED taillights

- Glanza: LED taillights, halogen headlamps

Additional Features:

- Both: Keyless entry, push-button start, power windows, adjustable steering, idle start-stop system

The Baleno offers more advanced features, particularly in safety and convenience, aligning well with the needs of tech-savvy young professionals who prioritize both comfort and cutting-edge technology.

Persona-Price Based Recommendation

For a style-conscious, tech-savvy young professional in the Rs. 8-10 lakh price range, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT emerges as the recommended choice, despite its 7.1% higher price point. It offers superior value through advanced features and enhanced safety.

Key factors supporting this recommendation:

1. Safety: The Baleno's 6 airbags provide significantly better protection compared to the Glanza's 2 airbags.

2. Connectivity: The 7-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity caters to tech enthusiasts.

3. Advanced Features: Suzuki Connect system with remote functions and driving analysis appeals to the tech-savvy nature of the buyer.

4. Comfort: Rear AC vents and a telescopic steering wheel enhance the daily driving experience.

5. Style: LED lighting setup and 16-inch alloys contribute to a more premium appearance.

While the Toyota Glanza S AMT is a competent alternative with a lower price point, the Baleno's additional features and more premium feel justify its higher price, making it a more compelling option for this specific buyer persona within the given price range.