2024 Toyota Glanza Review: Premium Hatchback with 360° Camera (₹6.5-10 lakh)

Model Range Overview

The Toyota Glanza offers a comprehensive range to cater to various buyer preferences:

- Price range: ₹686,000 - ₹999,900

- Engine specifications: 1197cc petrol engine

- Power output range: 76.43bhp - 88.50bhp

- Torque range: 98.5Nm - 113Nm

- Fuel types: Petrol and CNG

- Transmission options: 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT

Toyota offers the Glanza in 9 variants, providing a good mix of features and price points. The key competitor models include the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, and Tata Altroz.

Compared to its competitors, the Glanza's range is fairly straightforward, focusing on a single engine option with two fuel choices. This simplifies the decision-making process for buyers but may limit options for those seeking more powerful variants. The Glanza's power figures are competitive within the segment, although some rivals like the Hyundai i20 offer more powerful turbocharged options.

The inclusion of a CNG variant caters to the growing demand for more economical fuel options, especially in urban areas. The shift from a CVT to an AMT in the automatic variants aligns with the trend of providing more affordable automatic options in this segment, although it may be seen as a step back in terms of refinement compared to the CVT.

Design and Styling

The Toyota Glanza's design philosophy strikes a balance between sophistication and sportiness, aiming to appeal to young urban buyers. In its 2022 iteration, Toyota has made more significant efforts to differentiate the Glanza from its Maruti Suzuki sibling.

The exterior features a striking front fascia with L-shaped LED Daytime Running Lamps connected by a chrome band, visually enhancing the car's width. This design element, reminiscent of the Camry Hybrid, lends a premium touch to the hatchback. The distinctive bull-horn design around the front air dam adds a sporty flair, complemented by carbon fiber-like finishes and C-shaped chrome accents.

Toyota-specific changes include new 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, which enhance the car's profile. The side and rear profiles, however, remain largely similar to the Baleno, maintaining a familiar silhouette in the segment.

Color options for the Glanza include a range of vibrant and sophisticated hues, catering to diverse tastes. The dual-tone options add a touch of personalization and sportiness.

Inside, the Glanza impresses with its revamped dashboard and overall design. The beige-black theme creates a premium ambiance, while piano black and silver highlights add visual interest. Ergonomics are well thought out, with a driver-centric layout featuring a new free-standing touchscreen and a redesigned climate control console.

The use of quality materials and attention to detail in the interior elevate the Glanza's appeal, making it feel more upmarket than its predecessor. However, some might find the rear headroom a bit constrained for taller passengers.

Powertrain Options

The Toyota Glanza offers a single engine option with two fuel choices:

1. Petrol Engine:

- 1.2-liter K12N naturally aspirated petrol engine

- Power output: 90hp

- Torque: 113Nm

- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT

2. CNG Engine:

- Same 1.2-liter engine optimized for CNG

- Power output: 76.43hp

- Torque: 98.5Nm

- Transmission: 5-speed manual only

The petrol engine is one of the most refined in its class, offering smooth and quiet operation. It provides adequate pep for city driving, though it may feel slightly underpowered during highway overtakes compared to turbocharged rivals.

The introduction of the AMT in place of the previous CVT is a notable change. While it improves fuel efficiency, the AMT's shift quality isn't as smooth as the CVT, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.

The CNG variant caters to buyers seeking lower running costs, albeit with a compromise in performance.

Compared to key competitors:

- The Hyundai i20 offers a more powerful 1.0-liter turbo-petrol option

- The Tata Altroz provides both petrol and diesel engine choices

- The Maruti Suzuki Baleno shares the same powertrain options

A unique feature is the engine start-stop system, which enhances fuel efficiency, especially in city driving conditions. However, the Glanza lacks the mild-hybrid technology found in some of its competitors, which could have further improved fuel economy and performance.

Key Features Across Range

The Toyota Glanza comes well-equipped across its variant range, offering a mix of comfort, convenience, and safety features:

Comfort Features

- Automatic climate control

- Height-adjustable driver seat

- Tilt and telescopic steering

- Rear AC vents

- Push-button start/stop

- Cruise control (in higher variants)

Infotainment Features

- 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system

- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity

- Voice command functionality

- Bluetooth connectivity

- 4-speaker audio system

Some standout tech features include:

- Heads-up display (first-in-segment)

- 360-degree camera (in top variants)

- Connected car technology with remote functions

Compared to its competitors:

- The Hyundai i20 offers a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster

- The Tata Altroz provides a similar feature set but lacks the 360-degree camera

- The Maruti Suzuki Baleno shares most features with the Glanza

While the Glanza offers a comprehensive feature list, it lacks some premium touches found in rivals, such as a sunroof or ventilated seats. However, the inclusion of the heads-up display and 360-degree camera in top variants gives it an edge in certain aspects.

The Glanza's feature set is well-rounded for its segment, focusing on practical amenities that enhance daily usability rather than offering flashy but less functional features.

Overall, the Baleno provides a well-rounded package of features that cater to the needs of most buyers in this segment, balancing comfort, convenience, and safety across its range. The inclusion of some segment-first features like the head-up display gives it an edge in terms of technology offerings.

Performance and Efficiency

The Toyota Glanza's performance characteristics vary depending on the powertrain option:

Petrol Manual:

- The 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine provides adequate performance for city driving.

- It feels peppy at low speeds but lacks the strong mid-range punch of turbocharged rivals.

- The engine is refined and smooth, with minimal vibrations at idle.

- 0-100 km/h acceleration times are not class-leading but competitive within the naturally aspirated segment.

Petrol AMT:

- The AMT provides smooth shifts in light traffic but can feel hesitant in denser conditions.

- It's programmed for efficiency, which sometimes comes at the cost of responsiveness.

- Performance is slightly muted compared to the manual, with marginally slower acceleration times.

CNG:

- As expected, the CNG variant offers reduced performance but significantly better fuel efficiency.

- It's best suited for city driving and for those prioritising running costs over outright performance.

Fuel Efficiency

- Petrol Manual: Claimed efficiency of 22.35 km/l (ARAI)

- Petrol AMT: Claimed efficiency of 22.94 km/l (ARAI)

- CNG: Claimed efficiency of 30.61 km/kg (ARAI)

In real-world testing:

- Manual: 13.80 km/l (city), 17.50 km/l (highway)

- AMT: 11.86 km/l (city), 17.21 km/l (highway)

Compared to Competitors:

- The Hyundai i20's turbo-petrol offers more spirited performance but lower fuel efficiency.

- The Tata Altroz provides similar performance in its naturally aspirated petrol variant but also offers a more powerful turbo-petrol option.

- The Maruti Suzuki Baleno shares the same engine and offers nearly identical performance and efficiency.

The Glanza's engine start-stop system contributes to its competitive fuel efficiency figures, especially in urban conditions. However, the lack of a turbo-petrol option means it can't match the outright performance of some rivals in the segment.

Overall, the Glanza prioritizes smooth, efficient performance over sporty dynamics, aligning well with its positioning as a comfortable, efficient urban runabout.

Safety Suite

The Toyota Glanza comes equipped with a comprehensive safety package, reflecting the increasing emphasis on safety in the Indian automotive market:

Standard Safety Features

- Dual front airbags

- ABS with EBD

- Rear parking sensors

- ISOFIX child seat anchors

- High-speed alert system

- Seat belt reminders for driver and front passenger

Advanced Safety Features (on higher variants)

- Side and curtain airbags (total of 6 airbags)

- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

- Hill Hold Assist

- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

- Reverse camera with guidelines

- 360-degree camera (segment-first feature)

The Glanza also features a strong body structure using high-tensile steel, designed to absorb and disperse impact energy effectively.

Compared to Competitors:

- The Tata Altroz leads the segment with a 5-star Global NCAP rating

- The Hyundai i20 offers similar advanced safety features but hasn't been tested by Global NCAP

- The Maruti Suzuki Baleno shares the same safety features as the Glanza

The Glanza's safety suite is competitive within its segment, with the 360-degree camera being a standout feature. However, it lacks some advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that are starting to appear in this segment, such as forward collision warning or lane departure warning.

Overall, the Glanza offers a well-rounded safety package that should provide peace of mind to most buyers in this segment.

Comfort and Space

The Toyota Glanza impresses with its spacious and well-designed interior, offering good comfort for both urban commutes and longer journeys:

Dimensions

- Length: 3990 mm

- Width: 1745 mm

- Height: 1500 mm

- Wheelbase: 2520 mm

Interior Space

- The Glanza offers generous legroom and headroom in both front and rear seats.

- The flat floor at the rear enhances comfort for the middle passenger.

- However, taller passengers might find the rear headroom a bit constrained.

Seating

- The front seats are well-contoured and offer good support.

- The driver's seat is height-adjustable, allowing for a comfortable driving position.

- Rear seat comfort is good, with a well-angled backrest and adequate under-thigh support.

Boot Space

- The Glanza offers 318 liters of boot space, which is adequate for a weekend trip or regular shopping.

- The high-set boot lip might make loading heavy items a bit challenging.

Additional Comfort Features

- Automatic climate control with rear AC vents ensures uniform cooling.

- The smooth ride quality enhances overall comfort, especially on urban roads.

- Good noise insulation keeps the cabin quiet at city speeds.

While the Glanza doesn't lead the segment in terms of space, it offers a well-balanced package that should satisfy most buyers. The emphasis on practical comfort features rather than flashy additions aligns well with Toyota's reputation for functionality.

Compared to Competitors:

- The Hyundai i20 offers slightly more premium seat upholstery but similar space.

- The Tata Altroz provides comparable interior space but with a slightly larger boot (345 liters).

- The Maruti Suzuki Baleno shares identical interior dimensions.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Toyota Glanza comes equipped with a modern and feature-rich infotainment system:

Infotainment System

- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower variants

- 9-inch touchscreen on higher variants

- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity

- Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming

- Voice command functionality

- Steering-mounted controls for easy access

The touchscreen offers good resolution and responsiveness, making it easy to use on the move. The interface is intuitive, with large icons and a logical menu structure.

Connectivity Features

- Toyota i-Connect (connected car technology)

- Remote functions via smartphone app

- Real-time vehicle tracking

- Geo-fencing alerts

- Vehicle health monitoring

Audio System:

- 4-speaker setup in lower variants

- 6-speaker Arkamys sound system in higher variants, offering improved audio quality

Compared to Competitors:

- The Hyundai i20 offers a larger 10.25-inch screen and more advanced connected car features

- The Tata Altroz provides a similar-sized screen but lacks some of the advanced connectivity options

- The Maruti Suzuki Baleno shares the same infotainment system

While not class-leading, the Glanza's infotainment system is competent and user-friendly, catering well to the needs of its target audience.

Key USPs

The Toyota Glanza stands out in the premium hatchback segment with several unique selling points:

1. Toyota's Reliability: The Glanza benefits from Toyota's reputation for building reliable, long-lasting vehicles, offering peace of mind to buyers.

2. Refined Powertrain: The 1.2-liter petrol engine is one of the smoothest and most refined in its class, providing a comfortable driving experience.

3. Fuel Efficiency: With claimed figures of up to 22.94 km/l (petrol AMT) and 30.61 km/kg (CNG), the Glanza is among the most fuel-efficient in its segment.

4. 360-Degree Camera: A segment-first feature, enhancing safety and ease of parking in tight urban spaces.

5. Heads-Up Display: Another segment-first feature, adding a premium touch and improving safety by keeping the driver's eyes on the road.

These USPs, combined with Toyota's strong after-sales network, make the Glanza an attractive proposition for buyers seeking a reliable, efficient, and feature-rich premium hatchback.

Target Audience

The Toyota Glanza is designed to appeal to a diverse range of buyers in the premium hatchback segment:

1. Young Urban Professionals: The primary target audience, attracted by the Glanza's modern design, tech features, and Toyota's brand value. They appreciate the balance of style, efficiency, and practicality for daily commutes and weekend getaways.

2. Small Families: The spacious interior and safety features make it suitable for young families looking for a reliable and comfortable car for city use and occasional highway trips.

3. First-Time Premium Hatchback Buyers: Those upgrading from entry-level hatchbacks, seeking more features and brand prestige without stretching to compact SUVs.

4. Fuel Economy Conscious Buyers: The efficient petrol engine and CNG option appeal to those prioritizing low running costs, especially in cities with high fuel prices.

5. Toyota Brand Loyalists: Existing Toyota customers looking for a smaller, more affordable option while sticking with the brand they trust.

6. Fleet Operators: The CNG variant and Toyota's reliability make it attractive for taxi services and corporate fleets.

For the petrol variants, the manual targets enthusiasts who prefer control, while the AMT caters to those prioritizing convenience in city traffic. The CNG variant specifically targets extremely cost-conscious buyers and fleet operators in urban areas with good CNG infrastructure.

Competitor Landscape

The Toyota Glanza competes in the highly competitive premium hatchback segment, facing strong rivals:

Maruti Suzuki Baleno:

Shares platform and powertrain with Glanza

Slightly lower price point

Wider sales and service network

Nearly identical features and performance

Hyundai i20:

More premium interior feel

Offers a powerful 1.0L turbo-petrol engine option

Larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen

Higher top-end price

Tata Altroz:

5-star Global NCAP safety rating

Offers diesel engine option

Unique styling

Slightly larger boot space

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Refined and fuel-efficient engine

2. Spacious and comfortable interior

3. Feature-rich, including segment-first 360-degree camera and heads-up display

4. Toyota's reputation for reliability and after-sales service

5. Smooth ride quality, ideal for urban conditions

6. Competitive pricing, especially considering the features offered

Cons

1. Lacks the powerful engine options offered by some competitors

2. AMT transmission not as smooth as the previous CVT

3. Design may be considered too similar to the Maruti Suzuki Baleno

4. No diesel engine option

5. Boot space slightly reduced compared to the previous generation

6. Rear headroom might be tight for taller passengers

Conclusion

The Toyota Glanza emerges as a well-rounded package in the premium hatchback segment, offering a blend of comfort, efficiency, and features that cater well to its target audience. It leverages Toyota's strengths in build quality and reliability while providing a modern, tech-laden interior that appeals to young urban buyers.

While it may not lead the segment in outright performance or distinctive styling, the Glanza excels in areas that matter most to practical buyers – fuel efficiency, ease of use, and long-term ownership experience. The inclusion of features like the 360-degree camera and heads-up display adds a premium touch that sets it apart in certain aspects.

For those seeking a reliable, feature-rich hatchback with the backing of Toyota's reputation and service network, the Glanza presents a compelling choice. It successfully balances the needs of daily commuting with the occasional long-distance trip, making it an ideal choice for small families and young professionals in urban India.