Toyota Glanza S Review: Budget Premium Hatch at ₹7.75L

Transmission & Drivetrain

The Glanza S comes equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, a setup that will appeal to driving purists. This transmission allows for precise control over gear selection and power delivery, enhancing engagement with the driving experience.

The front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout is standard for this vehicle class, offering predictable handling characteristics and good traction in most driving conditions. While some enthusiasts might prefer rear-wheel drive, the FWD setup in the Glanza S provides a good balance of performance and practicality, especially for a daily-driven vehicle.

Suspension & Handling

The Glanza S features a MacPherson Strut suspension setup at the front and a Torsion Beam arrangement at the rear. This combination offers a good compromise between ride comfort and handling prowess. The MacPherson Strut front suspension provides good wheel control and helps maintain steering precision, crucial for an engaging driving experience. The Torsion Beam rear suspension, while simpler than an independent setup, offers benefits in terms of cost, space efficiency, and stability.

The power steering system is designed to provide a balance between ease of use in urban environments and feedback at higher speeds. With a turning radius of 4.85 meters, the Glanza S offers good maneuverability in tight spaces, making it well-suited for both city driving and more open roads.

Braking System

Equipped with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, the Glanza S offers a braking setup common for vehicles in this segment. This configuration provides a good balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. The inclusion of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) enhances overall braking performance and allows for more confident and controlled braking in challenging conditions.

The addition of Brake Assist further enhances the vehicle's stopping capabilities, providing additional braking force in emergency situations. This combination of braking hardware and electronic aids ensures that the Glanza S can handle spirited driving while maintaining a high level of safety.

Wheels & Tires

The Glanza S rides on 15-inch wheels fitted with 185/65 R15 radial tubeless tires. This wheel size strikes a good balance between aesthetics, comfort, and handling. The 15-inch wheels offer benefits in terms of ride quality and fuel efficiency compared to larger wheels, while still providing a good contact patch with the road.

Driver-Focused Features

Several features in the Glanza S enhance the driving experience. The tilt-adjustable steering column allows drivers to find their optimal driving position, crucial for both comfort and control during spirited driving sessions. Other driver-centric features include power steering that adapts to different driving conditions, a 4.2-inch digital cluster for precise engine speed monitoring, and a gear shift indicator to optimize shift points for both performance and efficiency.

Conclusion

The Toyota Glanza S represents an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts on a budget. It offers a well-rounded package that balances performance, efficiency, and practicality. While it may not be the most powerful or feature-laden option in its segment, it provides a solid foundation for those seeking an engaging driving experience without excessive cost.

Its combination of a responsive engine, well-tuned chassis, and everyday usability makes it a versatile choice that can satisfy both the enthusiast's desire for driving enjoyment and the practical needs of daily transportation. For those looking to explore the world of enthusiast driving without committing to a more expensive or impractical vehicle, the Glanza S stands out as a compelling option.

In essence, the Toyota Glanza S demonstrates that driving enjoyment need not come at a premium price, offering an accessible entry point into the world of enthusiast motoring that's within reach for a wide range of buyers.