Toyota Glanza : In a segment that is mostly dominated by SUVs, compact hatchbacks have it really tough, and the Toyota Glanza stays silent in the class.
It’s not shouting for attention or trying to reinvent the wheel — instead, it’s an effort to do the basics extremely well. And sometimes that’s precisely what makes a car appealing.
Co-developed with Maruti Suzuki (yes, it has a lot in common with the Baleno), the Glanza has been sprinkled with a few extra measures of Toyota’s reliability and extended warranty package, to make the purchase decision easier for most buyers.
Design: Understated Yet Elegant
There are no mad design gimmicks here in the Glanza. Instead, it’s all about clean lines, a well-proportioned body, and discreet chrome accents.
The front grille is less chunky, the LED DRLs look sharp, and the alloy wheels contribute with some bling without being too excessive.
In conclusion, it’s a good-looking little hatch. Sleek enough for professionals and quiet enough for families. And that’s what is to like about the design, as plain as it is — no fuss, no muss, just lean-and-mean machined elegance.
Cabin Comfort and Tech
Step inside, and the cabin will gobsmack you with its feeling of space. It feels light and airy inside the car, and well-designed ergonomics ensure a comfortable seating posture.
The seats are supportive, fit-and-finish levels are very good, and the dual-tone finishes on the dashboard give its cabin a premium feel.
On the tech side of things, the Glanza features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital instrument cluster, push start/stop, auto climate control, rear AC vents and a 360-degree camera on the higher-spec trims.
It doesn’t go nuts with features, but it has everything you need and it’s all right there — smartly integrated, easy to use.
Performance: Steady and Unhurried
Under the bonnet, the Glanza is equipped with a 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine that makes about 89 bhp and 113 Nm of peak torque.
You have a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission and a CVT-similar 5-speed AMT (Auto Gear Shift).
This engine doesn’t appeal in raw power — it’s all about smoothness and efficiency. The Glanza feels light and quick in city driving.
The manual is sweet, light and slick, and the AMT is a boon in traffic. Highway drive is fuss free and the vehicle holds its line quite well up to moderate speeds, but a sudden overtake may need some patience.
Ride Quality and Handling
The suspension setup is on the softer side and soaks up most bumps and potholes without a fuss. It’s not the sportiest handler in the world, but it maintains its line nicely and feels steady in curves.
The steering is light — perfect for the city — and the braking is confident and predictable.
All in all, it’s a car that feels secure and stress-free, whether you’re slipping through narrow city lanes or plotting a weekend escape.
Mileage That Matters
And here’s where the twist comes in – and its the fact that the Glanza returns a claimed fuel-efficiency figure of 22-23 kmpl across variants.
It’s also hard to beat in this segment. It’s the kind of car that you fuel up and forget — a blessing in light of the price of fuel these days.
There’s a CNG version on offer too for those who want further reduce running costs, ensuring that the Glanza is an economic proposition in every which way.
Pros
Smart, mature design coupled with Toyota’s sterling reputation
Roomy and comfortable interior
Good mileage (petrol + CNG) (It is now available in petrol)
Packed with some of the most advanced features
Supported by Toyota’s solid service network and warranty
Cons
They share design with Baleno, so that can be a let-off for the brand purists.
Engine misses the mark for the driving enthusiast
No diesel option
AMT isn’t as smooth as an actual CVT
Lower trims are lacking in some equipment
Toyota Glanza: Final Verdict
The Toyota Glanza isn’t going to impress you with pizzazz — it’s going to impress you with reliability, comfort, and a good deal.
It’s a hatchback that gets all the important things right: It’s efficient, spacious and easy to drive, and is backed by Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
If you are the sort for whom peace of mind for a lifetime, stress-free ownership and a dash of premium without premium brings a smile, then the Glanza is a massively under-rated gem to consider.