Under the hood, the Toyota Glanza features the 1.2-liter K12 engine, which is great for urban driving. The engine is smooth and offers sufficient low-end torque, making it ideal for stop-and-go traffic. Coupled with a light clutch and responsive gearbox, the Glanza is easy to drive in the city. The auto-start-stop feature also contributes to fuel efficiency in city traffic.

The Toyota Glanza Manual transmission returns an efficiency of 22.3 Km/l while the Glanza AMT returns an efficiency of 22.9 Km/l.

On highways, the Glanza performs decently at moderate speeds but falls short when pushed hard. At higher speeds, engine noise becomes more noticeable, and the performance doesn’t quite match the engine’s power output. For those seeking spirited highway driving, the Glanza may not be the best choice.

Inside the Glanza, Toyota has created a cabin that feels more spacious than the Baleno, thanks to the combination of beige and piano black trims compared to Baleno’s all black interior. This gives the car a less claustrophobic feel. 

The 9-inch touchscreen (available on higher trims) is intuitive and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it can suffer from some reflection under direct sunlight. That’s a flaw Toyota could have addressed easily. 

The interior feels premium, with high-quality controls and switches. In this segment, we don’t really expect any soft touch treatment on the dashboard, and the Toyota Glanza is not an exception. Everything feels plastic-ky as usual, but the quality has definitely improved over the last generation model. 

The Toyota Glanza does not follow the trend of touch-based AC controls but uses traditional switches, allowing you to adjust the temperature and blower speed without taking your eyes off the road. The presence of rear AC vents and charging ports adds to the convenience for passengers.

While the front seats are comfortable, their bolsters are a little soft, making dynamic driving less comfortable. Rear-seat passengers will appreciate the legroom, though the rear seats could use firmer cushioning for longer trips. 

Other than that, the thigh support is good enough for people under 6 ft. People above that may find it a bit uncomfortable on longer journeys, and the same is the case with the headroom. 

If you need more space, you should have a look at the Kia Syros. 

Toyota has given the Glanza a distinctive appearance, moving away from the sportier, aggressive design seen in the Maruti Baleno. The Glanza features a sleek single-line chrome grille and simple yet premium projector headlamps. 

The top trims also come with an elegant single-line DRL design. 

The rear is almost identical to the Baleno, but Toyota has added LED tail lamps with a single-line design, giving it a more refined look.

Unlike some of its competitors like the Hyundai i20 Toyota has kept the alloy wheel design simple with an 8-spoke layout. The alloys look bold but not overdone, offering a clean, classic look that complements the Glanza’s premium vibe.

The Toyota Glanza is a practical, well-rounded car that offers solid performance, a comfortable interior, and impressive fuel efficiency. While it’s perfect for urban driving, it may not be the best choice for those who prioritize high-speed performance or aggressive styling.

Would you choose the Toyota Glanza over its competitors? Share your thoughts with us!

The Toyota Glanza is available at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 6.9 Lakhs for the base and Rs. 9.99 Lakhs for the Top AMT; offering an excellent balance of features, practicality, and fuel efficiency. It competes well with hatchbacks like the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and provides more value in the segment for those seeking a practical car with a premium feel. The Glanza is perfect for daily commuting, with low running costs and decent comfort.

One area where Toyota excels is its after-sales service. While Maruti Suzuki has a wide service network, Toyota dealerships are often regarded as providing a more hassle-free, premium experience, especially in metro cities. This added level of service could be a deciding factor for many potential buyers.