The 2026 Toyota Glanza facelift was launched in October, and it gets new powertrain options, additional features and minor design changes. However, it also misses out on a few things. Here, we look at what the updated Toyota hatchback gets right and where there is room for improvement.
Hits
More efficient powertrain
The Glanza now gets a new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that runs on petrol and CNG. Compared to the previous four-cylinder engine, claimed fuel efficiency in petrol mode has improved to 23.80kpl with the manual transmission, up from 22.35kpl, and 24.77kpl with the AMT, up from 22.94kpl.
In CNG mode, the claimed mileage has increased to 33.61km/kg with the manual gearbox, up from 30.61km/kg. The new AMT option for the Glanza CNG has a claimed mileage of 34.47km/kg.
Automatic gearbox choice with CNG
With the Glanza facelift, Toyota has introduced the choice of an automatic gearbox, an AMT in this case. Buyers who regularly commute in stop-and-go traffic will appreciate the ease of driving, along with the good fuel efficiency claimed by the carmaker.
What's your first reaction to Glanza?
New convenience and safety features
Given our climate, ventilated front seats are a welcome addition. The new Level 2 ADAS suite should also improve the Glanza's safety quotient.
While we haven't reviewed the new Glanza yet, our experience with the Baleno facelift gives us a reference point. During our brief test drive, the ADAS features worked as intended and felt well calibrated, without being overly intrusive. A wireless charger with ventilation has been added as well.
Continues to offer physical controls
Like the outgoing model, the facelifted Glanza continues to offer plenty of physical controls for functions such as climate control and audio. These are easier to use and less distracting than accessing functions buried under multiple sub-menus on the touchscreen.
Misses
Priced comparatively higher than Baleno
The Glanza is pricier than the Baleno across comparable petrol variants, with the price difference ranging from Rs 71,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The gap is similar for the CNG versions, with the Toyota hatchback costing between Rs 76,000 to Rs 99,000 relatively more. Since the changes between the two are largely cosmetic, the price difference seems significant.
New engine makes relatively less power and torque
In petrol mode, the new engine produces 83hp and 112Nm, which is 7hp and 1Nm less than the outgoing model’s four-cylinder unit. In CNG mode, it produces 70hp and 102Nm. This is 7hp less but 4.5Nm more than the outgoing model. Based on our experience with the Baleno, which uses the same powertrains, the new engine doesn’t feel as peppy as the older K-Series unit or as strong at higher revs.
Misses out on some features offered by rivals
A rear centre armrest would have improved passenger comfort in a premium hatchback like the Glanza, and a single-pane sunroof would also have added to its appeal. Both features are available on its direct rivals, the Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20.
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
