Ever since the first spy pictures hit the internet, there has been plenty of talk and speculation about Toyota’s version of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Toyota Glanza. And while we did know it was set to be launched early in the month of June, we now have official confirmation – the Toyota Glanza’s launch will take place on June 6, 2019.
In addition to announcing the launch date, Toyota has also released another teaser video, which reveals the face of the Glanza. As we have already seen in spy pictures, the Glanza gets a new, chrome-lined grille, but apart from that, it is identical to the Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift on the outside. It even wears the same alloy wheels as the Baleno. At the back, the only changes are the addition of the Toyota and Glanza badges, and the variant logo. The ‘V’ variant will likely be the top-spec model based on the Baleno's Alpha trim level; and below it will sit a ‘G’ variant based on the Baleno Zeta.
Coming to the Toyota Glanza’s interior, once again, it’s almost exactly the same as that of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift. From the dash layout and steering wheel to the colour scheme for the upholstery, the Glanza is practically the same as the Baleno on the inside, barring the Toyota logo on the steering. Even the 7.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system appears to be the same as the Baleno’s SmartPlay Studio unit, and it remains to be seen if Toyota makes any tweaks to the system’s interface or adds any new features for the Glanza.
As for the Toyota Glanza’s engine options, the only unit on offer at launch is likely to be the 84hp, 1.2-litre, K12B petrol engine from the Baleno facelift, and there will be no diesel engine option. Sources suggest that in addition to the K12B, the Toyota Glanza could also get the option of the new, 1.2-litre K12C DualJet with the Smart Hybrid system sometime in the future. On the transmission front, the Toyota Glanza will get a 5-speed manual gearbox as well as the option of a CVT.
The key differentiator for the Glanza will likely be its longer standard warranty. The Glanza is expected to come with a three-year/1,00,000km warranty as standard, like what’s offered on other Toyota models in India. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno, in comparison, comes with a standard two-year/40,000km warranty. Toyota is also likely to offer extended warranty plans with the Glanza, including a five-year True warranty package that can be opted for within the period of standard manufacturing warranty, and the seven-year Toyota Timeless Warranty package, which can be purchased after the standard warranty is over.
For those of you who are curious, the Toyota Glanza's price will be a little higher than the Maruti Suzuki Baleno's, as Toyota will only sell the Glanza in two high-spec variants. Once it’s launched, the Toyota Glanza’s rivals will include the Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz and the upcoming Tata Altroz.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
