Toyota Glanza (2022-2026) 1.2 CNG G

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For your usage pattern, the Maruti Baleno or Toyota Glanza would be the most sensible choices. Both cars are essentially the same underneath, so the decision comes down to dealership experience and after-sales support in your area. The Baleno/Glanza offer a more spacious cabin than the Maruti Suzuki Swift, making them better suited to long-distance highway runs, and now get the same 3-cylinder engine too - the Toyota Glanza facelift is soon to launch. The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, and the seats are comfortable enough for extended journeys, which will help reduce fatigue on your 500-600 km trips.The Hyundai i20 is also a strong contender, with a more premium interior and a slightly more planted feel at higher speeds. However, the Baleno/Glanza has a more spacious rear seat and better fuel efficiency, which makes it a more practical choice for your requirements. In terms of safety, all three cars offer similar levels of equipment, but this Hyundai Car feels slightly more solidly built.If you are open to considering other options, the Tata Altroz is worth a look. It has a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, a solid build, and good highway stability. And if you stretch your budget slightly, you can get the diesel engine, which will be hugely beneficial on the highway in terms of performance and mileage, and is also better than the Altroz's own petrol engine.It's worth noting that all the hatchbacks you've shortlisted use naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engines, which, though adequate, might feel lacking out on the highway, where you will do most of your driving. Thus, we would also recommend checking out some turbo-petrol options that fall in your price range, such as the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Renault Triber, Hyundai i20 N-Line and Tata Punch, which all meet your needs well.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Toyota Glanza (2022-2026)

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Hyundai i20

Tata Altroz

Nissan Magnite

Renault Kiger

Renault Triber

Tata Punch

autocar.india

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If you want to buy now, go for the current Glanza G. We are yet to drive the new Baleno with its three-cylinder engine, but going by our experience with the Swift, it is unlikely to be as smooth as the existing four-cylinder unit, and performance is likely to take a small hit as well.The new Baleno does get more features, which is something to keep in mind, but if engine refinement and performance are important, the current Glanza's four-cylinder engine has the advantage.There is also an important timing factor with the Glanza. The current Glanza has not received the update yet, but the facelift is due to launch on October 14 and will also move to the new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine. So, if you specifically want the smoother four-cylinder engine, this is effectively your last opportunity to buy the current Glanza.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Toyota Glanza (2022-2026)

autocar.india

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For your usage, a petrol hatchback is the more sensible choice. Your running is low, and while you do two long trips a month of 250-300 km each, that is still well within the comfort zone of a petrol car. EVs make the most sense when daily running is high and predictable, and when home charging is available and used regularly.On long trips, electric cars require planning around charging stops, which can add time and complexity, especially if you are not keen on managing charging infrastructure. A petrol hatchback will give you complete flexibility on your highway trips, with no range anxiety or charging considerations. It is also easier to live with in the long term, especially at your age, where simplicity and ease of ownership matter more than fuel savings.If you are specifically looking at hatchbacks, the Maruti Suzuki Swift or Hyundai Grand i10 Nios are both excellent options, offering reliability, comfort and low running costs. If you are open to a slightly higher budget, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno or Toyota Glanza offer more space and comfort while still being easy to drive. Overall, go for a petrol hatchback and enjoy hassle-free ownership.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Toyota Glanza (2022-2026)