As the automotive industry continually evolves, hatchbacks have remained a popular choice for many due to their versatility, affordability, and practicality. Among the notable contenders in this segment, the Toyota Glanza, particularly the Manual Transmission (MT) variant, has made its mark as a reliable and efficient vehicle. After several months of extensive use, it's time to wrap up our long-term review of the Toyota Glanza MT, examining how it has performed across various parameters and how it stands as a contender in the competitive hatchback market.
Introduction to the Toyota Glanza MT
The Toyota Glanza, a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, was launched in 2019 as part of a strategic partnership between Toyota and Suzuki. The Glanza MT, equipped with a manual transmission, has been particularly appealing to those who enjoy the direct connection between driver and machine, which manual gear shifts offer. Over the past year, we've put the Glanza MT through its paces in various driving conditions, from city commutes to long highway drives, and even some challenging rural terrains.
Exterior Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Toyota Glanza MT boasts a sleek and modern design, with a front fascia that features a sharp grille, complemented by stylish LED projector headlamps. The overall design is subtly sporty, with smooth lines and a well-proportioned body that gives it a balanced look. The 16-inch alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication, enhancing its road presence.
The build quality of the Glanza is commendable, with Toyota's reputation for durability evident in the solid feel of the car. Despite being a rebadged Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Glanza carries the Toyota badge with pride, offering a well-assembled structure with no noticeable panel gaps or inconsistencies. The paint quality has also held up well over time, maintaining its gloss and finish even after exposure to various weather conditions.
Interior and Comfort
The interior of the Toyota Glanza MT is where the car truly shines in terms of practicality and comfort. The cabin is spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it suitable for long journeys. The seats are well-cushioned and offer good lumbar support, which is crucial for comfort during extended drives.
The dashboard layout is clean and functional, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly interface. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, is intuitive and responsive, providing seamless connectivity for navigation, music, and hands-free communication. The sound quality from the four-speaker audio system is decent, though audiophiles might find it a bit lacking in bass.
In terms of storage, the Glanza offers adequate boot space for a hatchback, with 339 liters available to accommodate luggage, groceries, or other essentials. The rear seats can be folded down to further increase storage capacity, making it flexible for various needs.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Toyota Glanza MT is powered by a 1.2-liter K-Series petrol engine that produces 82.9 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque. While these numbers may not seem particularly impressive on paper, the real-world performance of the Glanza MT has been more than satisfactory.
The engine is smooth and refined, with a linear power delivery that makes city driving a breeze. The manual transmission is slick, with well-spaced gear ratios that allow for quick shifts and effortless acceleration. The clutch is light, which reduces fatigue during stop-and-go traffic, and the steering is well-weighted, providing good feedback without being overly heavy.
On the highway, the Glanza MT is a competent performer, cruising comfortably at higher speeds while maintaining stability. The car feels planted on the road, with minimal body roll around corners, thanks to its well-tuned suspension setup. The brakes are responsive and provide adequate stopping power, instilling confidence in the driver during sudden deceleration.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the standout features of the Toyota Glanza MT is its fuel efficiency. Over the course of our long-term testing, the Glanza consistently delivered impressive mileage figures. In city driving conditions, the car averaged around 18-19 km/l, while on the highway, it managed to stretch this to 21-22 km/l. These figures are in line with Toyota's claims and make the Glanza an economical choice for daily commuting as well as long-distance travel.
The engine's fuel efficiency is further enhanced by the smart hybrid technology, which features an idle start-stop system. This system automatically switches off the engine when the car is stationary and restarts it when the clutch is engaged, reducing fuel consumption during idling. While this feature is more beneficial in heavy traffic, it's a welcome addition for those looking to save on fuel costs.
Maintenance and Ownership Experience
When it comes to maintenance, the Toyota Glanza MT has proven to be a hassle-free vehicle to own. Toyota's extensive service network and reputation for reliability have ensured that regular servicing and maintenance are convenient and cost-effective. Over the long term, the Glanza required only routine servicing, with no major issues or unexpected repairs cropping up.
The service intervals recommended by Toyota are every 10,000 kilometers, and each service visit was smooth, with professional handling by the service centers. The cost of ownership remained within reasonable limits, with no significant expenses apart from regular consumables like engine oil, filters, and brake pads.
Toyota's customer service has also been commendable, with prompt responses to queries and concerns. The warranty coverage provided further peace of mind, ensuring that any potential issues would be addressed without hassle.
Ride Comfort and Noise Insulation
Ride comfort in the Toyota Glanza MT is a highlight, with the car offering a balanced and composed experience across different driving conditions. The suspension system, which is tuned more towards comfort, does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces.
The cabin remains relatively quiet at lower speeds, with minimal intrusion of road and wind noise. However, at higher speeds, especially on highways, some engine and wind noise do seep into the cabin, though it’s not excessively intrusive. For a car in this segment, the noise insulation is on par with competitors, and overall, the Glanza offers a comfortable environment for passengers.
Safety Features
Safety is a crucial aspect of any vehicle, and the Toyota Glanza MT does not disappoint in this regard. The car is equipped with a range of safety features that ensure the well-being of its occupants. These include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), rear parking sensors, and a high-speed warning alert.
The Glanza also comes with ISOFIX child seat anchors, which add an extra layer of safety for families with young children. While the car does lack some of the advanced driver assistance systems found in higher-end models, it covers the basics effectively, making it a safe choice in its segment.
In terms of crash safety, the Toyota Glanza has performed reasonably well in safety tests, though specific crash test ratings from independent agencies like Global NCAP for this model are not widely available. However, given Toyota’s emphasis on safety and the structural integrity observed during our testing, the Glanza MT is expected to provide adequate protection in the event of a collision.
Competitor Comparison
To fully appreciate the Toyota Glanza MT, it’s essential to compare it with its rivals in the hatchback segment. The Glanza competes directly with models like the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and the Maruti Suzuki Swift. Each of these competitors brings its strengths to the table, making the hatchback segment highly competitive.
- **Hyundai i20**: The Hyundai i20 is known for its premium features, modern design, and powerful engine options. However, it comes at a higher price point compared to the Glanza. While the i20 offers a more upscale interior and advanced technology, the Glanza edges out in terms of fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
- **Tata Altroz**: The Tata Altroz is a strong contender with its robust build quality, five-star Global NCAP safety rating, and sharp design. The Altroz also offers a slightly more engaging driving experience, particularly in its diesel variant. However, the Glanza’s smooth petrol engine and Toyota’s after-sales service network give it an advantage in long-term ownership experience.
- **Maruti Suzuki Swift**: The Swift, like the Glanza, is known for its fuel efficiency and nimble handling. The Swift has a sportier character, but the Glanza offers more interior space and a slightly more refined driving experience. Both cars are neck and neck in terms of maintenance costs and service support.
Final Verdict
After spending considerable time with the Toyota Glanza MT, it's clear that this hatchback has a lot to offer, especially for those seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient, and practical daily driver. The Glanza MT combines the best of both worlds – the Japanese engineering prowess of Toyota and the cost-effectiveness associated with Maruti Suzuki platforms.
Its strengths lie in its fuel efficiency, comfort, and ease of maintenance. While it may not be the most exciting car in terms of performance or design, it excels in providing a dependable and stress-free ownership experience. The manual transmission variant, in particular, appeals to purists who appreciate the engagement that comes with shifting gears manually.
In conclusion, the Toyota Glanza MT is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a no-nonsense hatchback that delivers on all the essential fronts. Whether you're a first-time car buyer or someone looking to downsize from a larger vehicle, the Glanza MT makes a compelling case for itself in the crowded hatchback market. With its blend of practicality, efficiency, and Toyota's legendary reliability, the Glanza MT is a car that can serve you well for years to come.