Model sharing is a fairly common practice among automobile manufacturers as part of their partnerships/alliances. And that’s the case with the Toyota Glanza and Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Both models share the same platform, features and powertrain options. Recently, both hatches received the factory-fitted CNG kit option. So, which of the two should you buy? Let’s try to find the answer by comparing the two premium hatchbacks.
What’s common between the two?
1. Powertrain
| Engine | 1.2-litre DualJet DualVVT naturally aspirated petrol with idle start/stop |
| No of Cylinders | 4 |
| Max Power | 90PS (Petrol) / 77.5PS (CNG) |
| Max Torque | 113Nm (Petrol) / 98.5Nm (CNG) |
| Gearbox Options | 5-speed MT or AMT (Petrol) / 5-speed MT (CNG) |
| Claimed Fuel Efficiency | 22.35kmpl (MT), 22.94kmpl (AMT), 30.61km/kg (CNG) |
- Both the Baleno and Glanza are powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 77.5PS and 98.5Nm of peak output in CNG guise, a drop of 12.5PS and 14.5Nm when compared to its petrol-only mode.
- Unlike the petrol-powered variant, which also gets the choice of a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission, the CNG variants are only geared using a 5-speed manual unit.
- Both hatchbacks are claimed to return an exceptional fuel efficiency of 30.61km/kg.
2. Dimensions
| Length | 3,990mm |
| Width | 1,745mm |
| Height | 1,500mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,520mm |
| CNG Tank Capacity | 55 litres (water equivalent) |
Since the Toyota Glanza is a rebadged version of the Maruti Baleno, both share the exact dimensions.
3. Features
Both Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have provided the CNG option on the second-from-base Delta / S and second-from-top Zeta / G variants of their respective premium hatchbacks. So they get an identical set of features. Key highlights include: –
- Automatic LED projector headlamps
- Rear wiper & washer
- Dual-tone interiors
- Coloured MID
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
- 6-speakers
- Connected car tech
- Power adjustable & foldable ORVMs
- Push button start
- 6 Airbags
- Rear parking sensors with camera
What is the difference between the two?
1. Price
| Toyota Glanza CNG | Maruti Baleno CNG | Difference |
| S: Rs 8.43 lakh | Delta: Rs 8.28 lakh | +Rs 15,000 |
| G: 9.46 lakh | Zeta: Rs 9.21 lakh | +Rs 25,000 |
The above table indicates that the Toyota Glanza is up to Rs 25,000 more expensive than the Baleno CNG. For this added premium, it gets a few cosmetic enhancements and added warranty package. Here’re the details: –
2. Design/Visual Changes
- The biggest difference for the Glanza is its unique front-end styling, which sets it apart from the Baleno. It gets a single strip of chrome in the centre of the grille, interrupted by Toyota’s badging. On the other hand, the Baleno features Nexa’s latest wave grille.
- There is a sportier-looking air dam in Glanza’s front bumper, as well as black cladding that extends from the air dam to the chin, giving it a more dynamic look. On the contrary, the Baleno looks more premium with the horizontal slats in the air dam, which merges into the fog lamp housing on either end of the bumper.
- While the outer profile of the main headlamps is similar in both hatchbacks, their internal arrangement differs in their top-spec variants.
- While both get 16-inch alloy wheels, their design is different for each hatch.
- The dashboard design of the Toyota Glanza is similar to that of the Baleno. However, it comes wrapped in a beige and black dual-tone scheme, which gives it a more upmarket feel. In contrast, the Maruti Baleno’s cabin is mostly black with blue accents.
3. Standard Warranty Package
Toyota offers the Glanza with a 3-year/1 lakh km warranty as standard, while Maruti Suzuki Baleno comes with a 2-year/40,000km factory warranty.
Conclusion
It is entirely up to you to decide which of the two cars you prefer since both have identical features and specifications. Personally, I would pick the Toyota Glanza for its superior warranty package and its sportier yet premium appeal.
