2019 Toyota Glanza: Top five things that you should know

In 2017, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota officially confirmed that both the Japanese automobile manufacturers had agreed to begin concrete examinations towards the realisation of business partnership in areas including environmental, information and safety technologies and mutual supply of products and components. The companies had decided to establish an implementation framework aimed at bringing to realisation the points that have been mutually agreed upon.  The first product, which is a result of this partnership, is the Toyota Glanza that is based on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Toyota has already started teasing the hatchback on its social channels and we believe the launch of the Toyota Glanza could happen in June 2019. Here are the top five things that you should know about the Toyota Glanza.

1) Positioning: 

The Toyota Glanza will be positioned above the Maruti Suzuki Baleno in terms of pricing, which could attract a premium of Rs 30-50,000. The Glanza is set to be available in two trims corresponding with the Zeta and Alpha trims of the Baleno.

2) Dual-jet BSVI engine:

Maruti Suzuki recently introduced the new BSVI compliant 1.2l dual-jet petrol engine in the Baleno with a mild-hybrid system. This system features a torque assist function and an improved start-stop system. A brake energy regeneration system that recharges the lithium-ion battery under deceleration is on offer as well.  The Toyota Glanza could  be offered with this engine, in addition to the 1.3l diesel engine.

3) Styling:

From the teaser video, we can see that the Toyota Glanza does not look too distinct from the Baleno hatchback. However, the grille and the front bumper are expected to get a similar design theme as seen on some of the premium offerings from Toyota.  We expect it to get most features of the Baleno like climate control, push button start rain sensing wipers, a touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto/Apple Carplay.

4) Availability:

We believe Toyota dealerships across the country will start accepting bookings shortly wherein the launch is expected to take place in June 2019. Toyota could offer its own warranty package, accessories and after-sales services with the Glanza.

5) Rivals:

The Toyota Glanza will compete with the likes of Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo, the upcoming premium hatchback from Tata Motors - the Altroz and also the Maruti Suzuki Baleno.

Maruti Suzuki has updated its executive board with the appointment of the Shashank Srivastava as the company's new head of marketing and sales. It is being said that this rejig in the top position is in line with the company's new plans of working with Toyota as well as the new emission norms that come into effect from next year onward. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki has re-appointed Kenichi Ayukawa as the Managing Director of the company. Ayukawa will be serving his third tenure as Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, his first being in March 2013. In a different filing, Maruti Suzuki's board also passed an approval on the manufacturing of its compact SUV offering, the Vitara Brezza by Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) at its own facility in early 2022. Maruti Suzuki believes that this will help the company save money from investing in a new manufacturing facility. This rebadged and also the new variants of Vitara Brezza will be sold through the sales channel of both Maruti Suzuki and TKM respectively. In addition, Maruti Suzuki's board has also approved supplying a derivative of the Baleno to TKM which would help in increasing the sales of the premium hatchback. Further, the board has also given a green signal to the use of Toyota Hybrid System (THS) in the company's future offerings.

Also read,

2019 Toyota Glanza hatchback, rebadged Baleno teased in a video

Maruti Suzuki to discontinue diesel models from 2020 – will offer an EV for Rs 9 lakh

Toyota looking to produce and jointly sell models developed by Maruti Suzuki

Maruti, Suzuki and Toyota and the future of electric vehicles in India

Maruti Suzuki appoints Shashank Srivastava as marketing and sales head

Kenichi Ayukawa re-appointed as Managing Director at Maruti Suzuki India