Maruti Baleno vs Toyota Glanza vs Tata Altroz: Maruti Baleno, Toyota Glanza and Tata Altroz are three strong options for those buying premium hatchbacks on the occasion of Diwali. The ex-showroom price of Baleno starts from around ₹ 5.99 lakh and goes up to ₹ 9.99 lakh. The Glanza is available between ₹6.99 lakh to ₹10.98 lakh, while the Altroz starts around ₹5.99 lakh and goes up to ₹10.65 lakh.
All three are in the sub-4 meter segment and offer petrol and CNG options. Diesel is also available in Altroz. It is important to compare them to know which one is better for Diwali duty on the basis of price, mileage, features and safety. Let us know about the details of the three hatchbacks from design to engine and performance.
Design
The base of Baleno and Glanza is the same, but after the facelift, changes are seen in the front profile of both. Baleno has an updated grille, LED lighting and a sleek look in the side profile. Glanza has a bolder grille, side skirt and sporty approach, which makes it look a little different. The design of Altroz is more muscular and stylish. Sharp lines, LED DRLs, dual-tone roof option and big wheels give it a premium hatchback look. In external appearance, Altroz looks different and attractive, whereas Baleno-Glanza is more familiar and practical.
interior
Cabin space is good in all three cars. The wheelbase of Baleno and Glanza is 2520 mm, while that of Altroz is 2501 mm. Boot space is 345 liters (highest) in Altroz, 318 liters in Baleno-Glanza. The interiors of Baleno and Glanza come with a 9-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats (higher variants), head-up display and wireless charger with cooling. The Altroz gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital cluster, sunroof (in some variants), rear AC vents and better build quality experience. The Altroz feels slightly better in terms of materials and finish, while the Baleno-Glanza is more user-friendly and spacious.
Features
The Baleno and Glanza come with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 360-degree camera, auto climate control and connected features. Level 2 ADAS (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking etc.) is available in the top variant. The Altroz also has a 360 camera, wireless charging, air purifier, sunroof and a good infotainment system, but no ADAS. The top variants of Baleno and Glanza are ahead in the list of features.
Safety
6 airbags are standard in all three. Baleno and Glanza get ESP, Hill Hold, TPMS and Level 2 ADAS in the top variants. The biggest strength of the Altroz is its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating (strong scores in both adult and child protection). Altroz is considered the safest in terms of build quality and crash test performance. Baleno-Glanza also offers good passive safety, but Altroz is ahead in rated crash test.
Engine and Mileage
Both Baleno and Glanza have the new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z12E petrol engine, which produces around 83 brake horsepower and 112 Nm torque. Available with 5-speed manual or AMT. About 70 brake horsepower is available in CNG. ARAI mileage is 23.80 km/l (MT) and 24.77 km/l (AMT) in petrol, up to 33.61 km/kg in CNG.
The Altroz has 1.2-litre petrol (around 87-88 brake horsepower, 115 Nm), 1.5-litre diesel (around 90 brake horsepower, 200 Nm) and CNG options. Petrol mileage is around 19.3 km/l, diesel around 23.6 km/l and CNG gives good returns. Baleno-Glanza is better in terms of mileage and running costs, while Altroz offers more powertrain options.
Who to buy: Maruti Baleno seems to be the most balanced option for low running cost, good mileage, features and value on Diwali. If you want Toyota’s reliability and service network then Glanza will be right. If safety, build quality and diesel engine are priority then Tata Altroz is better. Do take a test drive as per requirement.
