2022 New Toyota Glanza AMT Automatic Review: A Feature Packed Hatchback

The new Baleno was launched a few months back and the key changes were the sturdier build quality, new interior and new engine along with a lot of new features.

2022 New Toyota Glanza. (ABP)

The most affordable Toyota in India is now back in an all new avatar plus this time we have more to tell you in terms of the overall changes. You see, the previous Glanza was just a rebadged Baleno but this time, there are some design changes inside out to bring something new to the market.

 

The new Baleno was launched a few months back and the key changes were the sturdier build quality, new interior and new engine along with a lot of new features. All of that has been carried over to the Glanza as well.

However, design wise, the Glanza is quite different from the Baleno in terms of overall looks. The new look front-end gets a new headlamp set-up with a different L-shaped DLR signature while there is a lot more chrome with the new grille.

 

Lower down the bumper design is more aggressive and looks a lot like the new Camry Hybrid in terms of the two sharp edges coming out while also being finished in carbon fibre effect.

 

It looks chrome heavy and gets some attention while being closer to other Toyota cars as well. The side view and the rear styling is similar to the Baleno facelift but there is not much to complain about as the Baleno always has been a good looking car which is now fresher. The 16-inch alloys also nearly have the same design.

 

In total there are 5 colour options - Sporting Red (New), Gaming Grey (New), Enticing Silver (New), Insta Blue, Café White.

The interior is also different in having a new beige/black colour scheme while use of silver/piano black across the dashboard adds a premium feel to it.

 

It is way better than the previous Baleno in terms of quality and the new Glanza is heavier with better build quality which is felt via the door closing or even the overall fit/finish. There is a new 9-inch touchscreen with a new look infotainment system with a lot more in terms of features.

 

The touchscreen is decent in its functionality while there is connected car tech on offer now plus smartphone connectivity and more. Key highlights include a new 360-degree view camera which really helps during parking while a customizable heads-up display is another stand out feature.

 

The HUD can be customized for height or even for the info. While you do not get a full digital instrument cluster, the feature list contains rear AC vents, cruise control, 6 airbags, Tilt and Telescopic Steering, Steering-mounted audio control with push start and an Arkamys audio system.

Space is big in the rear seat with a more airy feeling compared to other cars but headroom could have been better. Boot space is now reduced to 318 litres though.

 

There is just one petrol engine on offer and that is a new 1.2l petrol with 90hp and 113Nm. It gets idle start/stop for better efficiency and speaking of which, it is now near 23 kmpl overall.

 

Alongside the usual 5-speed manual, there is now an AMT and that's what we had for our test. While it may be an AMT, at low speeds it is very smooth and drives like any conventional gearbox with the pause being cut.

 

It is a huge step forward from previous AMTs and in the city, it's not an issue at all while only being driven hard is when the pause is shown in the shifts. Yet as a comfortable everyday car, the Glanza AMT fits better due to its convenience factor.

In the real world, we got 11-2kmpl in the city and that's still higher than its rivals and that is where the AMT comes in as it brings better efficiency.

 

Compared to the previous Glanza, the steering is much better and the suspension continues to be well suited at handling our roads. That said, the high speed stability and ride could be better. The new Glanza is a perfect premium hatchback for convenience thanks to its improved interior/features list and the efficient AMT gearbox.

 

It looks premium and the Toyota badge along with its after sales service also has its appeal. Overall, it is a premium hatchback that's made for ease of use and it is quite good at that.

What we like- New looks, more features, good fuel efficiency, easy to drive, reliability.

What we do not like- Engine tuned for efficiency, no turbo petrol.