Spec Comparison: Toyota Glanza vs Hyundai Elite i20

The Glanza made its entry amidst much fanfare. This marks Toyota’s first plunge into the highly competitive premium hatchback segment in India. And the Japanese giant has done that by rebadging the highest selling car in the segment – the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Now the only other car in the segment which gives the Baleno a run for its money is the Hyundai Elite i20. So let us see how the newcomer Glanza goes up against the Korean hatchback in our spec comparison.

Exterior 

In terms of appearance, the Glanza barely differs from the car it is based upon. Omitting the new Toyota grille, the rest of the fascia remains unchanged. This holds true for the side and at the rear as well. Nonetheless, since the Glanza is based on the higher variants of the Baleno, you do get the LED day-time-running lights and stylish alloy wheels here. In comparison, the Elite i20 has a bit more going on for it. The floating roofline, flamboyant yet not overly done fascia, the stubby stance, handsome wheels and the funky paint schemes make the Elite i20 feel more upmarket. But the Baleno-based Glanza is bigger in dimension than the Elite i20. 

Interior 

Both these cars are pretty well laden as far as the features list is concerned. This list includes climate control, touchscreen infotainment system with CarPlay and Android Auto, chrome accents both on the inside and outside and height adjustment for the driver’s seat. That said, the Elite i20 gets an edge since it is also being offered with wireless charging. And the Glanza is the first Toyota product to come with CarPlay and Android Auto since it uses Maruti’s fairly average infotainment system.

Engine and gearbox 

Under the hood of the Glanza, there are two BS-VI compliant 1.2-litre petrol engine options. The K12B unit making 83bhp of power is joined by the K12C DualJet motor producing 89bhp. The former gets a choice of five-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission while the latter is only available with a five-speed manual. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a diesel engine option now and there is no chance of it joining the line-up later either. 

Meanwhile, the Hyundai Elite i20 can be had with either a 1.2-litre petrol or a 1.4-litre diesel. The petrol engine is good for 82bhp/115Nm and is offered with a five-speed manual or a CVT. The diesel produces 89bhp/220Nm and is only offered with a six-speed manual.