Battle of the Premium hatch! Altroz vs. Glanza vs. Baleno

Today we will be comparing the strongest contenders in the premium hatchback segment. This segment itself was created by Hyundai i20 in India but we will skip that car as of now.  Find out below about Tata Altroz vs. Maruti Baleno vs. Toyota Glanza.

Design and exteriors

Before we start with any specifics, you need to remember that Maruti Baleno and Toyota Glanza are both manufactured in the same plant with different badging.  As a result, most of the qualities will be similar for both cars.  Exteriors mostly depend on personal taste.

Starting with the front of Glanza, there is a lot of chrome usage from this Toyota’s offering.  Heavy usage of chrome may work as a dealbreaker for some customers.  You get projector headlamps and DRLs in respective car variants. A bulb based fog lamp is also present. The exteriors of both Glanza and Baleno are good. There was only a facelift recently in which you get newer design Alloy 16-inch wheels.  There is heavy usage of chrome throughout the body of Glanza. You get 339 litres of boot space but with higher boot lip which hinders in ingress-egress of luggage. You get a 15-inch spare wheel.

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Coming to the Tata Altroz,  you will find the styling of this car quite unique.  You get black style elements used throughout the body of the car which is definitely sportier compared to chrome.  You also get dual-tone roof in this car which is one of its USP. Wheel size is the same here.  The body looks sleek, stylish and streamlined.  The black theme is carried over the front part too.  The Altroz looks more aggressive compared to Glanza and Baleno which are known for their subtle looks.

Interiors

Build quality of interiors in Glanza and Baleno are not the most eye-catching of the lot. Touch and feel also is OK.  You also do not get the solid ‘Thud’ noise.  Plastic dominates the interiors and make it less premium. The seats are very comfortable.  You also get a touchscreen infotainment system in both Glanza and Baleno with Android Auto and Apple Car Play.  The instrument cluster is old school with a small digital MID for driver info.  You also get airbags and ABS with EBD.

Nexa cars are known for extra features over Arena and this car is no different. You miss out on premium unique features though.  The back seats are a little less reclined preventing comfortable long trips You do not have rear AC vents, third passenger headrest.  Space for two passengers is OK.  The suspension for the rear seats are not too good either.  You get a lot of storage space, typical of Maruti cars without adjustable armrest. The sound system is decent but not upto the competition

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Starting with the sound system in the Tata Altroz, it is by JBL and definitely better compared to its rival. Loudness and Hip Hop music are its strong points.  Tata is known for its safety. The Tata Altroz is rated 5 star in safety by Global NCAP. Baleno/ Glanza sadly has not undergone any testing.  This is the main USP of the car.  Front seats are a little less comfortable compared to Baleno/Glanza. 

You also get a solid ‘Thud’ sound with the door. The interiors look and feel premium too.  The infotainment system is similar here. You get part digital MID here also.  You do not get an automatic rearview mirror here.  But all other premium features like Auto headlamps, Rain Sensing wipers and others are here.  The central tunnel is no issue here, making it comfortable for third passenger at the back.  You also get rear AC vents here.  You get 345 litres of boot space in the rear of the car. 

Drive impressions

Glanza and Baleno have push start/stop function.  The acceleration is peppy due to its low weight. You only get a petrol engine option. Hybrid functionality is also present. Performance is a notch higher than Altroz but rides comfort is not up to the mark.  The handling, braking is also satisfactory.

Coming to the Altroz, the car feels more premium and sportier to drive.  You get a better steering feel compared to rivals.  This car runs on the road planted and gives you an awesome sense of competition.  You also get various driving modes here.  The Diesel engine here is better compared to its petrol counterpart.  This also is the only car with Diesel engine in the premium hatchback segment.  Ride quality and handling is also the best in segment with efficient braking.  The Tata Altroz’s door also opens a full 90 degrees for easy ingress and egress of passengers and luggage. 

Verdict

The main difference between Toyota Glanza and Maruti Baleno is its warranty service. Toyota offers you the better 3year/1 lakh km warranty while Maruti only provides 2year/40,000km.  Tata Altroz, on the other hand, comes with a 2year/75,000km warranty. The clear winner in this competition will be the Tata Altroz being a better value for money product.  The Vocal for Local also helps.

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