The Indian automotive industry is witnessing a stellar performance by Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) in the ongoing fiscal year. With a strong push from its SUVs, MPVs, and the ever-popular Glanza hatchback, TKM is poised to achieve its highest ever sales figures. This article delves into the success story of the Toyota Glanza, exploring its journey, features, variants, and what makes it a compelling choice for Indian car buyers.
Glanza: A Strategic Rebadge with a Powerful Brand Behind It
Launched in June 2019, the Glanza marked Toyota’s successful foray into the premium hatchback segment in India. Essentially a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Glanza’s USP lies in the trusted Toyota brand name. Despite minimal differentiation (primarily the badges), the Glanza attracted a significant customer base, particularly first-time Toyota buyers in Tier 2 and 3 cities. This can be attributed to the allure of Toyota’s renowned after-sales service, roadside assistance programs, and a longer warranty (3 years/100,000 km) compared to the Baleno’s standard warranty (2 years/40,000 km).
Impressive Sales Trajectory: Glanza Zooms Ahead
While FY2021 and FY2022 witnessed a sales slump across the industry due to the pandemic, the Glanza bounced back remarkably. As of February 2024, the Glanza has registered a total of 156,716 units in wholesales, surpassing the significant milestone of 150,000 units in January 2024. This translates to a noteworthy 32% YoY growth (April 2022-February 2024) compared to the previous year’s figures. Notably, the Glanza contributes a substantial 22% to TKM’s overall passenger vehicle sales and a whopping 96% to the company’s passenger car sales (excluding the Camry sedan).
Second-Gen Glanza and CNG Variant: A Game Changer
The introduction of the second-generation Glanza in March 2022 marked a turning point. To distinguish itself from the Baleno, TKM incorporated unique design elements like redesigned headlights, grille, bumper, and alloy wheels. This refresh, coupled with the launch of the Glanza CNG variant in November 2022, significantly boosted sales. The CNG option caters to the growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles in India. It’s no surprise that Glanza sales surged by a staggering 80% YoY in FY2023, reaching 39,766 units.
Glanza: Feature-Packed and Ready to Take on the Competition
The Toyota Glanza is available in nine variants, catering to a wide range of customer preferences. Prices start from ₹7.87 lakh (on-road Delhi) for the base E variant and go up to ₹11.40 lakh for the top-end V AMT variant loaded with features. Here’s a quick glimpse of what the Glanza offers:
- Powerful and Efficient Engine: The Glanza gets its power from Suzuki’s new-generation 1.2-liter K12C Dual Jet engine, churning out 90hp and featuring an idle start-stop system for enhanced fuel economy.
- Spacious and Feature-Rich Cabin: The Glanza boasts a dual-tone beige and black interior (different from the Baleno’s blue-black theme) and comes equipped with modern amenities like a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, a head-up display, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
- Enhanced Safety: The Glanza prioritizes safety with six airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard across variants.
Glanza CNG: A Budget-Friendly and Eco-Conscious Choice
The Glanza CNG variant caters to the rising demand for eco-friendly and cost-effective vehicles in India. Available in S and G trims with a manual transmission, the Glanza CNG offers excellent fuel efficiency of 30.61 km/kg. This translates to significant savings on running costs, making it a compelling proposition for budget-minded car buyers.
The Road Ahead: Glanza Poised for Continued Success
Despite facing competition from established players like the Tata Altroz and the Hyundai i20, the Glanza has carved a niche for itself in the Indian hatchback segment. With its combination of the trusted Toyota brand, feature-rich package, and the fuel
