It is quite common for different carmakers to share models as part of partnerships and alliances. Sometimes, the shared model is exactly the same across the two brands with the only difference being the badges. That was the case with the first iteration of the Toyota Glanza based on the Maruti Baleno. Now, both hatchbacks have undergone a significant update and have been launched less than a month apart. They still get the same features, powertrains and the variant division. But the Glanza is no longer just a cross-badged Baleno. Let’s look at the main differences between these two premium hatchbacks:
1. Grille
The biggest change for the updated Glanza is that it has its own unique front end styling to differentiate it from the new Baleno. The Toyota hatchback gets a slimmer and simpler grille design with a single strip of chrome, interrupted only by the company’s badge in the centre. Meanwhile, the Baleno debuts Maruti’s new Nexa design language, which is most apparent in the grille design with the hexagonal pattern.
2. Front bumper
The Glanza’s front bumper seems to have a sportier looking air dam and black cladding extending from the top of the air dam to the chin. The Baleno’s bumper features horizontal slats in the air dam, which connects to the fog lamp housing on either end of the front bumper. The Baleno’s bumper styling looks more premium than sporty.
3. Headlights
Both the Baleno and Glanza have the same headlight design, but the light signature is different for both. While the top-spec Maruti model features a three-part LED daytime running light, the Toyota hatchback has an L-shaped LED DRL.
4. Alloy wheels
Another exterior visual difference between the two hatchbacks is the alloy wheel design. While they’re both 16-inch wheels, each gets a distinctive pattern, with the Glanza having a 4-split-spoke appearance, and the Baleno wheels looking like a 5-split-spoke design.
