Each model has unique advantages and options that will appeal to buyers with specific needs.
The premium hatchback segment now has two freshly updated rivals. The Toyota Glanza and Maruti Suzuki Baleno are badge-engineered siblings and both moved to a new three-cylinder engine for 2026. Against them stand the Hyundai i20, which dropped its turbo option and now sells with only a 1.2-litre petrol, and the Tata Altroz, which still offers petrol, CNG and diesel. Here is how the four compare.
The Baleno's new Z12E 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine makes 83 hp and 112 Nm, with 5-speed manual and AMT options. In CNG form, it makes 70 hp and 102 Nm. The Glanza uses the same unit, rated by Toyota at 61 kW (around 82 bhp) and 112.4 Nm. The i20 is petrol-only now and uses a 1.2-litre engine producing 83 hp and 115 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The Altroz is the only diesel hatchback in India.
| Toyota Glanza | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Hyundai i20 | Tata Altroz |
Petrol engine | 1.2L, 3-cyl | 1.2L, 3-cyl | 1.2L, 4-cyl | 1.2L, 3-cyl |
Displacement | 1,197cc | 1,197cc | 1,197cc | 1,199cc |
Petrol power | ~82 bhp | 83 bhp | 83 bhp | 88 bhp |
Petrol torque | 112.4 Nm | 112 Nm | 115 Nm | 115 Nm |
CNG power / torque | ~69 bhp / 101.8 Nm | 70 bhp / 102 Nm | Not offered | 74 bhp / 103 Nm |
Diesel option | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered | 1.5L, ~90 bhp / 200 Nm |
Gearboxes | 5MT, 5AMT (petrol and CNG) | 5MT, 5AMT (petrol); 5MT (CNG)* | 5MT, CVT | 5MT, AMT/DCA (petrol); MT and AMT (CNG); diesel |
Claimed efficiency | Petrol 23.80–24.77 km/l; CNG 33.61–34.47 km/kg | Petrol from 23.8 km/l; CNG up to 33.61 km/kg | Not confirmed | Petrol 19.33 km/l; diesel 23.64 km/l; CNG 26.2 km/kg |
| Toyota Glanza | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Hyundai i20 | Tata Altroz |
Entry price | ₹6.99 lakh (E) | ₹5.99 lakh (Sigma) | ₹5.99 lakh (Era) | ₹6.00 lakh (Smart) |
Top price | ₹10.98 lakh (V(O) AMT) | ₹9.99 lakh (Alpha(O) AMT) | ₹10.48 lakh (Asta CVT) | Up to ₹11.29 lakh |
Most affordable automatic | ₹8.31 lakh (S AMT) | ₹7.50 lakh (Delta AMT) | ₹8.13 lakh (Magna CVT) | Not confirmed |
CNG range | ₹8.76–10.23 lakh | ₹7.92–8.92 lakh | Not offered | CNG AMT: ₹8.70 lakh |
The Baleno's ₹5.99 lakh price applies to Delhi only, while the rest of India pays ₹6.10 lakh. The Glanza's E trim is petrol manual only, while S and G are the only grades with CNG.
| Toyota Glanza | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Hyundai i20 | Tata Altroz |
Length | 3,990 mm | 3,990 mm | 3,995 mm | 3,990 mm |
Width | 1,745 mm | 1,745 mm | 1,775 mm | 1,755 mm |
Height | 1,530 mm | 1,530 mm | 1,505 mm | 1,523 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,520 mm | 2,520 mm | 2,580 mm | 2,501 mm |
Boot space | 318 litres | 318 litres | 311 litres | 345 litres (210 litres CNG) |
The i20 has the longest wheelbase, while the Altroz has the biggest boot.
The Glanza's V and V(O) trims bring a head-up display and a 360-degree camera, and the V(O) adds Level 2 ADAS. The Baleno also offers Level 2 ADAS, described by one publication as a segment first. The i20 counters with a sunroof from the Magna trim upward and a 7-speaker Bose system from Sportz (O). Its top Asta (O) trim gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The Altroz brings five stars from Bharat NCAP and six airbags as standard. The Glanza and the i20 also fit six airbags across the range.
Each car suits a different buyer. Those wanting the most technology, including ADAS, will look at the Baleno or the Glanza V(O), with the Baleno cheaper at the top end. The i20 suits buyers who prioritise a longer wheelbase and a conventional CVT, though it offers no CNG or diesel. The Altroz is the only choice for diesel, has the largest boot, and carries the strongest crash-test result of the four. The Glanza stands out for CNG with an automatic and for its ventilated seats, though it costs more than the Baleno at most equivalent trims.
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