Toyota, Suzuki unveil ‘new’ (rebadged) Toyota Glanza hatchback in India

Slightly more than a year after signing a cooperation agreement last spring, Toyota and Suzuki have unveiled their first joint project: the Toyota Glanza. The hatchback is four meters (13.1 ft.) long and goes on sale exclusively in India.

However, the ‘new’ Glanza is essentially a badge-engineered version of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback already present on the Indian market. Differences boil down to the radiator grille and – you guessed it! – company logos and badges. The trim versions are also identical, except for the cheapest one, which is no longer available. The Baleno starts at the equivalent of U.S. $8,000 in India, whereas the Japanese ‘newcomer’ has a minimum price tag of $12,900.

The car ships with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine available in two variants: 83 hp (62 kW) and 90 hp (67 kW), the latter being part of a mild hybrid system. The transmission is five-speed manual by default, but you may opt for a CVT in the non-hybrid version.

Suzuki says it will also be releasing its Ciaz, Ertiga, and Vitara Brezza models with the Toyota badge slapped on in India. The reverse process will also take place, with the new Toyota Corolla Touring Sports and RAV4 coming to Europe in the near future under the Suzuki brand.

Photos: Toyota