Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Toyota Glanza vs Tata Altroz: A Comparison of Their Entry-level Variants for Budget-conscious Buyers

What are some of the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the premium hatchbacks Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, and Tata Altroz, to see what attracts budget-conscious buyers to them.

In this article, we will discuss

• What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
• Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Toyota Glanza vs Tata Altroz – a comprehensive analysis of their entry-level variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
• How to pick the right car for you

The entry-level variants of these cars are among affordable car options in the premium hatchback segment in India. But which of these is the best budget premium hatchback? Read on.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a Budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car

A budget-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:

• Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
• Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
• Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
• Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
• Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates

For the budget-conscious buyer, cost is the main concern. However, this doesn’t mean compromising on essential features. They prioritize safety, durability, and fuel efficiency. 

The overall cost of ownership, including maintenance and fuel consumption, also plays a significant role. Moreover, basic conveniences and performance features like power steering, power windows, and efficient mileage are essential. 

Furthermore, with increasing traffic congestion and the need for parking, compact size and driver assistance features like parking sensors become increasingly crucial.

Why Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, and Tata Altroz are Popular

Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, and Tata Altroz have gained popularity among budget-conscious buyers for several reasons. All three cars offer a fine balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. 

The manufacturers have a trusted reputation for delivering quality at affordable prices. Their cars’ compact design makes them suitable for city driving, while the efficient engines ensure long-term savings on fuel. 

With these vehicles, there’s a perception of low maintenance costs and strong resale value, which appeals to budget buyers. Furthermore, the cars are equipped with essential features, ensuring that affordability doesn’t mean a compromise on basic comforts.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, and Tata Altroz Entry-level Variant

For Toyota Glanza, we have: 

Variant	Price (INR) as on 28 August 2023
E	₹660,000

For Maruti Suzuki Baleno, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 28 August 2023
Sigma	₹661,000

For Tata Altroz, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 28 August 2023
XE	₹660,000

Toyota Glanza E

At ₹660,000, this variant offers ABS, 2 airbags, and power steering and windows. Its city mileage stands at an impressive 17.35 kmpl, with a highway mileage of 22.35 kmpl, ensuring long drives won’t burn a hole in your pocket. With a steel wheel size of 15, and additional conveniences like body-colored bumpers and rear parking sensors, it’s a complete package. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read how the Glanza compares with Hyundai i20 and Maruti Baleno.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma

Priced at ₹661,000, just a tad more than the Glanza, this variant mirrors many features of the Glanza E. With ABS, 2 airbags, and the same city and highway mileage as the Glanza, it promises safety and fuel efficiency. The conveniences such as power steering, power windows, body-colored bumpers, and rear parking sensors make it a strong contender. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Hyundai i20.

Tata Altroz XE

With a price tag of ₹660,000, this variant is on a par with Glanza E, and a tad cheaper than Baleno Sigma in terms of cost. While it provides safety features like ABS and 2 airbags, it slightly lags in city mileage at 19.33 kmpl. However, its 14 steel wheels and essential conveniences like body-colored bumpers and rear parking sensors make it a viable option for the budget-conscious buyer. If you’re a first-time car buyer, you can read how the Altroz compares with Maruti Swift.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, and Tata Altroz for Budget-conscious buyers

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma emerges as the top pick for the budget-conscious buyer. Priced at ₹661,000, it fits within your budget and ensures safety with ABS and 2 airbags. Its city mileage of 20 kmpl and highway mileage of 22.35 kmpl promise fuel efficiency. 

Essential conveniences like power steering and power windows front and back add to the driving experience. The body-colored bumpers enhance the car’s aesthetic appeal, and the rear parking sensors provide the much-needed driver assistance in tight parking spaces. 

While the Baleno Sigma and Toyota Glanza E are closely matched in terms of features and price, the reputation of Maruti for affordable maintenance and extensive service network gives Baleno an edge.

The 3 Entry-level Variants Ranked

1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma
2. Toyota Glanza E
3. Tata Altroz XE

Attributes	Baleno Sigma	Glanza E	Altroz XE
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags (number)	2	2	2
City Mileage (kmpl)	20	17.35	19.33
Engine – Fuel type	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol
Highway Mileage (kmpl)	22.35	22.35	–
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Front & Back	Yes	Yes	Front
Body colored bumpers	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Baleno Sigma stands out with superior city mileage and Maruti’s promise of durability.
• Glanza E is closely matched in features but loses out slightly in city mileage. 
• Altroz XE, while competent, falls a bit behind in terms of overall mileage and some conveniences. 

The three variants offer a mix of safety, performance, and aesthetics that fit your wallet. They ensure that a limited budget doesn’t compromise essential features and safety.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered