What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at the Toyota Glanza and Hyundai Venue, and find out why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Toyota Glanza vs Hyundai Venue – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
A performance enthusiast seeks a car that embodies power, precision, and pace. The craving for an exhilarating acceleration, a robust engine, and agile handling is insatiable in fast cars. The finesse of power delivery, minimal turbo lag, and high-speed stability are paramount.
The aesthetics are eyed too, but it’s the roar of the engine, the grip of the tires on the tarmac, and the swift response to the steering that truly enthuses.
Why Toyota Glanza and Hyundai Venue are Popular
The Toyota Glanza and Hyundai Venue have carved a niche among performance enthusiasts, thanks to their potent engine options and agile handling.
Glanza’s peppy 1.2-liter petrol engine doesn’t shy away from revving high, ensuring a lively performance. The Venue, with its option of a punchy 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine holds a sweet spot for those seeking spirited driving.
Both cars exhibit good high-speed stability, an attribute keenly discussed on forums. The Venue gets a nod for its sturdy build and sharp steering response, which lends it a sporty demeanor. The Glanza, on the other hand, receives applause for its balanced suspension setup ensuring a pliant ride, making spirited driving a joy.
Furthermore, the availability of modern gadgetry like touchscreen infotainment, steering mounted controls among others, subtly blend performance with modern-day conveniences.
These quick cars don’t just stop at performance; they extend their appeal to good fuel efficiency which is a practical aspect, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise much on the economy.
Toyota Glanza and Hyundai Venue Variants Shortlist in Rs 8-9 Lakh Range
For Hyundai Venue, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 25 September 2023 |
| S | ₹894,000 |
For Toyota Glanza, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 25 September 2023 |
| S AMT | ₹810,000 |
| G | ₹858,000 |
Hyundai Venue S
The Hyundai Venue S variant, priced at INR 894,000, with a 1.2-liter petrol engine, offers a moderate acceleration and a top speed of 165 km/h. Its agility and high-speed stability stand out, making it a suitable choice for enthusiasts craving for a controlled yet spirited drive. You can also check out our comparison of the Venue with Maruti Suzuki Brezza for safety-conscious buyers.
Toyota Glanza S AMT
Toyota Glanza S AMT, priced at INR 810,000, comes with a slightly more powerful 1.2-liter petrol engine as compared to Venue S. Its acceleration is noteworthy at 8.88 seconds from 0-60 km/h. Though it lacks a manual clutch, which could be a downside for some enthusiasts, the AMT does provide a hassle-free driving experience in traffic. If you’re buying a car for the first time, you can check out our guide to the best Glanza variants for you.
Toyota Glanza G
The Toyota Glanza G variant, priced at INR 858,000, shares the engine with its S AMT counterpart but offers a manual transmission. It clocks 8.12 seconds in 0-60 km/h acceleration, slightly better than the S AMT variant. Moreover, its alloy wheels might appeal to enthusiasts for better performance and aesthetics. We also have our comparison of the Glanza with Tata Altroz for safety-conscious car buyers.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Toyota Glanza and Hyundai Venue for Performance Enthusiasts
Among the listed variants, the Toyota Glanza G stands out as the best choice for a performance enthusiast. Its engine packs a modest punch, but it’s the manual transmission that truly sets it apart, providing a direct and engaging driving experience.
The acceleration figures are the best among the trio, which is a crucial aspect for any enthusiast. The inclusion of alloy wheels not only elevates the exterior aesthetics but also contributes slightly to the handling dynamics.
Though it misses out on some advanced driving aids like Traction Control, the core performance attributes are well-aligned with the enthusiast’s expectations. It strikes a commendable balance between spirited performance and everyday usability.
The 3 Variants Ranked
- Toyota Glanza G
- Toyota Glanza S AMT
- Hyundai Venue S
| Attributes | Toyota Glanza G | Toyota Glanza S AMT | Hyundai Venue S |
| # of cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Acceleration (0-60 km/h) | 8.12 sec | 8.88 sec | 5.4 sec |
| Engine – power (BHP) | 88.5 | 88.5 | 81.8 |
| High-Speed Stability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Top Speed (km/h) | 180 | Not Available | 165 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Toyota Glanza G emerges as the top choice for performance enthusiasts, offering the best of both worlds with a robust engine and manual transmission for a more direct driving experience.
- Following closely is the Toyota Glanza S AMT, which, despite a slight lag in acceleration compared to the Glanza G, offers an alternative for those who prefer an automated driving experience in traffic conditions.
- Lastly, the Hyundai Venue S serves as a competitive alternative with a decent acceleration of 5.4 seconds from 0-60 km/h, although with less engine power.
These selections cater to a spectrum of preferences, from the raw driving experience offered by a manual transmission to the balanced performance and handling dynamics, satisfying the core desires of a performance enthusiast.
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