Toyota Glanza CNG-AMT launched at ₹6.99 lakh with 34.47 km/kg ARAI mileage, rivalling the Maruti Baleno S-CNG AMT and Tata Altroz iCNG in India's premium hatchback segment.
The 2026 Toyota Glanza CNG-AMT is the first factory-fitted CNG hatchback in India to pair an automated manual transmission with Level 2 ADAS, launching at ₹6.99 lakh (ex-showroom) on 14 October 2026 with an ARAI-claimed efficiency of 34.47 km/kg.
This marks a turning point for the CNG hatchback segment. Until now, buyers wanting automatic convenience with CNG had to forgo advanced safety technology. The Glanza CNG-AMT reshapes that trade-off — though, as we'll explore, it carries the familiar compromises that no CNG car entirely escapes.
How does the 2026 Glanza CNG-AMT compare with its rivals at a glance?
The table below sets the three main contenders side by side. All CNG mileage figures are ARAI claims; petrol mileage is in km/l and CNG mileage is in km/kg — these are different units and cannot be compared directly.
| Model | CNG Mileage (ARAI, km/kg) | Petrol Mileage (ARAI, km/l) | Starting CNG Price (ex-showroom) | CNG Kit | AMT Available on CNG | Boot Space (CNG) | Key Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Glanza CNG-AMT | 34.47 km/kg | 23.80 km/l (MT) / 24.77 km/l (AMT) | ~₹8.99 lakh (est.) | Factory-fitted (S-CNG) | Yes | Reduced vs petrol (est. ~200L) | Single cylinder, boot compromised; CNG power dip |
| Maruti Suzuki Baleno S-CNG | 30.61 km/kg | 22.94 km/l | ~₹8.49 lakh (est.) | Factory-fitted (S-CNG) | Yes | ~189 litres | Same single-cylinder layout; no ADAS |
| Tata Altroz iCNG | 27.8 km/kg | 19.0 km/l (petrol MT) | ₹8.70 lakh (AMT) | Factory-fitted (twin-cylinder) | Yes (AMT launched May 2026) | 210 litres (twin-cylinder advantage) | No ADAS; CNG whine at high revs |
Prices are ex-showroom estimates based on available launch data. Verify with your dealer at the time of purchase. Boot space for Glanza CNG is an estimate; Toyota has not officially published the figure at the time of writing.
Several things jump out immediately. The Glanza claims the highest CNG mileage in the segment by a substantial margin — 34.47 km/kg versus the Baleno's 30.61 km/kg and the Altroz's 27.8 km/kg. These are all manufacturer ARAI claims, however, not real-world figures. In practice, CNG cars typically achieve 15–25% lower efficiency than ARAI numbers depending on city traffic, AC usage and CNG pressure at the pump.
The Altroz's twin-cylinder iCNG system stores CNG in two slim tanks placed under the boot floor rather than one large cylinder in the boot, preserving 210 litres of usable luggage space. The Glanza and Baleno use a single cylinder that sits in the boot, reducing usable space — Toyota has not officially published the CNG boot figure at launch, which is a gap buyers should press dealers on.
What engine powers the 2026 Glanza, and how does CNG affect performance?
The updated Glanza replaces its old four-cylinder engine with a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E petrol engine producing 83 hp (61 kW) and 112.4 Nm of torque. That is 7 hp less than the outgoing unit, but Toyota claims the Z-series delivers better efficiency, lower emissions and smoother operation — a claim supported by Autocar India's experience with the same engine in the new Baleno, which notes it remains quiet except when pushed hard.
On CNG, output falls to 70 hp (51.3 kW) and 101.8 Nm. That represents a 13 hp reduction — roughly 16% — typical for CNG conversions because gaseous fuel has lower energy density per unit volume than petrol. City driving, where most CNG cars operate, rarely exposes this deficit. Highway cruising or high-speed overtaking reveals it plainly. The Altroz iCNG makes 74 hp on CNG from a 1.2-litre engine, giving the Glanza a slight edge.
CNG variants weigh 1,045–1,060 kg versus 950–990 kg for petrol versions — the extra 60–95 kg comes from the CNG cylinder and associated hardware. Combined with the power reduction, the CNG Glanza feels noticeably less responsive than its petrol counterpart, particularly in AMT mode where gear-change delays compound the sensation.
What is the running cost arithmetic, and how does it compare to petrol?
Running cost is where CNG cars make their strongest argument. Here is the arithmetic using Delhi CNG prices as of October 2026 (approximately ₹76/kg) and petrol at approximately ₹96/litre.
Glanza CNG (ARAI: 34.47 km/kg):
- Cost per km (ARAI): ₹76 ÷ 34.47 = ₹2.21/km
- Real-world estimate (assume 25% reduction → ~26 km/kg): ₹76 ÷ 26 = ~₹2.92/km
Glanza Petrol AMT (ARAI: 24.77 km/l):
- Cost per km (ARAI): ₹96 ÷ 24.77 = ₹3.88/km
- Real-world estimate (assume 20% reduction → ~20 km/l): ₹96 ÷ 20 = ₹4.80/km
Baleno S-CNG (ARAI: 30.61 km/kg):
- Cost per km (ARAI): ₹76 ÷ 30.61 = ₹2.48/km
- Real-world estimate (~24 km/kg): ₹76 ÷ 24 = ~₹3.17/km
Altroz iCNG (ARAI: 27.8 km/kg):
- Cost per km (ARAI): ₹76 ÷ 27.8 = ₹2.73/km
- Real-world estimate (~22 km/kg): ₹76 ÷ 22 = ~₹3.45/km
CNG prices vary significantly by city — Mumbai and Pune are typically cheaper than Delhi, while smaller towns can be higher. The savings are tangible, but the Glanza CNG commands a premium over the petrol variant (typically ₹90,000–₹1.1 lakh more, based on Baleno CNG-petrol price gaps as a proxy), so break-even depends on annual kilometres driven. At 15,000 km/year and real-world figures, the CNG Glanza saves roughly ₹28,000–₹35,000 annually over the petrol AMT — meaning the premium pays back in roughly three years.
What does the Maruti Baleno S-CNG AMT offer, and why does it matter here?
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno S-CNG is mechanically identical to the Toyota Glanza — both cars share the same Suzuki platform, the same Z12E engine family and the same factory-fitted S-CNG system. The Baleno S-CNG AMT launched before the Glanza update, and the Glanza's CNG-AMT is essentially Toyota's version of the same powertrain combination, now with Toyota's additional feature layer on top.
Where the Baleno holds the advantage: it typically costs ₹30,000–₹50,000 less than the equivalent Glanza variant, and Maruti's service network — with over 4,000 outlets across India — dwarfs Toyota's. For buyers in smaller cities or towns where Toyota dealerships are sparse, this is a practical consideration, not just a number.
Where the Glanza pulls ahead: the 2026 update brings Level 2 ADAS (adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, autonomous emergency braking and high-beam assist) to the CNG variants — something the Baleno does not offer. It also adds ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging with cooling and Toyota i-Connect connected-car features. At ₹9–10 lakh for a CNG hatchback, these are meaningful additions.
Both cars share a genuine weakness: the single-cylinder CNG layout means boot space suffers significantly. Maruti quotes approximately 189 litres for the Baleno CNG versus 318 litres for the petrol. Toyota has not published the equivalent figure for the Glanza CNG at launch — this is worth asking your dealer explicitly before booking. If boot space matters, the Tata Altroz iCNG's twin-cylinder setup preserving 210 litres is a genuine advantage.
What ADAS features does the Glanza CNG-AMT get, and are they genuinely useful?
The 2026 Glanza's Level 2 ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, autonomous emergency braking and high-beam assist. This is the same ADAS package available on the Baleno's higher petrol trims, now extended to the CNG-AMT variants.
Level 2 ADAS means the car can simultaneously control steering and speed in certain conditions, but the driver must remain attentive and in control at all times — it is driver assistance, not autonomous driving. On Indian highways, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking deliver the most tangible benefit. Lane-keeping systems can be overly sensitive on poorly marked Indian roads, a known limitation across all brands.
No rival CNG hatchback currently offers ADAS at this price point. The Altroz iCNG does not have it. The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG does not have it. This is a genuine differentiator for the Glanza CNG-AMT.
The safety package also includes six airbags, vehicle stability control, hill-hold control, ABS with EBD, TPMS, a 360-degree camera and ISOFIX child-seat anchorages. Six airbags are now mandatory in India, but the 360-degree camera and TPMS at this price point exceed segment average.
How does the Altroz iCNG compare as a practical alternative?
The Tata Altroz iCNG takes a different approach to the CNG cylinder problem. Its twin-cylinder setup places two slim tanks under the boot floor, leaving 210 litres of usable boot space — significantly more than the Glanza or Baleno's single-cylinder arrangement.
The Altroz iCNG AMT launched in May 2026 at ₹8.70 lakh, making it price-competitive with the Glanza CNG-AMT. Its ARAI-certified mileage of 27.8 km/kg trails the Glanza's claim by a notable margin, but real-world figures tend to converge more than ARAI numbers suggest.
The Altroz holds a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash rating — the Glanza has not been tested under Bharat NCAP at the time of writing. For buyers where crash safety certification is a deciding factor, this matters. The Altroz also has the largest boot in the class at 345 litres on petrol, and its ride quality has been praised in road tests for absorbing potholes well.
The Altroz's weaknesses are real: cabin noise is a known issue, the CNG version makes an audible whine at high revs, and there is no ADAS. The rear seat is slightly upright and headroom is only just adequate for taller passengers.
What are the variant prices and what do you get at each level?
Toyota has not published a complete variant-wise CNG price list at the time of writing, with only the base ₹6.99 lakh (ex-showroom) starting price confirmed at launch. Based on the Autocar India variant breakdown, the petrol range runs from ₹7.80 lakh (E MT) to higher trims, with the S Petrol AMT at ₹9.27 lakh. CNG variants typically carry a ₹90,000–₹1.1 lakh premium over equivalent petrol variants in Maruti-Toyota shared platforms.
The ₹6.99 lakh entry price is for the base petrol manual variant — the CNG-AMT combination will sit higher in the range, likely in the ₹9–10.5 lakh bracket depending on trim. Bookings open from 15 October 2026 at ₹11,000, with deliveries starting in the first week of November.
Key features across the range include:
- All variants: six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, push-button start, LED headlamps
- Mid and above: TPMS with display, rear AC vents, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 9-inch touchscreen
- Higher trims: ventilated front seats, head-up display, 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, Toyota i-Connect
The i-Connect connected-car system offers remote lock/unlock, vehicle health monitoring, geofencing, safety alerts and smartwatch connectivity — features increasingly standard in this segment but executed well here.
What are the exterior and interior changes in the 2026 update?
The 2026 Glanza gets a redesigned front grille, a sportier front bumper and side skirts drawing from Toyota's global design language — these are the same changes seen on the updated Baleno, since both cars share the same body. LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED rear combination lamps, chrome door handles and a floating-roof effect complete the exterior refresh.
Inside, the cabin gains ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone charging with cooling, a head-up display and dual-tone interiors. The 22.86-cm (9-inch) Smart Playcast Pro infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Clarion sound system is fitted. Tilt-and-telescopic steering, 60:40 split rear seats and automatic climate control with rear AC vents round out the comfort package.
Seven colours are available: Cafe White, Enticing Silver, Gaming Grey, Sportin Red, Insta Blue, Bluish Black and Digital Teal Green. The last two are new additions for this update.
What warranty and ownership benefits does Toyota offer?
Toyota offers a standard warranty of three years or 1,00,000 km, extendable to five years or 2,20,000 km. The factory-fitted S-CNG system is covered under this warranty — an important distinction from dealer-fitted aftermarket CNG kits, which typically void or complicate the manufacturer warranty and are not covered by the carmaker.
Ownership benefits include 60-minute express maintenance, 24x7 roadside assistance and service appointment booking via app. Toyota's service network is smaller than Maruti's, a practical consideration for buyers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. If you live in a city with a Toyota dealership, the ownership experience is broadly comparable; if you do not, Maruti's network density gives the Baleno a real-world advantage.
Who should buy the Glanza CNG-AMT, and who should look elsewhere?
The Glanza CNG-AMT makes the strongest case for buyers who:
- Drive primarily in the city and want the lowest possible running cost without a manual gearbox
- Value ADAS safety features and are willing to pay a slight premium over the Baleno for them
- Prefer Toyota's brand assurance and longer warranty coverage
- Do not regularly need a full boot — the single-cylinder setup is a genuine compromise
It is a harder sell for buyers who:
- Need boot space regularly — the Altroz iCNG's twin-cylinder system preserving 210 litres is a better choice
- Live in a city or town without a Toyota dealership — Maruti's network makes the Baleno more accessible for service
- Are primarily highway drivers — the CNG power reduction and AMT's gear-change hesitation are more noticeable at speed
- Want a crash-tested safety certification — the Altroz's 5-star Bharat NCAP rating provides documented assurance the Glanza currently lacks
For buyers comparing the Glanza CNG-AMT directly with the Baleno S-CNG AMT, the decision comes down to whether the ADAS package, ventilated seats, head-up display and Toyota's warranty extension are worth the likely ₹30,000–₹50,000 price premium. For most urban buyers doing 12,000–18,000 km a year, the running cost savings over petrol are substantial enough that either CNG hatchback makes financial sense — the choice between them is about features and network.
If you want to explore the broader CNG hatchback space, our guide to best CNG hatchbacks under ₹15 lakh in India covers the full segment with certified mileage figures and variant-wise pricing. For a wider view of the CNG car market, the 5 best CNG cars in India for 2026 is a useful starting point.
The 2026 Glanza CNG-AMT is a well-rounded package that meaningfully raises the feature bar for CNG hatchbacks in India. Its ARAI mileage claim of 34.47 km/kg is the segment's best on paper, its ADAS suite is genuinely class-leading, and the factory-fitted CNG system with full warranty coverage removes the anxiety that comes with aftermarket kits. The trade-offs — boot space, power reduction, AMT hesitation and a smaller service network than Maruti — are real and worth weighing honestly before signing the booking form.
Sources
- Toyota Launches Updated Glanza with ADAS, CNG-AMT Option; Prices Start at ₹6.99 Lakh — ETAuto
- Toyota Glanza — Price, Colors, Specifications, Mileage — Toyota India Official
- Toyota Glanza Specifications (2026) — Engine, Dimensions & Features — Autocar India
- Tata Altroz (2026) — Price, Mileage & Expert Reviews — Autocar India
- Toyota Glanza Facelift to Arrive on October 14 with Baleno-Inspired Upgrades — India Today Auto
- Best CNG Hatchbacks Under 15 Lakh in India (2026) — AutoForumIndia
- 5 Best CNG Cars in India (2026) — AutoForumIndia
