The 2020 Toyota Wigo has just been launched last week. Naturally, we want to see how it stacks up against its biggest competitors.
This time around, we pit the latest iteration of Toyota’s entry-level city car against the Mitsubishi Mirage. However, we’ll be using the Mirage’s 2019 model for comparison, as the 2020 model is yet to reach our shores. Check out how the Toyota Wigo compares against the Mitsubishi Mirage in this Carmudi Car Comparo.
Far from an all-new version, the 2020 Wigo is just a refreshed version of Toyota’s small hatchback, and the biggest changes can be found on the car’s exterior. Sportiness has been enhanced upfront, beginning with more pronounced foglight recesses that now link to the lower grille via blacked-out horizontal trimmings. Headlamps are now projector-type and taillights are now LED. The top-of-the-line TRD S trim receives added TRD sideskirts, two-tone rear spoiler, custom lighting units, and TRD badging.
The Mirage hatchback has a simple yet modern exterior that makes it shine among its competitors without really calling too much attention to itself. The top-of-the-line Mirage GLX CVT variant is fitted with more chrome accents at the front, dressed up by swept-back headlights and an angular front bumper with integrated fog lamps. Dimpled character lines run parallel along the G4's side, which adds to the overall character of the car. The rear gets a well-defined bumper, large distinctive taillights, and a stylish rear bumper bookended with slim horizontal reflector lights.
Aside from the redesigned seats, very little change can be seen in the standard Wigo cabin, but the top trims do get powered side mirrors rearview camera, touchscreen display, digital A/C, keyless entry, and push start ignition. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is available only in the TRD S trim.
Inside, the 2019 Mirage has a pretty straightforward interior layout along with piano black trims to go around, matched with a few silver highlights here and there. Though the use of hard plastic materials inside the cabin is still prominent the Mirage's interior as premium-looking for its price, keeping in mind this is a car designed to have an entry-level price point.
Toyota’s vibrant Wigo city car is powered by the same 1.0-liter 3-cylinder DOHC engine with VVT-I found in the outgoing model. It’s good for up to 65 horsepower and 89 Nm, with top variants getting paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the lower ones receiving a 5-speed manual gearbox. The suspension system uses independent MacPherson struts out front and a torsion beam at the rear.
The Mirage hatchback runs on Mitsubishi’s dependable 3A92 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine that churns out 77 hp and 100 Nm. Though the Mirage is the older model, its engine is clearly more powerful than the Toyota hatch. Car buyers have a choice between a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and 5-speed manual gearbox. The car is supported by a MacPherson Strut/coil spring pairing at the front and torsion beam at the rear.
Despite its size, the Toyota Wigo has a surprising amount of legroom at the backseat, making it perfect for barkada nightouts after work. Here’s another feature for the barkada to enjoy—both G variants come an iPod player that links to four speakers. Navigation display and steering wheel controls are also on hand to add convenience. Airbags, ABS, and seat belt warning come standard on all trims, while the G variants enjoy vehicle immobilizer and alarm system additions.
As for the 2019 Mirage’s convenience features, the car comes with a push start button, a touchscreen infotainment system with GPS Navigation, and easy-to-reach control buttons laid out in ergonomic fashion. The top Mirage GLX CVT variant comes with standard safety features such as dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and brake override system (BOS). The infotainment system also turns into a rearview monitor when the gear is in reverse.
The 2020 Toyota Wigo offers buyers a choice of four trims starting with the 1.0 VVT-I E MT (P568,000), the G trims Wigo 1.0 VVT-I G MT (P623,000) and Wigo 1.0 VVT-I G AT (P658,000) and onto the top-ranging Wigo 1.0 TRD S AT (P700,000).
The 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback comes in only two trims—the base Mirage GLX M/T (P699,000) and Mirage GLX CVT (P760,000)
You can never go wrong with these two urban drivers, but if you’re looking for more power, it’s the Mitsubishi Mirage for you. However, for more updated features, the new 2020 Toyota Wigo will likely be your better option.
Photos from Toyota PH, Mitsubishi PH
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