The Toyota Wigo is a reliable 5-seater compact hatchback that was first introduced in the Indonesian market at the 2012 International Motor Show.
The Wigo was originally sold as a Daihatsu Aila, but here in the Philippines, it's more commonly known as the Wigo.
This compact little hatchback is so popular in the country that it's almost impossible not to see one when you're out on the road—try 80,000 units sold since 2014.
Now, eight years after its debut and six years after it was first introduced in the country, the all-new Wigo has been revamped and it looks cooler than ever.
It uses the same power plant: a 1.0-liter 1KR-DE 3-Cylinder engine, and it poses as the main competitor of the Mitsubishi Mirage and the Honda Brio. But is the newest iteration of the Wigo worth it?
Compact size
No matter how many new sedans, SUVs, and MPVs are launched in the country, there is always going to be a large portion of the population that owns hatchbacks. Having a city car that has a smaller footprint is well fitting especially in our country’s current traffic situation. Even with the tightest conditions the Wigo lands at a perfect spot when it comes to daily commute as a nimble yet efficient vehicle.
New TRD inspired trim level
As if its facelift wasn't enough, the all-new Toyota Wigo now has a new trim level; the TRD-S. The TRD-S variant is packaged with exterior modifications that make the Wigo look like it just rolled out of a custom shop.
Cabin Space
For a compact car, the Wigo is surprisingly spacious. All variants of the new Wigo come fitted with spacious seats and decent legroom that offers a comfortable driving experience. Accommodating four adults won’t be an issue at all, and you can even fit five people with a little bit of adjusting. Also, there are various cubby storage spaces around the cabin for a hassle-free trip.
Price
With a car that starts at just a little over half a million pesos, one of the Wigo's strongest selling points is its affordability. The all-new Wigo starts at just Php 568,000, while the top of the line variant is priced at Php 700,000.
Uniformity of features
As a step up from its predecessor, the new Toyota Wigo’s base model is now equipped with power windows, feature that carries through to other trim levels. All models also feature added safety equipment like SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger, ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and Back sonar. With its feather-like 800kg curb weight the same efficient 1.0-liter engine from its predecessor still compliments the overall driving performance and maneuverability of the vehicle.
Limited Features
Being a much cheaper contender, the Wigo doesn't have much features in its cabin. There are no heated seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, rear seat climate controls, and most of the interior material is plastic. However, for a car in its price point, we hardly think that's an issue.
Uncomfortable Seats
The Toyota Wigo may be equipped with spacious seats that are outfitted by decent level of cushioning and support that are tolerable for short travels but it may pose as an issue for long tours. The steering wheel is also not adjustable and finding the right driving position can be a bit of a hassle.
Quality of Materials
Toyota could have done better regarding the materials inside because the interior is where the driver spends most of time. You will discover that most of the parts within of the Wigo are made up of hard and scratchy plastic. This is something that not all people would take in.
Although some of the parts of the Wigo may be cheap and flimsy, it is still a reliable car that is excellent for our local market and fits perfectly within the budget of Filipino families. Despite having some factors that offset the vehicles selling points, it still can be considered as one of the best cars for beginners and car enthusiasts mainly because of its price point and a variety of trim levels to choose from.
Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines
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