Toyota Wigo vs Suzuki Alto 800 vs Hyundai Eon - Spec comparison

If you have been saving for years wanting to buy your first car, then you are left with very few options albeit fine ones. The first car for every Filipino is usually a Hyundai or better still a Suzuki. With Toyota now entering the party, it is but natural that the war has heated up. These vehicles are the Toyota Wigo, Hyundai Eon, and the Suzuki Alto 800. Each offers a bit of something unique yet they all do one thing perfectly. Taking passengers from point A to B. Let’s see how each one of them stacks up against the other based on their specifications.

Looks

Toyota Wigo is the newest kid on the block. The updated Toyota Wigo comes in at a time when the entry-level segment had become stagnant. That wide air intake coupled with that smallish grille make an impact. There is a generous use of chrome, however, it doesn’t look out of place here. Thre are projector headlights on the top spec trims as well as LED DRLs. The Toyota is also the only car here which is a bit upmarket and gives 15-inch dual tone alloys. The rear too has LED lights and looks quite chic. It is also the only one here that gets a rear wiper. The length, width, and height of the 2018 Toyota Wigo are 3,600 mm x 1,620 mm x 1,520 mm. The wheelbase stands at 2,450 mm.

The Hyundai Eon isn’t too bad looking either. It was conceptualised as an all-new entry-level hatchback in the Hyundai portfolio. The Eon has one of the biggest headlights in business in this segment. The lamps though are halogen units. We like the unique shape of the Eon’s fog lights. There is also the wide air intake that makes it look aggressive. The Eon has 13-inch wheels and even the top-spec trims get wheel caps. The Hyundai is also the only tall boy in this comparison. The length, width and height of the Hyundai Eon are 3,495 mm x 1,495 mm x 1,500 mm respectively. The wheelbase is 2,380 mm.

In terms of age, the Suzuki Alto 800 has been one of the oldest and most successful models in the Philippines. The updated Suzuki Alto 800 is the one you see here. It has got a very contemporary design and one that will not excite many. The air dam again is wider and the Suzuki looks smaller than the others in this competition here. It is being said that an all-new Alto 800 is being planned in India. We all know what that means. The next-generation Suzuki Alto 800 is coming down here soon. The length, width, and height of the Alto 800 are 3,430 mm x 1,490 mm x 1,475 mm respectively. Its wheelbase is 2,360 mm.

Interior design

The opulence of the outside is carried on inside for each car. The Toyota Wigo interior mimics that of the design flair you see outside. The steering wheel is a multifunction unit and features audio controls as well as music switches. The meter console is dominated by the speedometer with a rev counter and a digital readout on the sides. For the Wigo, Toyota has given manual air conditioning system, powered door mirrors, all four power windows and a touchscreen infotainment system. The seats are comfortable and the longest wheelbase in its segment also helps. There is also more luggage space on offer than the competition.

For the Hyundai Eon specs concerning to its interior, the company has chosen to go with a brushed aluminium and black look. It works well and the tall boy design accords slightly more headroom both at the front and back. There is a single DIN music system on offer and it is the only one here that takes in AUX inputs. Those seated at the back may have to jostle for space but overall, the comfort is almost the same as the one in the Wigo. There are also power windows for all four doors, just like the Wigo.

Suzuki has made the Alto 800 interior to be more utilitarian than stylish. The plastics are hard wearing and there is a single DIN music system here as well. The seats are wafer thin and you do realise that after a long journey that this gets a bit tiring. There is less space for even a 6ft driver whereas the rear seats are a squeeze for three. The boot space of 177 litres too is the lowest in this class. There are front power windows as part of the Alto 800 specifications.

Engine and transmission

Both the Alto 800 as well as the Eon are powered by 800 cc engines. These are naturally aspirated and have 3 cylinders. In the Suzuki Alto 800, the power is 47 PS and torque is 68 Nm. The engine of the Alto 800 is mated exclusively to a 5-speed manual. If you talk about the Hyundai Eon engine, it makes slightly higher numbers than the Alto’s unit. The power made is 56 PS whereas the torque is 75 Nm. The Eon too can be optioned only with a 5-speed manual. Toyota offers the Wigo with a bigger 1.0-litre petrol motor only. The Toyota Wigo engine makes 65 PS of power and 85 Nm of torque, the highest of the trio here. It though can be optioned with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

While the Alto’s engine may be downright low on power, it is the most responsive of the lot. The low kerb weight also helps the Alto with its performance. The Hyundai engine in the meanwhile feels a tad wheezy especially while climbing an incline. The Toyota engine is a balance of both driveability as well as grunt. In terms of efficiency, it is the Alto that comes out on top followed by the Toyota and then the Hyundai.

Safety

Since these are entry-level offerings, the respective car makers haven’t given too much importance to the safety aspect. In the Suzuki Alto 800, one will get dual airbags and ABS. As per Toyota Wigo specifications, customers also get ISOFIX child seat mounts along with the safety features from the Alto. Buyers of the Hyundai Eon will be disappointed as it doesn’t come with any safety features. Only seat belts for all the five occupants are provided. Hopefully, the upcoming all-new Hyundai small car will have dual airbags, ABS as well as rear parking sensors as standard.

Price

The Suzuki Alto 800 price is Php 445,000. There is a lone trim on offer. Toyota offers the Wigo with four trims. The Toyota Wigo price starts from Php 542,000 and goes all the way to Php 681,000. As far as the Hyundai Eon is concerned, there are two trims on offer. The Hyundai Eon price starts from Php 508,000 and for the top spec, it is Php 526,000. It is quite obvious that the Alto is most affordable of this lot whereas the Toyota is the safest but also significantly more costly.

Conclusion

Even if you are on a tight budget, which assuming that you are still reading this story, we will recommend either the Suzuki or the Toyota. A vehicle with no safety features like the Hyundai Eon cannot be recommended. If you can wait, there is a new car from Hyundai coming out. It will be far superior to the Suzuki and Toyota listed here. The Alto is also due for a replacement soon.