Toyota Wigo vs. the competition

Despite the strength of larger vehicle segments, such as sports utility vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles in the Philippines, subcompact hatchbacks still have the steam to capture a significant chunk of the automotive industry. 

The aforementioned, of course, is quite evident from the sheer number of Toyota Wigo units we can see running around our cities every day. 

Granted, the Wigo is the smallest offering in Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) lineup, but it goes big in other aspects. For starters, its current interaction has a highly accessible price ranging from P609,000-P729,000. 

It is, indeed, affordable. Regardless of the low barrier of entry, the model has a decent amount of creature comforts and practicality to function as a competent daily driver. 

Like most popular nameplates, however, the Toyota Wigo currently faces several rivals in the local market. So, what are these competitors, and what are they offering to prospective adopters? Let’s find out here after a short overview of the Wigo. 

Toyota Wigo

As mentioned above, the Toyota Wigo is the smallest and most affordable nameplate from TMP. Regardless, it carries an assertive exterior design that is filled with angular details, especially from the front. 

As standard, the Philippine-spec Wigo comes equipped with LED headlamps, color-keyed door handles, a pole-type antenna, and a set of 14-inch wheels. The top-spec G trim, in particular, was fitted with a rear spoiler, power-folding side mirrors, and LED front fog lamps. 

Inside the Toyota hatchback are several comfort-oriented features to ensure a stress-free daily drive. Specifically, it comes with a Smart entry system, a push-to-start button, four bottle holders, an analog gauge cluster, a day and night rearview mirror, fabric upholstery, and a 12-volt accessory outlet - among others. 

Positioned on the model’s dashboard is an eight-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a four-piece speaker system (G variant), Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. 

Taking charge of the Toyota Wigo’s safety are the following features: 

• Dual front airbags
• Engine immobilizer
• Car alarm
• Rearview camera
• Rear parking sensors
• ISOFIX
• Anti-lock braking
• Stability control
• Hill-start assist control

To note, the Wigo also has a video recording or built-in “dashcam.” It is the only model in the segment to come with such a feature. 

Propelling the Toyota hatch is a 1.0-liter inline-3 gasoline engine. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and it can produce up to 66 horsepower (hp) and 89 Newton-meters of torque. 

Here is a table detailing the specifications of the Toyota Wigo G: 

Model	Toyota Wigo G
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	3,760 x 1,665 x 1,515
Wheelbase (mm)	2,525
Ground clearance (mm)	160
Wheel size	14-inch
Lighting system	LED (headlamps)
Interior
Material	Fabric
Amenities	Smart entry system Push-to-start button 12-volt accessory outlet Four-piece speaker set Digital manual climate control Power-folding side mirrors
Infotainment system	Eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.0-liter inline-3
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Horsepower	66
Torque	89 Nm
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags Rearview camera Rear parking sensors ISOFIX Anti-lock braking Stability control Hill-start assist control
Price	P729,000

Suzuki S-Presso

One of the biggest competitors of the Toyota Wigo in the current status quo of the Philippine automotive industry is the Suzuki S-Presso. 

Introduced initially in 2020 as a manual transmission-only model, it was reinforced with an automated gear shift (AGS) trim in March 2023. As of this writing, the Suzuki nameplate has a price ranging from P620,000-P660,000. 

As a point of contrast against its Toyota competitor, the S-Presso went for a crossover-like appearance. Relative to its overall size, it comes with a high-riding stance coupled with a slightly boxy body. 

Up front, the Suzuki five-seater hatchback was kitted out with a pair of halogen multi-reflector headlamps and a chunky-looking bumper. It also has electronically adjustable side mirrors, halogen taillights, a rear window de-mister, and a set of 14-inch wheels. 

Inside, the S-Presso has an ample number of features. Sitting on its dashboard is a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It likewise comes with the following: 

• Vinyl and fabric upholstery
• Two-piece speaker set
• USB ports
• Bluetooth
• Analog gauge cluster
• Manual air-conditioning system

For safety, the S-Presso GL AGS comes with anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-hold control, parking sensors, dual front airbags, ISOFIX, and an engine immobilizer. 

Under the hood of the Suzuki hatchback, meanwhile, is a 1.0-liter inline-3 gasoline mill capable of outputting 65 hp and 89 Nm of torque. Depending on the trim, it comes with a five-speed manual or an AGS transmission. 

To note, the S-Presso is one of the few hatchbacks with an engine automatic stop-start (EASS) system. Per the Japanese marque, the automatically shuts down the engine whenever the driver stops the car. Doing so can help in fuel efficiency, especially in tight traffic situations. 

Here is a table summarizing the specifications of the Suzuki S-Presso GL AGS: 

Model	Suzuki S-Presso AGS
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	3,565x1,520x1,657
Wheelbase (mm)	2,380
Ground clearance (mm)	180
Wheel size	14-inches
Lighting system	Halogen
Interior
Material	Vinyl and fabric
Amenities	Two-piece speaker set USB ports Bluetooth Analog gauge cluster Manual air-conditioning system
Infotainment system	Seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.0-liter inline-3
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	AGS
Horsepower	65
Torque	89 Nm
Technology
Safety	Anti-lock braking Stability control Hill-hold control Parking sensors Dual front airbags ISOFIX
Price	P660,000

Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback has been in the Philippine market for quite some time now. It is by no means a new model, but it still has a lot of good qualities to make it a competent contender against the Toyota Wigo. 

For its exterior, the Mitsubishi-made five-seater assumes a typical hatchback outline. It comes equipped with 15-inch wheels, a short-type antenna, electronically adjustable side mirrors, and black-colored exterior parts. 

The interior of the vehicle, on the other hand, boasts fabric upholstery, a 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Mirror Link, a two-piece speaker set, manual air-conditioning, and an analog gauge cluster. 

Propelling the Mitsubishi-made hatch is a 1.2-liter inline-3 gasoline engine with a maximum output of 76 hp and 100 Nm of torque. Depending on the trim, it utilizes a CVT or a five-speed manual gearbox. 

Here is a table showcasing the specifications of the Mitsubishi Mirage GLS CVT:

Model	Mitsubishi Mirage GLS CVT
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	3,795x1,665x1,500
Wheelbase (mm)	2,450
Wheel size	15-inches
Lighting system	Halogen
Interior
Material	Fabric
Amenities	Two-piece speaker set USB ports Bluetooth Analog gauge cluster Manual air-conditioning system
Infotainment system	6.75-inch touchscreen with Mirror Link
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.2-liter inline-3
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Horsepower	76
Torque	100 Nm
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags Shift interlock Anti-lock braking ISOFIX
Price	P772,000

Honda Brio

Another key rival of the Toyota Wigo is the Honda Brio. Currently, its four variants are offered at prices ranging from P735,000 to P863,000. 

Style-wise, the Brio stands out due to its sporty-looking design. The aforementioned is especially true with the top-spec RS Black Top trim, which was enhanced with a black-colored roof, 15-inch RS Design wheels, a gloss black RS Design front grille, side sills, a tailgate spoiler, and a shapely rear bumper. 

Functionality for its exterior is likewise assured by the presence of power-folding side mirrors, LED headlamps, and front fog lamps. 

Inside, the Honda hatchback offers its occupants comfort via its manual air-conditioning, fabric-clad seats, and six-piece speaker set. On-board entertainment, on the other hand, is handled by a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth and USB connectivity. 

For safety, the model was kitted out with the following:

• Dual front airbags
• Anti-lock braking
• Security alarm
• Engine immobilizer
• Rear parking sensors

The engine of the Honda Brio is a 1.2-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT. At maximum, the said four-banger can put out 88 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque. 

Here is a table showcasing the specifications of the Honda Brio RS Black Top: 

Model	Honda Brio RS Black Top
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	3,815x1,680x1485
Wheelbase (mm)	2,405
Ground clearance (mm)	137
Wheel size	15-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Fabric
Amenities	Six-piece speaker system Keyless entry Folding rear seat Manual air-conditioning Power-folding side mirrors
Infotainment system	7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	1.2-liter inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Horsepower	88
Torque	110 Nm
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags Anti-lock braking Security alarm Rear parking sensors
Price	P863,000

Final thoughts

As a given, each hatchback nameplate listed above has its own strengths and weaknesses. Regardless, the value they can provide prospective buyers is all well and good. All four, after all, are priced below P1 million, thus making them highly accessible to more would-be adopters. 

As we always say, however, those serious about getting a hatchback should test drive not only the Toyota Wigo but also all of its alternatives. Doing so, after all, will really help in finding the ride that truly fits your needs. 

Also read: 

Here are the Toyota Wigo's 3 variants in the Philippine market

Here are the Toyota Wigo's 6 spritely hues

Functionality Meets Elegance: What’s Inside the All-New Toyota Wigo