MANILA: Last month, Toyota unveiled the 2023 Agya in Indonesia, which is known as the Wigo here in the Philippines.

The newest version of the hatchback was also launched in other ASEAN countries — in Thailand and in Malaysia as the Perodua Axia.

Days after the launch of the 2023 Toyota Agya, Daihatsu also unveiled the all-new Ayla in Indonesia.

The 2023 Toyota Agya is powered by the WA-VE 1.2 liter three-cylinder engine used in Toyota Raize.

However, the lower variants of the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla retain the 1.0-liter, twin-cam, 12-valve inline-three gasoline engine that powers the current-generation Wigo in the Philippines.

Why did Daihatsu Ayla retain the 1.0-liter engine?

According to Daihatsu, majority of its customers, especially first-time buyers, preferred the 1.0-liter engine, as they are looking for an affordable car with good performance.

Daihatsu also discovered 55% of its customers preferred the 1.0-liter engine because they were more accustomed to it.

This may also apply to the Philippine market since many Wigo owners are already familiar with the 1.0-liter engine.

Will this also be the case for the next-gen Toyota Wigo here?

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) might adopt Daihatsu's approach and keep the 1.0-liter engine in the next-generation Toyota Wigo in order to keep the price competitive in the market.

There is a possibility that Toyota will equip the 2023 Toyota Wigo with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to enhance the fuel efficiency and power of the 1.0-liter engine. It would make sense given that the new iteration is bigger than the previous one.

TMP has not yet made an official announcement about the release of the 2023 Toyota Wigo since its local specs have yet to be determined.

Photos from Carvaganza and Toyota Motor Philippines

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