Battle of budget-friendly hatchbacks: Toyota Wigo vs. Kia Picanto vs. Mitsubishi Mirage

A hatchback is usually suggested for new drivers since it has a compact design that makes it easier to handle.

It's also useful if it has a flexible interior with folding seats that allow for greater cargo capacity. A hatchback is also a popular choice among first-time car buyers because it is available at a reasonable price. Among the most affordable in the market include the Toyota Wigo, Kia Picanto, and Mitsubishi Mirage.

Toyota Wigo is the brand’s entry-level model. Aside from its compact dimensions, what makes the the Wigo a beginner-friendly hatchback is its convenience features such as steering wheel switches, back sonar, and back camera.

Under the Wigo’s hood is a three-cylinder inline engine that churns out 66ps and 89Nm of torque.

Meanwhile, the Kia Picanto is known for its surprisingly spacious cabin. It has a user-friendly dashboard with features such as steering wheel tilt adjustment and Aux and USB ports.

The Picanto is powered by a three-cylinder inline petrol engine that produces 67ps and 95Nm of torque.

This compact five-seater hatchback also comes with impressive safety features. Around 44% of the Picanto's structure is made of Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS), which ensures a resilient and safe cabin.

The Mitsubishi Mirage, on the other hand, has the best fuel economy in its class. It also offers flexible seating, plenty of luggage capacity, and ease of parking.

The Mirage is powered by an inline DOHC MIVEC engine that generates 77.52ps and 100Nm of torque.

Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or just looking for a new budget-friendly compact car, check out the chart below to see which hatchback suits your needs:

SPECIFICATIONS	Toyota Wigo E MT	Kia Picanto LX MT	Mitsubishi Mirage GLX MT
Length (mm)	3,660	3,595	3,795
Width (mm)	1,600	1,595	1,665
Height (mm)	1,520	1,495	1,500
Engine	Three Cylinder Inline	Three Cylinder Inline Petrol	Inline Three DOHC MIVEC
Displacement (cc)	998	998	1,193
Maximum Power (ps/rpm)	66/6,000	67/5,500	77.52/6,000
Maximum Torque (Nm/rpm)	89/4,400	95/3,750	100/4,000
Transmission	Five-speed Manual Transmission	Five-speed Manual Transmission	Five-speed Manual Transmission
Suspension	Front: MacPherson Strut Rear: Torsion Beam Axle	Front: MacPherson Strut with Stabilizer Rear: Coupled Torsion Beam Axle	Front: MacPherson Strut Coil Spring Rear: Torsion Beam
Brakes	Front: Ventilated Disc Rear: Drum	Front: Disc Rear: Drum	Front: Ventilated Disc Rear: Leading and Trailing Drums
Tires	175/65R14	175/65R14	175/55R15
Wheels	14” x 5J Alloy	14” Steel with Wheel Cap	15” x 5J Alloy
Audio	2DIN, AM/FM Radio, Aux/USB/CD, and Bluetooth	AM/FM Radio, MP3 with USB and Aux-in ports	2-DIN, Aux, USB port, iPod-ready, Bluetooth, and 6.75” Touch Screen Monitor with Mirrorlink Feature
Steering Wheel	Three-spoke Urethane	Three-spoke Polyurethane	Three-spoke Urethane with Silver Accent
Airbags	Driver and Front Passenger	Driver	Driver and Front Passenger
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)	With	Without	Without
Available Body Colors	Silver Metallic, White, and Gray Metallic	Clear White, Titanium Silver, Pop Orange, Lime Light, Alice Blue, and Honey Bee	Titanium Gray Metallic and Red Metallic
PRICE	P568,000	P590,000	P711,000

 

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines, Kia Philippines, and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation