Toyota Wigo: Pros & cons, should you buy the hatch?

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. The hatchback segment has been a popular and one that has been on the boom in the past, and most likely, it is going to be the same in the future as well.

Toyota was quick to realise the importance of this segment and gave the Filipinos a good option to become a hatchback owner with the launch of its Wigo. So, how good this car actually is and whether it is the right one for you or not? Let us find out.

Toyota Wigo Pros

 

Sporty looks

For an entry-level hatchback, the Wigo impresses us with its sporty and funky looks. We have to give it to Toyota for doing such a great job in designing this car. The Wigo features stylish projector-type headlamps at the front that not only look cool but also function pretty good at night.

The horizontal chrome strip between the headlamps adds a bit of premium and up-market feel to the car. It also houses the brand’s logo giving you the peace of mind every time you look at it. Toyota has blacked-out the radiator grille for that added sporty look. We also like the slightly upswept fog lamp housings.

The side profile of the Wigo carries a youthful look thanks to the presence of attractive alloy wheels. They suit the car’s character just right. Toyota has also provided body-colored outside rearview mirrors with integrated turn signals. Moving to the rear end of the Wigo, things are even better with the two-piece combination taillights which surprisingly look great. The rear bumper is also sportier than the front one and we even have a roof-mounted rear spoiler with integrated high mount stop lamp.

Easy manoeuvrability

Since the Wigo is a small hatchback, its quite obvious that it is going to have compact dimensions. That makes it an easy to drive hatch, especially in the city where the streets are usually clogged up. It is also easier to park even in the tightest of parking spaces.

Cabin space

Even though the Wigo has very compact dimensions, it will definitely surprise you with the amount of cabin space it has on offer. It has one of the best cabin spaces you would find in this segment. There is a good amount of room inside the cabin to move around. Accommodating four adults won’t be an issue at all. 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.

Efficient engine

Under the hood of the Wigo is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder VVT-i engine that produces 66 hp of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and 89 Nm of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. This is the only engine option available and all the three variants of the car come equipped with it. For the transmission, you can pick either the 4-speed automatic or the 5-speed manual. This engine isn’t meant to set new lap times but it should keep you happy with its fuel efficiency figures.

Affordable price

The Toyota Wigo price starts at Php 547,000 for its base 1.0 E MT variant and the range-topping 1.0 G AT will set you back Php 621,000. Perhaps, the most suitable variant of the Wigo is the mid-range 1.0 G MT that comes with all the bells and whistles of the top-end model but features a manual transmission. The price of the base model makes the Wigo one of the most affordable hatchbacks in the Philippines.

Toyota Wigo Cons

 

Limited interior features

There aren’t a whole lot of features on the inside of the Wigo to discuss. Things are pretty basic here with elements like steering mounted audio controls, conventional instrument cluster, manual AC, etc. However, we can’t really complain here because of Wigo's price.

Uncomfortable seats

The seats inside the Wigo aren't that great when it comes to comfort. They offer a decent level of cushioning and support which should be acceptable for short commutes, but for long tours, it could be an issue. Also, since the steering wheel on the Wigo isn't adjustable at all, finding the right driving position just by sliding and reclining the driver's seat isn't the best experience.

Quality of materials

You will find that most of the parts inside of the Wigo are made up of hard and scratchy plastic. This is something that not all people would digest. Toyota could have done slightly better here because the interior is where the owner is going to spend most of the time during the entire ownership of the Wigo.

Lack of safety equipment

This is another department where we think Toyota shouldn’t have made compromises. The Toyota Wigo specs sheet lists only a couple of safety features worth mentioning. These include dual front SRS airbags (driver and passenger) and ABS.

Should you buy it?

If you really have a limited budget and are in need of a reliable hatchback, then the Wigo would be a good option for you. However, if you can extend your budget a bit, then you have got better options like the Honda Brio 2019 and Kia Picanto which you should definitely check out.

Also Read:- Toyota Wigo: Maintenance guide