Toyota Wigo - Safety explained

The Toyota Wigo is one of the hottest hatch available in our local market. Besides its cuteness, the Wigo’s size makes it a go-to car of choice for first-time car buyers, those on a tight budget, and for parents looking to buy the first car of their kids. This Toyota hatchback is very dependable if you want a no-fuss car that can take you to your destinations anywhere in the city. But don’t be fooled by its affordable price tags. Just because this hatch is a steal does not mean it scrimped on design, features, and safety.

The current generation Wigo gets a refreshed styling transformation, with a restyled bumper and hood, upgraded grille, projector-type headlights and matching taillights. Inside, the hatch is already fitted with a multi-function steering wheel coupled with a simplistic design on the dashboard. On the mechanical front, the Wigo specs sheet features a 1-liter, 3-cylinder In-line, 12 Valve, DOHC with VVT-I engine that delivers a decent 66 PS of output at 6,000 rpm and 89 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.

The Toyota Wigo comes in six color options to fit your personality and style and three models that will suit your budget. Here is a look at the Toyota Wigo price list:

Variant	Suggested Retail Price
Toyota Wigo 1.0 VVT-i G A/T	Php 631,000
Toyota Wigo 1.0 VVT-i G M/T	Php 596,000
Toyota Wigo 1.0 VVT-i E M/T	Php 557,000

Safety features

Because The Toyota Wigo is being marketed as a basic, simple car for your daily drive, we don’t expect it to come with chockfull of safety and driver-assist features as some of the more premium and higher-end sedans. Rather, it comes adequate with standard safety features to meet safety standards. Such features included in the Wigo 1.0 VVT-I G model are:

• Central locking: with remote activation.
• Power door locks: for the driver to simultaneously lock all doors of the vehicle.
• Anti-theft system: with alarm to prevent vehicle theft.
• Engine immobilizer: prevents the engine from starting without using the vehicle's correct transponder key.
• Airbags: dual airbags for driver and front passenger.
• Seatbelts: 3 pt. ELR with pre-tensioner and force limiter for the front; 3 pt. ELR for rear seats

• Child safety locks: for rear doors.
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS): prevents the wheels from locking up when braking to maintain traction.
• Vehicle Stability control system: prevents the car from skidding and helps keep it stable when making a sharp curve, cornering, or sudden steering.
• Crash sensor: impact sensors that trigger airbags to inflate
• Door ajar warning: to warn the driver if one or more doors are open or not closed securely.
• Tire pressure monitor: to warn the driver if one or more of the wheels are underinflated.
• High mount stop lamp: for better visibility when stopping.

Safety ratings

The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP), tested the Toyota Wigo for both adult and child occupant protection. The Toyota hatchback got a four out of five-star rating for adult occupation protection and four out of five stars or 82 percent for child occupant protection. ASEAN NCAP also gave the Wigo a “pass” grade for the side-impact test. The test was carried out at Toyota’s laboratory with prior approval, assessment, and inspection conducted by ASEAN NCAP’s Inspector.

Bottom line

The Toyota Wigo active and passive safety system, as well as driver-assist features, are adequate to protect its passengers despite it being a basic, affordable car. And as a fair warning, the safety of the passengers should not rest heavily on these technologies. Rather, it is still the responsibility of the driver to ensure passenger safety.

Also read: Toyota Wigo - Interior, Exterior & Specs Review