Toyota Wigo

The Wigo’s cabin is notable for its practical layout which offers ample space without compromising on comfort. The vehicle can easily accommodate four average height adult passengers with sufficient head- and leg-room for the rear section. Buyers will find mostly sturdy, black-colored plastic material used for the interior features. In addition to that, seats are wrapped in fabric across all trims which include three point seatbelts and new headrests. Toyota also replaced the old interior patterns on the door and seats with a more modern design. Numerous storage spaces were also added to both the front and rear door pockets to maximize the cabin area. This includes additional bottle holders and seat back pockets. Due to the compact size of the Wigo, everything is always at arm’s length.

The cargo space has a load capacity of 422-liters and can fit up to five full size backpacks. The flexible 60:40 split ratio of the foldable rear seats allows drivers to easily optimize the trunk for added cargo space when necessary.

Meanwhile, the top of the line TRD S variant received redesigned seats as well as a different instrument panel. A special red trim is also available which utilizes more sporty touches and styling. On the other hand, the G variant includes a touchscreen infotainment system and steering wheel mounted controls. Toyota added a new LCD air conditioner panel for both the G and TRD S variants as well for a premium feel. The entry-level E variant has retained the old school knob type air conditioning controls.

Other interior features include adjustable seats, a height adjustable driver seat, an electric folding rear view mirror, accessory power outlets, power windows, front cup holders, a heater, a tachometer, an electronic multi trip meter, a digital clock, and a digital odometer. Unfortunately, the steering column is not adjustable.

Comfort & Entertainment

One thing drivers might notice is some wind and engine noise when riding at high speeds. While it’s not super noticeable, the Wigo’s tendency for noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) to occur is mostly due to the vehicle’s eco tires and thin sound deadening. The deadening feature is particularly effective when driving in the city, resulting in a comfortable driving experience.

Inside the cabin, the dashboard sports a new 7-inch infotainment system. However, only the TRD S variant is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen also functions as the reverse camera when in use. While there is a reverse camera, it doesn’t include adaptive guidelines. The resolution is also subpar, making it difficult to use in sunny environments. Other convenience features include single-zone automatic climate control, a USB port, a push to start system, and a 12-volt socket.

The dimensions of the Wigo show just how compact the vehicle is. The hatchback measures 3,660 mm long, 1,600 mm wide, and has a height of 1,520 mm. However, the new TRD S is somewhat longer compared to the E and G trims at 3,700 mm. But the front and rear are still relatively short, keeping the Wigo compact. Ground clearance is standard at approximately 180 mm for all variants--which is impressive considering the size of the car. While the Wigo has retained its familiar shape from previous generations, Toyota has also given the vehicle some new aggressive touches to make it appear more sporty. Some of the changes include a new front bumper that features a more angular design.

The prominent trapezoidal grille and a newly shaped foglight housing are reminiscent of Toyota’s famous 86 coupe. The headlights are now also better integrated thanks to these design improvements. While the bumper and grille look significantly larger, about 70 percent is actually being used for cooling and air intake. The rest is purely for aesthetic purposes. Toyota has also done away with the previous generation’s side trims and made them simpler and cleaner. The rear bumper has also been reshaped and now includes faux vents on each side. The Wigo still rides on the same 14-inch wheels. All three variants use alloy wheels.

The top of the line TRD S gets some additional features such as LED taillight extensions and a larger rear spoiler for a sportier appearance. Other unique features include a new front chin, new side skirts, and a raised emblem on the rear that also functions as a hiding sport for the reverse camera. The TRD S also comes with about 10 TRD S badging in total, a tell-tale sign that this is a premium vehicle.

In Philippines, there are six Toyota Wigo colors available to choose from:

• Yellow SE
• Black
• White
• Gray Metallic
• Silver Metallic
• Orange Metallic

Passenger & Boot space

Despite being a hatchback, the Wigo has plenty of headroom and legroom for four passengers. Even if the front seats are rolled back, there’s still sufficient space for the rear passengers’ legs and knees. Elbow ream can be rather minimal since the seating space allows for an exact two passengers at the rear row. Seating three people is totally possible but definitely expect a tight squeeze, especially for whoever ends up sitting in the middle.

There’s also no center armrest for the second row, however, there are bottle holders as well as other storage amenities. The seats can be easily folded as well to expand the 422-liter cargo space.

The Wigo is one of the easiest and most comfortable hatchbacks to drive. Thanks to its generous ground clearance, it is able to absorb small bumps on city roads while remaining stable. Steering is weighted though it can feel rather heavy at times which is ironic for a light car. It can often require a bit more force when maneuvering, but steering is still quick and responsive. The 1.0-liter engine does its job when driving in the city and can easily get up to top speeds. However, it noticeably struggles when on the highway and can often have a hard time accelerating. But the Wigo is still capable of maintaining highway speeds with no problem.

Since the vehicle is configured to save as much fuel as possible, the 4-speed automatic transmission does tend to hold back a bit on power. The Wigo tries to maintain a higher gear, playing between 2nd and 3rd to get the most of the gasoline. Due to this, we can’t say that the transmission is really that sporty. Drivers might also feel some shuddering at times when crawling through traffic. However, it’s not too bad that it’s completely noticeable. A simple push of the accelerator lets the vehicle crawl a little faster which helps to get rid of the vibrations instantly. Those who are conscious of little things like this might not enjoy the Wigo. But, overall, it manages to deliver excellent ride handling considering its price point.

As the Wigo is currently being built and assembled by the carmaker’s Daihatsu subsidiary in Indonesia, the hatchback continues to ride on Daihatsu’s global A-segment platform which is also used for Toyota’s other small car offerings in the region. The Wigo is powered by an inline 3-cylinder 12-valve 1.0-liter 1KR-VE DOHC gasoline engine that is now integrated with the Japanese car brand’s VVT-i technology. These not only allowed the hatchback to deliver more acceleration but also improved its fuel economy. The engine can produce 66 hp and 89 Nm of torque. Similar to previous generations, this can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the front wheels.

The hatchback still utilizes McPherson struts for the suspension which can be found on the front while the rear has a compact twist beam suspension. These include a coil spring and a semi-independent torsion axle beam with coil spring. Minor suspension adjustments were also made by Toyota such as the improved Bridgestone OEM tires. These provided much better handling compared to earlier generations. Braking is handled by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes which are standard on all Wigo variants. The car also includes a manual, hand-operated parking brake.

Wigo Fuel consumption

The Wigo delivers the best fuel efficiency in its class, which is no surprise since it was designed specifically for city driving. Crawling through traffic in the city can pull out about 10.5 km/L. Take it out on the highway and it can return even higher numbers at an average of 20 km/L while running at 3,000 rpm at speeds of 90 to 100 kph. The closest record to the Wigo’s numbers at present is the Honda Jazz RS Navi CVT which registers 22.5 km/L. The Wigo’s excellent fuel economy is mostly thanks to its small three-cylinder engine which is actually the smallest in the entire Toyota Philippines lineup.

Considering the Wigo’s price point, the safety features included are more than enough to keep you well protected on the road. Standard across all variants are dual airbags for both the driver and passenger, an anti-lock braking system, rear parking sensors, 3-point seatbelts, and child lock protection. A car alarm and immobilizer are also available for the TRD S and G variants. In addition to that, the TRD S also comes with a dashboard camera as standard. Buyers may also opt to have this added for the G and E trims. The Wigo managed to score 4 stars in the ASEAN NCAP ratings with 12.84 points in adult occupancy protection and 82 percent for child occupancy protection.

Is Toyota Wigo a Good Car?

Thanks to the Toyota brand’s reputation for its reliability and durability, buyers of the Wigo can expect low cost maintenance and a sturdy driving experience for a long time. Maintenance costs for both 10,000 km and 50,000 km incurs about ₱3,500, while the maximum 80,000 km van range between ₱8,400 to 10,200. Overall it’s not a complete blow to the budget. Toyota recommends that drivers attend to their preventive maintenance service (schedule) every three months or 5,000 km.

Toyota Wigo Price Philippines

Toyota Wigo 1.0 E MT-₱568,00
Toyota Wigo 1.0 G MT-₱623,000
Toyota Wigo 1.0 G AT-₱658,000
Toyota Wigo 1.0 TRD S AT-₱700,000

Final Words

The Wigo is a great budget friendly vehicle for anyone who wants to be a part of the trustworthy Toyota brand. Despite being an entry-level hatchback, it’s got a host of amenities and features that are impressive for its affordable price. Whether its convenience or safety, the Wigo manages to offer more beyond the traditional compact vehicle without a hefty price tag.

Besides being one of the most comfortable and spacious small cars in the market, it’s also got excellent fuel economy that allows you to save money even after you’ve brought the car out of the showroom. In addition to that, it’s got that city car spirit that promises an exciting driving experience despite its compact size.

Must Read Article on Wigo

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