With a doubt, the launch of the Wigo in 2014 was a double-edged sword for Toyota in the Philippines. On one hand, if they get it right, it sees them expand to a new market dominated by Korean, Indian, and even Chinese car brands. On the other hand, get it wrong and you can bet these first-time car buyers will swear off owning a Toyota for the rest of their lives. Thankfully for Toyota (and tough luck for everyone else), it was a huge success. It moved more than 40,000 units and paved the way to first-time Toyota ownership for a lot of happy campers. And even before its rivals could respond, here comes a new one.
Technically, the 2017 Wigo is refreshed model. Yet, despite some carryover components, it’s been effectively re-skinned with a new hood, bumpers, mirrors, lights, and alloy wheels. The Wigo’s angularity has been played effectively here, dialing up its Angry Birds look the process. It stands out more now, especially in this loud Orange Mica Metallic hue while still adding some familial Toyota design cues here and there.
The Wigo’s story of mixing the new with the tested continues inside. The dashboard is the same, but almost everything else is tweaked or refined. The color scheme alone has been uplifted with new orange pin striping on the seats and door panels as well as darker silver paneling on the center console. Then, the instrument cluster gets clearer numerals and a gear indicator for the A/T variant. After that, the stalks and switches have been swapped for ones that offer better tactile feel while the A/C controls have been changed to a dual rotary knob set-up from the previous three-knob one. Finally, the infotainment system is also new, offering snappier responses and a sharper display along with steering wheel mounted controls.
The aesthetic changes done to the Wigo is a great way to signal its biggest change: the engine. Adopting VVT-i technology, this 1.0-liter 3-cylinder lump gets a small boost in both power (+1 horsepower) and torque (+4 Nm). But the story doesn’t just start and end with the outputs. Compared to the previous powerplant, the 2017 model feels noticeably smoother. There are still some bouts of unevenness due to the odd cylinder count, but for the most part, it’s more ironed out than the original. It’s also quieter as well, but that’s likely due to the added sound deadening. And speaking about weight, the Wigo gains 8 percent more mass (60 kilograms). Nonetheless, overall performance doesn’t seem hampered even with 3 people aboard.
The Wigo is still best experienced in tight city confines where its small stature becomes an invaluable asset. The fixed steering column and limited adjustment to the driver’s seat requires some fidgeting to get comfy, but once adjusted for, it’s rewarding because of its extreme pointability and maneuverability. The steering requires more turns lock-to-lock than one would expect, but it never once hampered its ability to take on a three-point turn in just two.
With this drive done around the traffic-free roads around Siargao, one would expect the Wigo to suffer greatly from a common city car weakness: high-speed touring. Thankfully, that’s not the case. Commanding it to accelerate quickly or gain speed at a whim still poses a challenge, but maintaining that speed is no problem. Plus, the revised suspension geometry helps in making it feel more planted and stable while still managing to keep the well-balanced ride. It feels largely pliant through most road surfaces barring large ruts. Steering it through left-right-left corners quickly lets out some understeer and body roll, but nothing that lessens the confidence in this little car.
Prices have gone up on the 2017 Wigo with it starting at P 526,000 and topping out with this 1.0 G A/T at P 599,000. At that price range, it looks considerably close to the base Vios, but it’s worth noting that this small Toyota comes packs all sorts of convenience features. Apart from the new VVT-i equipped engine and aesthetic changes, the Wigo also arrives with 3-point ELR seatbelts for front and rear occupants, dual SRS airbags, and anti-lock brakes all as standard equipment.
In the end, that’s exactly how Toyota will end up trumping the competition once again with the 2017 Wigo. The 2014 model laid down the notion that you can actually have a new car that’s easy to drive and own backed up by Toyota’s bullet-proof reputation. The new Wigo is set to continue that trend. Historically, Toyota was content with introducing just bits and pieces of new tech with each model upgrade. Understanding that would-be vehicle buyers are increasingly spoilt for choices, the Wigo breaks that mold and offers an entire slew of changes this year. It’s these slew of changes, upgrades, and additions that’s bound to keep it a car’s length away from the competition.
Have they fixed the rattling issue sa engine support? I heard a lot of Wigo owners complain about this recurring problem.
ReplyDeleteThe unit we drove was new... So it didn't have the rattling that you mentioned. It does have much less vibration than it did before.
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DeleteRattling issue from previous generation Wigo is irritating. Sometimes it crops up on units less than a year old. Casa does not seem to have a solution to the problem.
ReplyDeleteif it rattles after a while it's probably the engine mounts going loose. it's a 3 cylinder and it's made by daihatsu not engineered too well to contain vibrations. check the engine mounts. if the engine mounts are bad try to source a fortified one
DeleteStill no split fold on the rear bench?
ReplyDeleteEven Toyota is too embarassed to sell it anywhere but third world countries. But since Filipinos are too enamored with Jap brands ESP Toyota it sells like hotcakes here nevermind it's really mediocre. Basta me touchscreen ok na
ReplyDeleteAgree that we (Filipinos) are have so much trust with Japanese brands but you don't need to judge the choice that they are making when buying a car as they have different reasons.
Deletenote: CRV and city owner here.
Actually only Toyota and Honda have above average quality rankings in the US. If they Toyota attempts to sell this crap there its stellar reputation will surely tank
DeleteThat's because this model is intended for developing countries.
DeleteIf you did your research, you'd know that this was originally part of the Indonesian government's Low Cost Green Car program that Toyota participated in.
People buy these because they want affordable mobility -and they get what they pay for.
It all centers around COST - so please don't set your expectations that high.
Because this is a car for developing countries. You are certainly autistic to think that an Avalon or Sienna is going to sell super well here.
DeleteMitsubishi is confident enough to sell the mirage in more developed countries and kia with pics to as well while Toyota does not think it's not good enough
DeleteAnd how is Mitsubishi's G4 doing in the US so far? NOT so good. The G4 engine is too weak for American highways. The Chevy Sonic, Nissan Versa or Ford Fiesta offers far more than the Mitsubishi.
DeleteSmall micro cars will never sell well in the us, just look at mazda but the i10 sells really well in europe.. too bad hari priced it out of range for our market
Deleteyou keep talking from your *bottom*(lol). there a couple of reasons why the wigo and cars like it don't pass or can't be sold there.
Delete1.emissions is a probable cause. if it doesnt meet the emissions and toyota adds more systems to keep it in check then it would defeat the costs of selling it there it'll overlap with other cars on sale there.
2.safety features. cars in the US MUST have traction control and abs on their cars plus airbags too i think. without those it wont pass regulations
3.diagnostic system. in the US all cars sold must use OBD-II standard this uses a specific scanner system used here for SE asia.
all of that will add to the price of the car making it more expensive to sell there and would defeat it's purpose.
another thing you do know that the US peeps are DYING to have the chevrolet trailbazer that we have and the ford ranger but they can't because they dont pass regulations so ford chevy had to make new designs that would pass there. chevy has already made a new midsize truck for the US with the same engine as the one here and guess what? they're also selling pretty well.
^Quality between Toyota and Honda, we'd go for the latter... but the brio is ugly in terms of looks...
ReplyDeleteToyota quality? This is a Daihatsu!
ReplyDeleteIf you want Toyota Quality go with there global nameplates - Corolla, Camry, Rav4.
Yung JDM version most now are sourced from Thailand not consistent quality unlike more mechanized Japanese plants
Delete"Toyota quality? This is a Daihatsu!"
DeleteYou are a funny guy... Daihatsu is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota... they have a say in their quality assurance!
Kaya NGA binili ng Toyota dahil Na bankruptcy due to quality problems. Fyi Daihatsu doesn't follow Toyota's high cost supply system. Maybe that's why our wigo is the only one branded as a Toyota
Deletethe avanza is also a daihatsu btw and they last well. as long as your engine and transmission are great (and they are) everything else can be sorted out yourself. for example the engine proble with shaking. have somebody fabricate better engine mounts and youre good
DeleteHow about fuel consumption sir?
ReplyDeleteDon't expect with the fuel consumption expect it as before 6-8km/L on city and 10-12km on highways 14km/L if you really try hard but unlikely. However,you'll fare better in idle traffic though because the engine is small with 3 cyl, and sips less gas than its 4 pot counterparts.
DeleteIf you ave the budget, then aim for a Vios with the same gas consumption.
BTW, Toyotas are known to be gas guzzlers - imagine this Wigo with a struggling small engine, you'll end up stepping on the gas harder than usual.
Better then the previous Wigos because it has a more modern engine. No test yet to say how much better. Less milage then Suzuki Celario.
Delete22.9 kms/l on highway. and in city driving it's actually 13.5kms/l.. i just tested it on my all new wigo.
Delete^Why does car reviewers always have more "artistic shots" than "technical" ones? Why not just post the basic 360-deg street-level view... a technical review paired with technical photos will give prospective buyers (like OFWs) better insight... coz in the real world, we wont be looking at this car with our chin smacked on the pavement... just my 2 cents
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DeleteBecause it's a first drive feature. When we do our in-depth reviews, we'll revert to a more technical style.
DeleteThat's what brochures and Google are for.
ReplyDeleteDoes it still use an antiquated 4AT?
ReplyDeleteToyota should have just rebranded the Perodua Axia, which is basically the same as the Wigo but with better interior and exterior trim befitting of the price increase.
ReplyDeleteIts a shit car. Mazda 3 is a better choice.
ReplyDeleteYou'd be better w/ Wigo, just suits you.
DeleteTo the author: why is it that the dear markings on the A/T shift knob is located at the side of the passenger seat? IMO it should be on the driver side.
ReplyDelete*gear
DeleteQuite true. It means the Wigo was originally designed for RHD and converted for LHD markets.
DeleteSince this is a budget car, some compromises had to be made including the placement of the gear indicator.
Thanks ��
DeleteThis is a very god observation and finding. Toyota missed this error when converting to left hand drive from the standard right hand drive.
DeleteAll i see is there no good feedbacks and i see with this comments are negativities.
ReplyDeleteHaha.. Sorry First Timer sa Car. Overall what can you say about Toyota Wigo?
ReplyDeleteSatisfied owner here. It suits my needs. Easy to park and maneuver. Got looks as well.
ReplyDeleteHaha puro negative. Pro andaming owner. Hihi. Toyota rocks PH market. Look at your street.
ReplyDeleteIt is very convenient driving this car. We are 5 in my family and my 5 year old kid, and we all fit in this what they call 'trash, ugly, etc. car' whatsoever. For me, as a first time car owner, I find this car very interesting and comfortable for city driving and neighboring towns. Gas consumption? Superb! I am happy with this new WIGO (I named mine as Baymaxxx) ^_^ So far so good.
ReplyDeleteKaya bang umakyat ng baguio ng wigo? Thanks
ReplyDeleteAlso i dunno if its correct, but uber is no longer accepting wigo na dw? Thanks po sa tutulong sumagot..
ReplyDeleteThat's what I heard, yes. Di na pwede ang Eon and Wigo for Uber. Kailangan sedan at least.
DeleteHi all. I am currently torn between vios j and wigo g a/t sine they are almost at the same price. Hiwever is it worth picking vios j given the features wigo g is giving ? Thanks
ReplyDeleteI have the new 2017 Wigo and it is my first car so I would not be able to compare it with others. I am loving it though and it's so easy to park and drive around. I find it very spacious as well -- big enough to load a coach and table for my girlfriend, if you can believe that. (rear seats folded of course). Fuel efficiency according to the computer is 11.6 km per liter. I am told this would improve further as I am still in my break in period. I also love the look, very stylish and sporty looking although that is a personal preference (I have the metallic orange model). Performance wise, it accellerates quickly and powerful enough for steep climbs (5 person on-board). Overall, I am very happy with this car.
ReplyDeletePlan To buy wigo A/T😍
ReplyDeleteWhich is better CVT or at
ReplyDeletewhich is much better mirage glx cvt or wigo G AT
ReplyDeleteWigo at
DeleteI am an owner of the early 2014 model and love this car. Better than my old kia sedan since this is wider and higher with 14" tires. Mine is a g manual and it averages 12 to 13 kms per liter since we only use it here in the city most of the time. It does not rattle contrary to other comments. I believe it all depends on the way one handles his driving. Sometimes wrong ways of driving results to a problem car. I,ve been driving since 1979 and have no trouble driving whatever car I use. Check your driving habit, it's very important
ReplyDelete14 inch WHEEELS! not tires you dont measure tires in inches -_-
Deletei also have an experience annoying sound in the engine compartment everytime i step on the brakes. is this normal?
ReplyDeletethat's called engine braking yep. if youre on a auto step on the breaks while youre stopped and in park and you see the engine revving down as you brake. same thing while driving thats why it makes that noise. that and also the engine mounts may be loose
Deletewigo must change thier outer door handle. it looks like an old school car handle.
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to get one this year, but i'm still thinking is the Wigo's engine good enough for travel outside the city, like Batangas, Pampanga etc? Or is the 1.2L engine better for that? Choosing between the Mirage or Wigo. Need some advise on this, thanks
ReplyDeleteWigo 1st gen climbs up in baguio tagaytay, sierra madre with no issue. This engines are powerful yet its only 3 cylinders. We cruise together with mitsubishi mirage hatchback both climbs up the same and fast. Wigo owner here it will just defines where your heart belongs mitsu or toyota no to brand wars. The new 2nd gen wigo engine defines as 1.0, DOHC, 12 valve EFI, VVTI, 3 cylinder machine. Waiting for my 2nd wigo to be release by tom.
ReplyDeleteHirap magdecide kun wigo g a/t or mirage HB glx cvt. Gusto ko tlga ng wigo kaso ung makina parang kulang skin. Mas gusto ko rin porma ng wigo kesa sa mirage para skin. Ang gusto ko lang sa mirage ung 1.2 na engine. hirap magdecide
ReplyDeleteHindi mo na mapapansin yung .2 difference ng makina between wigo and mirage. Lalo na pagumaandar na oto mo. Take note sir, dual vvti si wigo, kaya nyang sibakin si mirage 🙂
DeleteHi ask lang po kung magkano kaya price increase ng 2nd gen wigo G m/t pag nag take effect na ang excise tax?
ReplyDeleteHello po sa lahat. Ask ko lng po sana kung mganda ba tlga ang wigo g at 2017? Tnx
ReplyDeleteI am German and in Philippines at the moment. I bought this car for my gf just last week. Sure, I can't compare with my BMW in Germany, must get used to it. The light is so dark, escpecially to be used in rural areas in Philippines. I am just wondering, why I never heard about 'WIGO' in Germany, since in big cities we have a lot of small cars like Kia Picanto, Suzuki Celerio, Smart, Mini, also in past Daihatsu 'Cuore'(which my ex used as second car and we were happy with it) and many others like from VW, Seat or Renault. Why Toyota doesn't sell this 'WIGO'in Germany?
ReplyDeleteNeed help po. 1st time to own a car nxtmonth.ano mas maganda mt o at po? Malakas bang humigop ng gas ang wigo? Mga ilang km ang 1liter?salamat po
ReplyDeleteBetter AT brod
Delete