As the country’s sales leader, Toyota Motor Philippines isn’t leaving anything to chance. No category is too insignificant in its ongoing quest to maintain its throne in the local automotive scene, from the compact Corolla Altis and the Vios subcompact sedan to the Innova MPV and the Hilux midsize pickup.
Toyota needed a contender in the fuel-efficient supermini class
Even the city car class hasn’t escaped the carmaker’s attention. The strong showing of its fellow Japanese rival in the segment compelled Toyota to field the Ayla mini hatchback from its subsidiary Daihatsu, renaming it the Wigo for the Philippine market. Starting off as a cute little urban roundabout with a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine, the model has adopted a more chiseled look through two facelifts, as if it wants to be taken a little more seriously.
Find out how much you’ll need to set aside if you want to get your very own example of Toyota’s petite little 5-door.
Toyota Wigo E 1.0 MT
The base Wigo E presents dimensions of 3,550mm in length, 1,600mm in width, and 1,520mm in height. Its 180mm of ground clearance puts it in a good position to withstand potholes, humps and the occasional ankle-deep floods common on city drives. Projector halogen headlamps flank the wide grille, and an LED brake lamp accompanies the rear light cluster.
Alloy wheels are standard across the range
Drivers take control of a spartan three-spoke steering wheel, while manual air-conditioning and a 2-DIN CD player head unit with USB and Bluetooth are standard. The turnkey ignition system fires up a 1.0-liter mill capable of 65 hp and 89 Nm of torque that’s paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
This entry-level Wigo variant has a sticker price of Php 568,000. For financing, a 20 percent downpayment or Php 113,600 requires Php 15,886 in monthly payments for a 36-month term. Moving up the initial cash outlay to 40 percent or Php 227,200 and extending the contract to 48 months will result in a recurring bill of Php 9,589, while bringing it to 60 months drives down the amortization further to just Php 8,215.
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Toyota Wigo G 1.0 AT
The midrange trim level adds front fog lamps at the fascia to enhance forward illumination in low-light conditions. A roof-mounted spoiler integrates a third brake lamp., while the exterior mirrors can be folded electronically. Interior amenities include electronic climate control, steering wheel remote controls, and a touchscreen head unit.
There's adequate room to squeeze in five occupants plus a few pieces of luggage
An engine start button engages the power plant, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, and reverse sensors with camera are part of its safety features.
Its Php 658,000 sticker price can be divided into 36 monthly payments of Php 18,403, on a downpayment of 20 percent or Php 131,600. A contract of 48 months yields a monthly amortization of Php 14,811, while raising the downpayment to 30 percent or Php 197,400 for the same amortization period results in a monthly bill of Php 12,929.
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Toyota Wigo TRD S 1.0 AT
The top-spec Wigo comes with all the bells and whistles, starting with a full sport kit comprising a front spoiler, skirts on the sides and back, and a two-tone rear spoiler. These are complemented by TRD S decals and badging. Users will appreciate the one-touch down power window on the driver’s side, as well as the touchscreen display audio equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands.
The range-topping TRD S offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
MacPherson struts and a torsion beam axle underpin the chassis. A dashboard camera digital video recorder comes standard, along with an anti-theft immobilizer system and keyless entry.
MacPherson struts and a torsion beam axle underpin the chassis. A dashboard camera digital video recorder comes standard, along with an anti-theft immobilizer system and keyless entry.
Priced at Php 700,000, the Wigo TRD S entails a monthly payment of Php 19,578 for a 36-month term, if accompanied by a 20 percent downpayment or Php 140,000. Doubling the initial cash to 40 percent or Php 280,000 reduces the bill to Php 14,683. Meanwhile, going for a 50 percent downpayment or Php 350,000 paired with 48 months ends up with a monthly amortization of Php 9,848.
As always, these are all estimates, exclusive of other costs such as maintenance, fuel, insurance, and registration at the end of the first three years of ownership. Your nearest Toyota dealer will be able to give you a more accurate computation based on your current budget.
Find more tips that add up to a great car ownership experience at Philkotse.com.