Toyota launches all-new Wigo hatchback, starting at P448,000

Toyota Motor Philippines has launched the all-new Wigo hatchback at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu. The Philippines is the second country to launch the new vehicle, after Indonesia. The Wigo, known as the Ayga in Indonesia, was developed to conform to Indonesia’s low-cost green-car program. Under that program, a vehicle is mandated to get at least 20 km/liter fuel efficiency.

According to Daihatsu Motor Co. Chief Engineer for the Wigo Nobuhiko Ono, the Wigo is an all-new vehicle that was expressly designed for the ASEAN market. He cites the vehicle’s relatively low 750kg curb weight as one of its advantages. Daihatsu is a subsidiary of Toyota Motor, and specializes in small vehicles.

Toyota is expecting the Wigo to appeal particularly to new-car buyers, with its return to the sub-P500,000 market. The 1.0G M/T retails for P499,000 and the AT variant for P534,000. Even more affordable will be the 1.0 E M/T that will be launched in April for P448,000. Actors John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo are the product endorsers; they will appear in TV commercials for the Wigo.

The engine is a three-cylinder long-stroke 998-cc gasoline unit, producing 64hp and 85Nm. Transmission is a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Suspension uses MacPherson struts in the front with torsion beam axle at the rear. Brakes are front discs/rear drums, with the G getting larger front discs.

The hatchback looks modern, with a tall one-box design. Length is 3600mm, width 1620mm and height at 1520. Turning radius is 4.7 meters. The car seats five, with suitcase space in the trunk. The rear seat can be folded to expand the cargo area. The G gets 175/65 tires on 14-inch alloys, while the E gets steel wheels with 155/80R13 tires.

Wigo G gets front foglamps with chrome surrounds, chrome trim on the door handles and door trim, rear spoiler with LED third brake lamp, electric side mirrors, remote control doorlocks, two-DIN navigation-ready audio unit with four speakers. ABS brakes as standard on the G. Electric power steering, power windows, trip meter and dual airbags are standard on all variants. Also on the launch stage were cars with original body kits: one with side skirts, and another with TRD-badged wheels and lower-body aero kit.

Colors for the Wigo are white, silver metallic, grey metallic, light blue metallic, blue metallic, and black.

Toyota observed growth in the low-cost hatchback market, with sales jumping from 5861 units in 2011 to 15,516 in 2013. With the more than 200 percent jump, it is eager to carve out a slice for itself. The Wigo seems to be the ideal vehicle to do it with.

Originally posted: 6:42 am | Thursday, February 20th, 2014