Let’s go with the Wigo

It is said that the backbone of the nation is the working class, the members of which have to work their butts off till kingdom come to make ends meet. Let it not be said, though, that an automotive giant like Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has neglected the needs of the working class.

 

In fact, it is the working class, particularly the young, seemingly more easygoing set that could be found in the booming business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, that TMP’s newest subcompact car Wigo is destined for. This was revealed during the Feb. 19 launch at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

 

TMP’s attention to the low-cost hatchback is understandable. According to its figures, there had been a 200-percent increase in the market takeup for subcompacts from 2011 to 2013. TMP further zeroed in on Wigo’s customer base: 20s, single, scouting for their first brand-new car; or maybe they could be those fed up with public transportation but wouldn’t want to risk it all on two-wheeled motorized transport.

 

Toyota’s entry into the low-cost subcompacts gives this particular purchasing sector a measure of dignity. If what Inquirer Motoring’s impressions on the short driving experience with the Wigo last week were the basis, the Pinoy working class is in for a treat once they get to drive the Wigo.

 

For starters, the Wigo’s friendly price range (P448,000, P499,000 and P534,000) and the Toyota badge of quality already make the hatchback a must in any prospective buyer’s short list.

 

For the drive experience, the author was given the keys to take the Wigo 1.0G manual transmission variant for a short spin.

 

The Wigo G variant’s SRP is currently pegged at P499,000. The stylish design is complemented by Wigo’s fascia featuring a color-keyed grill with chrome accents, sporty bumper and fog lamps, all accented with chrome. The sides show smooth flowing lines, again with chrome door moldings and chrome door handles. For its price, the aerodynamic rear spoiler with LED stop lamp, rear wiper and sculptured rear combination lamps is a thoughtful bonus.

 

Recognizable in a heartbeat

 

The first thing the author noticed when she sat behind the wheels of the Wigo, aside from the dashboard spread that seemed to loudly whisper “let’s go!” from the get-go, was the instrumentation panel with the eco-meter. As usual for Toyota vehicles, the dashboard controls are split-second recognizable. There’s no figuring out which buttons, levers and knobs are for what.

 

For an entry-level category to which it supposedly belongs, the Wigo offers next-level features, such as front and rear power windows, side view mirror adjustment controls and power door locks.

 

Adding style to the overall inside view are the silver accented steering wheel, silver and chrome accented door armrests and handles. Nonleather seats are both practical and complementary to the look.

 

Another next-level amenity is the entertainment system highlighted by a touch-screen monitor, with Navi system to boot. There’s also Bluetooth audio streaming and Bluetooth call function, AM/FM, AUX, USB and SD inputs.

 

The interior space feels just right for Asian physiques. The rear passengers’ space is roomy. The distance of the front seats to rear, front seat hip point height, rear seat hip point height, the legroom, knee clearance and shoulder room were tested during the car launch when members of the motoring media of all shapes and sizes sat inside the car and generally found themselves comfy.

 

Notable safety features include SRS airbags for both driver and passenger, antilock brake system for the 1.0G variant, three-point seatbelts for driver, front and rear right and left passengers (but only a lap belt for the middle rear passenger). Child lock protection is present at the rear door.

 

TMP itself showed pictures to the author depicting the Wigo as able to accommodate up to four large and two medium-sized balikbayan boxes. It also claimed that the Wigo has the widest rear opening for its cargo hold among competitors.

 

Fun to drive

 

The author enjoyed the manual transmission of the Wigo. The engine response was immediate. The feel of the steering wheel was just right; not too light but not too heavy. There was, however, considerable noise, vibration and harshness felt, especially when in the first and second gears.

 

The ride stability could be attributed to the front Macpherson strut suspension and rear trailing arm with torsion beam.

 

On the highway, the Wigo climbs quickly to cruising speeds (60 kilometers per hour and upwards) and is “at home” there. The engine (model 1KR-FE, inline three-cylinder, 12-valve, DOHC, 998cc displacement) voices no strain in keeping up with the “big boys.”

 

The combined city and highway driving yields a fuel efficiency consumption of 15 kilometers per liter. The unit this author drove has a digital fuel consumption rating.

 

A cool feature of this Wigo is its eco-driving mode indicator, a small leaf-like green dot that lights up near the fuel gauge telling you if your driving is fuel-efficient in real-time.

 

Verdict: A sub-P500K Toyota is a no-brainer. But if you really have to know for yourself and test-drive it (which is the wise thing to do), expect value-for-money amenities, safety and ride performance. The only downside could be the drab colors an otherwise designed-for-fun Wigo is clothed in: shades of gray, blue and white. Come on, Toyota, you can paint much better than that.