Again in 2014, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) launched their challenger to the hot-selling A-segment market – the Wigo. Since then, it has change into considered one of TMP’s best-selling fashions, together with the Vios and Innova. The factor is, competitors grew fierce, so Toyota needed to preserve it trying recent and hip towards its rivals. They rectified that by giving the small hatchback was given a makeover in 2017. Little doubt, the facelift helped preserve gross sales of the Wigo going robust.
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Now, three years after its first facelift in 2017, Toyota has up to date the Wigo’s design as soon as once more. In comparison with the earlier replace, the design adjustments will not be as intensive as the primary one. That stated, Toyota made an effort to make it look extra aggressive this time round. On the identical time, TMP added a bunch of tech as effectively.
The query now’s whether or not the brand new styling and extra options proceed to make the 2020 Wigo an reasonably priced mannequin? Extra importantly, is it nonetheless the identical metropolis automobile we first obtained to know in 2014? Nicely, to seek out out, I recommend you learn on as we evaluate the 2020 Wigo 1.Zero TRD S AT.
For starters, the variant. The TRD S just isn’t an non-compulsory bundle that TMP affords for the 2020 Wigo. As a substitute, it’s a part of the lineup and is the brand new range-topping variant. Styling-wise, it appears identical to the up to date Wigo that includes a brand new entrance bumper, headlights, and taillights. On prime of that, it does get a TRD unique entrance lip, aspect skirts, rear bumper extension, and tailgate spoiler. There are additionally TRD S stickers on the aspect and a badge on the rear. Some might not just like the stickers and badge, however no less than it helps you stand out among the many relaxation, assuming the TRD S unique yellow paint just isn’t loud sufficient.
Sadly, the wheels that include the TRD S variant will not be TRD items. These are nonetheless the usual 14-inch alloys fitted on the 1.Zero G variant. If you wish to have the extra fashionable set of TRD wheels, you’ll have to look elsewhere and, it is a quite costly choice. I’m simply curious as to why TMP didn’t bundle the TRD wheels with the TRD S variant. Little doubt that will have assist accomplished the look.
On the subject of styling, Toyota additionally made adjustments to the inside of the Wigo for 2020. The seats and dashboard stay the identical. However, the seat patterns have been up to date and have a extra fashionable black and crimson design. These patterns are additionally on the sidings and even the rear seats. In entrance of the motive force, a brand new instrument cluster with a multi-info show that now illuminates in orange. Like earlier than, there’s lots of storage areas contained in the automobile plus cupholders (though they’re a bit small). However, a middle armrest would have been good particularly, with this range-topping variant. Happily, you may get one as an non-compulsory further.
Little doubt, the very best options within the cabin is on the middle console. Gone is the outdated touchscreen head unit, changed with a brand new infotainment system that comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Sure, the Wigo now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto…however just for this TRD S variant. Beneath the infotainment system, the knob-style air con controls are gone. Now, it has a digital local weather management unit. Along with the infotainment, these two new options alone already make the Wigo really feel very upscale.
For the TRD S variant, a Toyota branded dashcam, a push begin button, and power-folding mirrors are a part of the bundle. You might assume a dashcam just isn’t that important, however in instances like these, you could not know while you’ll all of a sudden want it. Extra importantly, it may be useful within the unlucky occasion of an accident and even claiming insurance coverage. In the meantime, power-folding mirrors simply make life so much simpler.
There are lots of upgrades in and out. Nonetheless, what Toyota didn’t change is the engine. Below the hood, it nonetheless makes use of the identical 1.0-liter three-cylinder mill with VVT-i expertise. Energy continues to be rated at 66 PS and 89 Nm of torque, with transmission choices being a 5-speed handbook or a 4-speed computerized. Nonetheless, this explicit TRD S variant is solely accessible with a 4AT gearbox.
With the engine carried over, it drives very very like the pre-facelifted Wigo. Energy is greater than ample for going round Metro Manila and might get off the road simply. It’s on no account quick, however do keep in mind it is a metropolis automobile and never a sizzling hatchback. Unusually, the automated transmission does take its time to upshift and downshift between 2nd and third gear.
Regardless of the small concern of shifting and the truth that it’s an older 4-speed computerized, the Wigo nonetheless has a really spectacular gas economic system. In accordance with the journey laptop, I managed to common round 11.2 km/L with this quarantine visitors. On the expressways, these figures go as much as 18km/L. I assume it may do even higher when fitted with a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT) as an alternative of the 4-speed gearbox.
On the subject of expressways, the 2020 Wigo doesn’t have lots of vary. Regardless that it is vitally fuel-efficient, it solely comes with a small 33L gas tank. In consequence, you possibly can’t get very far on a single tank of gasoline. Then once more, Toyota did intend the hatchback to be a metropolis automobile as an alternative of occurring lengthy highway journeys.
Again within the metropolis, the small dimension makes it simple to maneuver in tight parking areas. On the highway, there’s a noticeable quantity of physique lean and a floaty trip because of the gentle suspension. Nonetheless, it’s on no account unstable. It stays planted on the highway when altering lanes at excessive velocity or doing an emergency maneuver. Even with the extra TRD S physique package, the trip top is not too low; so no want to fret about scraping.
There are some small points we want Toyota addressed with this up to date mannequin, such because the vibrations and the addition of a seat top adjuster. However all the additional options do make the Wigo a greater metropolis cruiser. The infotainment system alone is a large improve with the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Add in the remainder of the brand new options, and the Wigo now feels extra upmarket; a tall order within the A-segment market. With this 2020 Wigo TRD S, Toyota has managed to just do that.
As with all issues, there’s a catch to all that refinement – the worth. For 2020, the Wigo, on this new 1.Zero TRD S A/T trim, retails for PhP 700,000. That is over a PhP 100,000 enhance in comparison with earlier top-spec 2017 Wigo 1.Zero G A/T which bought for PhP 599,000; an enormous leap. However evaluate it to the worth of the 2020 Wigo 1.Zero G A/T, it’s only a PhP 42,000 distinction.
For that PhP 42,000, you do get lots of further options such because the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built-in infotainment, push begin system, and dashcam. To not point out a extra fashionable exterior design plus the choice of getting a really yellow paint job at no further price. Nonetheless, at PhP 700,000, it’s bordering near the entry-level Vios price ticket. So, it’s important to determine whether or not you want one thing sensible or simply one thing to get from A to B in model.
The 2020 Wigo 1.Zero TRD S A/T is ideal for people who need an on a regular basis metropolis automobile that provides a bit extra aptitude and refinement among the many relaxation. Positive, for just a bit bit extra, you can get a bigger extra sensible Vios. However, it received’t have the identical quantity of options and creature comforts this small hatchback has to supply. As somebody who finds model and tech vital, the Wigo positive has my cash.
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