Like Vietnam! Why the 1.2-liter Toyota Wigo would be a better choice in the Philippines

The 2024 Toyota Wigo is set to launch in the Philippine market very soon.

The new hatchback will reportedly make its local debut after the launch of the 2024 Toyota Innova on July 2023.

While its specifications have yet to be revealed, a hotly debated topic on the hatchback is whether or not it should come with the bigger 1.2-liter inline-3 engine.

In other markets, the Wigo, also known as the Daihatsu Ayla, comes with a 1.2-liter engine alongside its standard 1.0-liter motor. The bigger engine means the small hatchback gets more power and delivers a peppier drive. 

With that context, we will discuss why Toyota Philippines should bring the 2024 Toyota Wigo with a 1.2-liter motor.

Also read: Does the all-new Toyota Wigo need a 1.2-liter engine?

Who doesn’t want more power?

If the Toyota Wigo in the Philippine market had a 1.2-liter engine, its power figures would be significantly increased.

The 1.2-liter motor means the small hatchback would have 88 PS and 113 Nm of torque, representing a 22 PS and 24 Nm increase over the 1.0-liter engine.

It also means that the Wigo would have a better power-to-weight ratio, requiring less power to get the vehicle going, This could possibly increase its already stellar fuel economy, especially if paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Something to note is that Toyota Philippines has yet to reveal the transmission options for the all-new Wigo. However, in other markets, it comes with a CVT or a 5-speed manual. 

Streamlining spare parts

From a manufacturer’s point of view, the Toyota Wigo with the 1.2-liter could benefit the brand in terms of its spare parts. 

The 1.2-liter motor is similar to the one found in the Toyota Raize, which means that the automaker will have one fewer engine to worry about when it comes to parts and servicing.

It likewise opens Toyota's parts warehouses to more goods, instead of allotting space for another engine and its respective parts.

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An advantage of getting the all-new Toyota Wigo in the Philippines with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine is that it can be sourced from Indonesia instead of Thailand.

Indonesia is also where Vietnam, which is a left-hand-drive country, currently gets its all-new Wigo units.

Keeping a special line in Thailand, a right-hand-drive country, will strain Toyota’s production by having to produce the same vehicle (with the steering on the other side) in two different countries.

Giving the Honda Brio a run for its money

One of the main rivals of the Toyota Wigo is the Honda Brio.

The Brio has had the advantage over its Toyota rival in terms of power thanks to its bigger 1.2-liter inline-4 engine.

As it stands, the Wigo with the 1.0-liter currently produces 66 PS and 89 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the Brio produces 90 PS and 110 Nm of torque.

If the Philippines gets the Wigo with the 1.2, it will level the playing field. It will still be down on power against its Brio rival by 2 PS, but it will have 3 Nm more torque. 

It could be a game changer for the Wigo, as that extra torque, no matter how small, could give it a more spirited and dynamic drive.

Should Toyota Philippines bring in the all-new Wigo with the 1.2-liter engine or stick to its traditional 1.0-liter motor?

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