In a bid to maintain its stronghold on the subcompact hatchback market, Toyota Motor Philippines has launched the all-new Toyota Wigo in the country. There is much to be excited about with the new car, but fans looking to fulfill their micro pocket-rocket dreams will definitely be disappointed.

The new Toyota Wigo is based on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture platform. This platform is also used in other Toyota models such as the Avanza and Raize, and is shortened for the Wigo. The new car receives a comprehensive redesign and shifts to the DNGA platform, which means it now shares its chassis with the Raize, Avanza, Veloz, and the next-gen Vios. As a result, the all-new Wigo is longer, wider, and taller than the outgoing model, as Toyota claims.

There are currently three variants to choose from, with the range-topping G CVT, followed by the E CVT and the J M/T, the last being the only one with a manual transmission on offer.

The new chassis pairs the car with a McPherson front and torsion beam rear combo that's been the staple of economy subcompacts and compacts. There are disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear, all rounded out by 14" rollers across the range. Maybe further down the road we'll see an upgraded, sportier model with 15" wheels, as Toyota refreshes the unit later on.

The changes of course are most obvious from the outside. The car has undergone a significant transformation, characterized by a blend of refinement and sportiness. The new Wigo has a unique and more aggressive front end compared to its Malaysian twin, the Perodua Axia.

It has larger headlights, a more prominent grille, a bigger grille opening, and wider fenders. The entire front bumper is different in that it takes cues from larger Toyota models such as the Vios and Avanza.

From the ground up, the most prominent design feature on the redesigned bumper has got to be the two "tusks" that flank the black hexagonal grill area; the latter taking up space from the bottom all the way to the grill.

The interior of this all-new model is also different from the current one. There are more sharp lines and angles in there, giving it a more upmarket vibe. A revamped cockpit offers not only a more comfortable driving experience but also a tech upgrade.

You'll also see more elements from the Raize, from its digital instrument cluster to the floating touchscreen display. On the entertainment side, the range offers an 8" infotainment unit that offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, FM/AM and Voice Command features available on the G and E variants, while the J M/T model gets a 1 DIN Bluetooth capable unit.

At the heart of the Wigo remains its fuel-efficient 1.0-liter 1KR-VE three-cylinder DOHC VVT engine. Those monitoring the news of the New Wigo will be in for a disappointment, finally confirming that the more powerful 1.2-litre WA-VE engine from the Indonesian-version Toyota Ayga isn't making it to our shores, but the 1KR-VE has proven itself more than capable of powering the Wigo.

Toyota has made tweaks on the drivetrain side, in that the New Wigo now comes with Daihatsu's dual-mode CVT which pairs together a traditional CVT for low to medium speeds with the addition of a geared system to help on the highways.

This drivetrain update, combined with the vehicle's compact size, makes the Wigo an ideal ride for the urban jungle that is Metro Manila, or any crowded city for that matter.

Safety, a staple in any Toyota vehicle, has also seen improvements. ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), dual front airbags, and rear parking sensors (G and E) are standard, whereas the top-of-the-line variant G CVT gets the added benefit of a static rearview camera. The company has clearly heeded to the consumers' call for elevated safety measures at this price range, fitting even for the most cautious of drivers.

The Toyota Wigo has traditionally been a people's car — reliable, affordable, and practical. The latest iteration of the Wigo, however, surpasses its own legacy, now not just a vehicle for the masses but also a statement piece.

But here's the kicker. Despite the substantial upgrades, the Wigo's price point remains competitively affordable. Starting at P609,000 for the base model J M/T, going up to P684,000 for the E CVT, and finally to P729,000 for the top-end G CVT variant, the Wigo continues to be a financial bargain. It's quite remarkable how Toyota has managed to pack so much into a car of this price range, defying the norms of the automotive industry.

The latest Toyota Wigo is more than just a facelift; it's a revamp of what a compact car should be. It marries practicality with a dash of luxury, promising an elevated driving experience without breaking the bank. Toyota's message is clear: They are not just catering to the market; they are redefining it.