Beyond the Wigo: Great budget-friendly compact hatchbacks worth buying

The Toyota Wigo has long been the staple of inexpensive, practical, compact hatchbacks in the country. It’s got a great combination of efficiency and size which makes it quite a popular choice for first-time drivers or those who just want a simple daily driver. 

If however, the Wigo doesn’t quite cut it for you or if you want the same qualities but in a different packaging, you’ll be happy to know that there are options available for you on the market. In this article, we’ve scoured our comprehensive Car Guide to bring you four vehicles that can be a great substitute for the Toyota Wigo.

Starting with the least expensive car on our list, the S-Presso is interestingly, the most popular one. According to data pulled from the AutoDeal site, the S-Presso got 2.86 percent of total inquiries on AutoDeal, netting a higher figure than the Wigo’s 2.27 percent.

The popularity the S-Presso is amassing is easy to understand when you consider its price, size, and body style. The S-Presso is a five-door hatchback but unlike the Wigo which has 160 mm of ground clearance, the S-Presso boasts 180 mm. This means it is easier to traverse the rough urban roads of Metro Manila in the S-Presso than other hatchbacks in its class. Plus, the height advantage is a definite perk if you’re a newbie driver who wants a smaller car to start with.

In terms of power, both hatchbacks put out 66 hp and 89 Nm of torque providing great fuel economy, especially in stop-start traffic. Where the S-Presso shines though is in its interior and body. The boxy dimensions of the S-Presso provide decent interior space for passengers with extra room to spare for items in the back. Tech is also adequate with Suzuki providing a seven-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay as standard for both manual transmission and AGS-equipped models.

Prices for the S-Presso at the time of writing start at P620,000 for the entry-level manual and go up to P660,000 for the AGS variant. While it’s P11,000 more expensive than the cheapest Wigo variant, you do get additional goodies like a reverse sensor, touchscreen infotainment, power-folding mirrors, and Suzuki’s Engine Auto-Stop Start function which boosts fuel economy greatly.

Next up, we’ve got the long-time competitor of the Wigo, the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback. The Mirage boasts additional power with 77 hp and 100 Nm of torque. The additional power is thanks to slightly larger displacement with Mitsubishi’s 1.2-liter 3A92 three-cylinder engine. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT.

On the tech front, the Mirage features a 6.75-inch touchscreen, dual SRS airbags, and manual climate control. While it may be the oldest model in the lineup, Mitsubishi’s hatchback has earned a reputation as a reliable, no-frills option, perfect for buyers seeking a durable, straightforward family daily driver.

The newest model on the list, we’ve got the MG 3. The MG 3 stands out with its stylish, sporty design and solid powertrain. It comes equipped with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Being the one with the largest displacement engine, the MG3 also boasts the most power on the list with 118 hp and 150 Nm of torque on tap. 

Pricing for the MG 3 starts at P678,000 for the MT STD variant, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. For those who are willing to spend a few more pesos for a more powerful and fuel-efficient option, the MG 3 also comes with a hybrid variant that has 191 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Another perk in choosing this hybrid is that it will be coding-exempt until 2030 thanks to the EVIDA law. Regardless of what variant you go for, the MG 3 stands out as a compelling choice for those in the market for a hatchback.

Another hatchback from Suzuki, it’s the Celerio. If the S-Presso is more about function, style is given more priority in the Celerio. The Suzuki Celerio sports a dynamic exterior, with a more dynamic and bold front design. Giving the Celerio additional sportiness is a set of polished black alloy wheels which look good in whatever color you spec the Celerio in.

Powering the Celerio is the same engine found in the S-Presso which puts out 66 hp and 89 Nm of torque. Not only will this engine provide great savings at the pump, but it’s also plenty capable of propelling the Celerio through twisty winding roads because of its lightweight.

If you're looking for a fun, peppy hatchback for your daily commute, the Celerio promises to make every drive enjoyable.

If you’re eyeing any of these fun and practical hatchbacks, the AutoDeal Car Guide makes your search easy and efficient. With just a click, you can explore a variety of brands across different segments and price ranges. Access it conveniently on your desktop via the AutoDeal website or on your smartphone through the official AutoDeal app.