Honda Philippines set the bar high when it introduced the Honda Brio as its answer to the small hatchback segment in the country. It was a peppy vehicle that had odd styling for its first generation but got the job done in terms of its power to weight and its handling.

It was the benchmark for the segment in terms of performance and features. However, the Brio has a new rival now that the 2023 Toyota Wigo has been revealed as the Toyota Agya, Daihatsu Ayla, and Perodua Axia. 

We will compare both Japanese hatchbacks to see which one will come out on top as the new benchmark for the small hatchback segment, as both come with 1.2-liter motors. 

For this comparison, we will use the specifications for the Toyota Agya for the 2023 Toyota Wigo, as the local version of the hatchback isn’t available yet. We also suspect that the Agya will be the basis for the local version of the Wigo once it arrives. 

We will also be using the 2019 to 2022 Honda Brio as its specifications haven't changed much since its launch and the two hatchbacks will likely meet in the Philippine market and go head to head with one another.

Exterior

The 2023 Toyota Wigo has gotten a new design for its latest iteration. It now comes with crossover-inspired looks with a broader front and more muscular lines. The same can be said for its rival, the Honda Brio, which despite its age, also follows a similar design philosophy.

Regarding sizing, the Honda Brio is still the bigger hatchback of the two vehicles. It is not only longer but broader as well. However, the Honda hatchback is a bit shorter in height compared to its Toyota rival.

Whether or not you like the design is up to you, as both have relatively great styling. However, the Brio has Honda’s older design language, which shows its age against its younger Toyota rival.

Interior and tech

The 2023 Toyota Wigo has a more modern cabin that features design elements similar to the Toyota Raize with a horizontal orientation. Its dashboard is also multi-layered and looks more stylish with its angular accents. The sloping dash also helps open the cabin for a more airy feel.

Aside from this, the 2023 Wigo also gets more technology, such as a digital instrument cluster from the Raize and a 9-inch infotainment system. While it's unclear if the Infotainment system has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capabilities, we know it comes with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. 

In the case of the Honda Brio, too, has a modern interior. However, its design language could be more straightforward as the cabin has multiple cuts, creases, and lines, which can be confusing.  One thing to note is that it gets color-keyed accents on the dashboard for the RS models, which adds a splash of color to the cabin. 

Like the Wigo, the Brio also has a touchscreen, but the Honda hatchback gets a small 7-inch head unit. No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is available for this infotainment system, but it has Bluetooth connectivity.

It's a case of different strokes for different folks with the interior design of both hatchbacks. The Honda Brio is the perfect fit if you want something more youthful and colorful. If you want a minimalist interior but a  premium twist, then the 2023 Toyota Wigo fits that bill. 

Safety

For safety features, both vehicles come with the industry standard with dual front airbags and ABS. While the other 2023 Toyota Wigo has more airbags and safety features, those specifications are market-locked and will likely be different when the Philippine model is revealed.

Something to note is that both the Wigo and the Brio both come with 4-star ASEAN NCAP safety ratings. However, the Honda Brio has a much older rating from less stringent protocols.

Power

Under the hood, both hatchbacks come with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine. However, the 2023 Toyota Wigo has a 3-cylinder motor, while the Honda Brio has a 4-cylinder. The power output for the Wigo is 88 PS and 138 Nm of torque, while the engine of the Brio produces 90 PS and 110 Nm of torque. 

Both hatchbacks also come with a CVT available for its automatic transmission model. A five-speed manual gearbox is known. However, it is only for the Honda Brio as the Toyota hatchback is only sold with automatic gearboxes.

The power difference between the two is evident as the Brio has two more PS over its rival, the Wigo. However, the Wigo has more torque which could mean it's the quicker hatchback. 

So, by specifications alone, the new 2023 Toyota Wigo is now more potent than its Brio rival.

Verdict

The two hatchbacks are geared toward different audiences. The Brio is a better fit for the younger audience who want a sporty-looking hatchback with a bit of color in its interior. The Wigo, on the other hand, is for those who want something modern yet minimalist but still comes with a decent amount of technology.

It all boils down to personal preference here, as there is still a lot of data available for the fuel economy and handling of the 2023 Toyota Wigo. Given that it does have a new DNGA chassis, it could give the Brio a run for its money, especially since it now has more power under the hood.