The Toyota Wigo and Honda Brio have long been battling in the subcompact hatchback segment.

These two represent what is often the first car for many drivers or an economical second car for small families. And on July 2023, the all-new Wigo and the updated Brio were launched just a day apart, with new features and promising even better value.

Which of these little hatches is better? We find out in this edition of Spec Showdown!

Brio has more mature styling

The 2024 Toyota Wigo rides on an all-new platform called the Daihatsu New Global Architecture, along with getting a totally new body.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Brio retains its current platform and only gets subtle updates to its bumpers and grill. The Honda also gets a new 14-inch alloy wheel design.

Numbers-wise, the Brio is marginally longer and wider, but the Wigo fights back by having an extra 120 mm of wheelbase that promises considerably more interior room.

Looks-wise, I find the Wigo cute, but I prefer the more grown-up styling on the Brio.

Big-car cabins

The all-new Wigo gets the interior of its bigger sibling, the Toyota Raize.

Meanwhile, the updated Brio looks largely the same, with changes largely focused on the infotainment system. Convenient features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard in the Honda.

Although both models are similarly equipped, I still prefer the style of the Brio, which more closely mirrors larger Hondas.

Brio has more punch

The all-new Wigo sticks with its 1.0-liter inline-3 gasoline engine in this new generation but is now mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Meanwhile, the 2024 Brio also retains its powerplant – a 1.2-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, which is also connected to a CVT.

The numbers don’t lie – the Brio is considerably more powerful than the Wigo. As such, the Honda takes the win here.

Perhaps things would have been different if Toyota equipped the Wigo with the 1.2-liter inline-3 motor available in other markets.

Wigo marginally safer

These may be small hatchbacks, but given that these are high-grade variants, Honda and Toyota didn’t skimp on the safety gear.

Although there is no active-safety suite for either car, there are dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes and ISOFIX anchors for child restraints as standard.

However, the all-new Wigo takes the win for having Vehicle Stability Control as standard. Although low-powered cars like these are unlikely to get drivers into trouble, it’s always nice to have that extra margin of safety.

Matter of budget

The all-new Wigo and the refreshed Brio certainly offer plenty of equipment for those eyeing a small hatchback.

But something that will definitely make buyers think is the price – the top-spec Wigo G is ₱729,000, while the mid-grade Brio V is ₱827,000.

Unlike the Spec Showdown between the Mitsubishi Mirage and the Brio, in which I gave the win to the Brio because the Mirage was too expensive for an 11-year-old model, the price gap between the Honda and the Toyota is considerable.

In effect, the Brio is now priced to take on the larger 4-cylinder Toyota Vios XLE, which is roomier, more powerful and offers more safety gear.

SO, if you’re eyeing a subcompact hatch with a more refined and premium feel, then the Brio is more your style.

But if you just need a well-equipped hatchback with a CVT, stellar fuel economy and proven mechanicals, then the all-new Wigo might be for you.

Would you take the Honda or the Toyota?

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