Battle of the Subcompact Cars (Mirage, Fiesta, Wigo, Brio, etc.)

[Prince Ng]

So, among the local brands if subcompact cars (Mirage, Fiesta, Wigo, Brio, etc.) which one is: 1) The most comfy to ride in; 2) reliable; 3) stable handling; 4) with strongest aftermarket support; 5) with the least issues (meaning, sakit ng sasakyan na common sa model na iyon).

If you guys know lang naman.

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Edit:

Sa mga owners ng mga units na ito. Kamusta po ang experience nyo sa mga kotse nyo?

[Egan101]

The Wigo, Brio, Celerio, i10, Picanto, and Mirage fall under a lower category (mini-car). For the sub-compact sedan/HB, it's Vios/Yaris, City/Jazz, Accent, Fiesta, Mazda2, Swift, and Rio.

[jut703]

The Wigo, Brio, Celerio, i10, Picanto, and Mirage fall under a lower category (mini-car). For the sub-compact sedan/HB, it's Vios/Yaris, City/Jazz, Accent, Fiesta, Mazda2, Swift, and Rio.

I agree - these are 2 different segments with very different price points. My take is that if you're satisfied with minicars, save yourself a few hundred thousand and stick with these.

Main advantages of the subcompacts are space and power. If you're single or married with only 1 kid, and the car will be used mostly for city trips, I don't think you need a subcompact.

[Prince Ng]

Tried changing the subject but it wont change.

[jut703]

Tried changing the subject but it wont change.

What do you want to change it to? Are you really comparing all the minicars and subcompacts or just the minicars or just the subcompacts?

[Egan101]

On the reliability aspect, most of the new models have just been released so we may need to wait a year or two to know how reliable they are. We may try to assume based on previous generations of such models but most have entirely new chassis with different engines and features.

I have a 2014 Fiesta Ecoboost and there is no question on its performance and handling. I love the way it drives and I like the seats. I don't mind the interior space as it's comfortable enough as a daily commuter.

[jut703]

On the reliability aspect, most of the new models have just been released so we may need to wait a year or two to know how reliable they are. We may try to assume based on previous generations of such models but most have entirely new chassis with different engines and features.

I have a 2014 Fiesta Ecoboost and there is no question on its performance and handling. I love the way it drives and I like the seats. I don't mind the interior space as it's comfortable enough as a daily commuter.

OT lang bro, how is a new subcompact (your Fiesta) compared to an older midsize (your 6th gen Accord)?

For me kasi I still prefer the larger car even if it's older, but I'm not sure when the line is drawn for too old.


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[jeDi13]

I am assuming you wanted to compare the super subcompacts, not the subcompacts, because of your examples in the thread title.

I don't own one, but just like you, I am also considering buying one of them. To make the story short, based on my research on pure paper stats and info, Mirage GLS CVT is my winner. The Wigo comes next, not because of its features, but its price. If you won't be travelling long enough (< 7,000 kms per year) to take advantage of the Mirage's fuel efficiency, then I suggest go to Wigo because of the cheap upfront purchase price. But you may also would want to take a look at the Picanto and i10. Both cars have good features as well, and maybe their aesthetics are your personal preference. I did not bother with the Alto and Celerio, for personal preference reasons. Lastly, I didn't bother with the Brio as well as it's very pricey for its class, unless you want the "prestige" badge and you simply love the Hondas.

[Egan101]

OT lang bro, how is a new subcompact (your Fiesta) compared to an older midsize (your 6th gen Accord)?

For me kasi I still prefer the larger car even if it's older, but I'm not sure when the line is drawn for too old.


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OT reply din, bro.

No comparison on the size, my 6th gen Accord still feels more comfortable with its wider body. The seats are also bigger. There is also enough legroom on the back, compared to the cramped rear of the Fiesta. We also have a 2009 City E and 2009 Jazz 1.3L, both offer bigger interior space compared to the Fiesta.

The Fiesta feels solid for its size. The doors have a heavy feel on them. The 6th gen Accord feels light for its length and girth. Most new compacts are about as heavy as the 6th gen Accord (1300 kg). The 6th gen Accord though is quite long compared to compacts, even new ones. I found it to be as long as a Fortuner or Sorento but it is not hard to manoeuvre around corners.

Both feel planted low in the ground. The 6th gen Accord has good natural grip and its suspension is quite good. The Fiesta is stable and composed, way better than a 2009 City/Jazz. The Accord's hydraulic power steering feels firm and I like its responsiveness. I put on 225/45/R17 tires on it and the steering feedback feels better. The Fiesta's steering feels firm and accurate for an EPS, not like the boring and dull feel on the 2009 City/Jazz.

In terms of performance, the 6th gen Accord can get up to speed easily specially when you floor that pedal and let the initial VTEC stage engage (3000-3500 rpm). The speedometer will keep rising as you keep more pressure on the gas pedal, even up to that 2nd VTEC stage at around 5000 rpm. Despite its small engine, the turbo on the Fiesta Ecoboost engages early (less than 2k rpm). Lots of torque is available at such low rpm so it can get up to triple digit faster than the 6th gen Accord. Pushing the gas pedal more and hitting past 4k rpm, I feel there is more torque available. I did some reading and it's the overboost function of the 1.0L Ecoboost engine.

I wouldn't mind selling my old Accord if I get something like a more recent midsize (Mazda6 or Accord) in return for it. I will just keep it for now. Maybe a project later on, with a H22 transplant.

[Prince Ng]

What do you want to change it to? Are you really comparing all the minicars and subcompacts or just the minicars or just the subcompacts?

Battle of the Mini Cars (Mirage, Fiesta, Wigo, Brio, etc.)

Mini cars lang talaga ang coverage ng thread, as against each other.

[Prince Ng]

I am assuming you wanted to compare the super subcompacts, not the subcompacts, because of your examples in the thread title.

I don't own one, but just like you, I am also considering buying one of them. To make the story short, based on my research on pure paper stats and info, Mirage GLS CVT is my winner. The Wigo comes next, not because of its features, but its price. If you won't be travelling long enough (< 7,000 kms per year) to take advantage of the Mirage's fuel efficiency, then I suggest go to Wigo because of the cheap upfront purchase price. But you may also would want to take a look at the Picanto and i10. Both cars have good features as well, and maybe their aesthetics are your personal preference. I did not bother with the Alto and Celerio, for personal preference reasons. Lastly, I didn't bother with the Brio as well as it's very pricey for its class, unless you want the "prestige" badge and you simply love the Hondas.

What is with the 7,000 km/yr mark?

The way I see it, less fuel consumed is always good? Am I wrong?

Well, the Brio does have a bigger engine and it has 4 cylinders, instead of three. Also, more HP and torque. If you want that kind of setup then you have to pay premium (?). Yes, the Brio is a wee bit over priced, at least the lowest variant is P599K, but I still need to see the specs to check if its worth it really.

The Wigo is a good idea but I prefer something in the range of Mirage hp and torque, for that "just in case" moment. I wonder if you can turbo the Wigo. Hmmmm...

[dct]

Mirage ang the best for me. Parang jack of all trade. I suggest this pag only car lang. Pero pag secondary, ok na ang wigo. Cheap price

Brio ang mahal. Vios na yun mas malaki pa. Premium DAW kasi e

[jut703]

Battle of the Mini Cars (Mirage, Fiesta, Wigo, Brio, etc.)

Mini cars lang talaga ang coverage ng thread, as against each other.

Edited the title already.

Kung minicars, Mirage ako. Great efficiency, decent space, ample power, lots of toys, and easy to maintain.

For its price, any minor niggles are acceptable.


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[jeDi13]

A vehicle with an average mileage of 10T km/yr is, well, the average. So when your vehicle only travels less than that is considered low mileage car. Considering that the TOTL Wigo costs Php 534K only as compared to the Mirage at Php 648K, the Php 114K difference is already worth a lot of gas and will take you to lots of places. I would even guess that you can't consume all that money in gas in just a year. Add to that the PMS cost of a Mirage over the Wigo. So I say, get your priorities straight, and think about what you really want and/or need.

Less fuel consumed is always good? I wouldn't say yes, especially if the price difference is too high and I won't be making the vehicle a high miler to break even with the cost.

I am surprised you wanted some oomph but you're looking at subcompacts. Don't expect too much from them, as they are built for economical driving. And economical driving's a different world with the oomph you're looking for. Closest that you can get is the Fiesta Ecoboost, but that's on a different class already.

Anyway, in the end, it all boils down to your priorities. Good luck in finding the right vehicle for you and don't forget to enjoy.

[chyll2]

What is with the 7,000 km/yr mark?

The way I see it, less fuel consumed is always good? Am I wrong?

Well, the Brio does have a bigger engine and it has 4 cylinders, instead of three. Also, more HP and torque. If you want that kind of setup then you have to pay premium (?). Yes, the Brio is a wee bit over priced, at least the lowest variant is P599K, but I still need to see the specs to check if its worth it really.

The Wigo is a good idea but I prefer something in the range of Mirage hp and torque, for that "just in case" moment. I wonder if you can turbo the Wigo. Hmmmm...

it terms of upfront cost, wigo is cheaper but in terms of fuel consumption or daily cost, Mirage will win.


i think the 7k mark per year is the reference as low mileage. If you will spend more than 10k mileage a year, then I suggest go for Mirage since mababawi mo agad yung added cost (of jumping from Wigo price to similarly package Mirage).

[jut703]

I remember computing the fuel efficiency vs. upfront cost of the Wigo and the Mirage in another thread before.

Anyway, I'll give it another go, with the ff. assumptions:
1. Wigo 1.0G AT SRP - 534k
2. Mirage 1.2 GLS CVT SRP - 648k
3. Wigo 1.0G AT FC (90% city, 10% highway) - 11.98 km/L*
4. Mirage 1.2 GLS CVT FC (90% city, 10% highway) - 14.82 km/L*
5. Gasoline price at Php 52.00/L

* according to James Deakin. Unless you're better than Deakin, I'll take his numbers as reliable

Even if you travel 10,000 kilometers per year, it will still take you 14 years to offset the SRP difference of the Wigo and Mirage, even if the Mirage is more economical. That doesn't include the difference in maintenance cost, but it should be minimal.

Lowering that to 7,000 km per year increases the time to 18 years before a Mirage becomes more economical.

My point is - if you want to have the lowest running cost for a brand new car, get a Wigo. However, I think the Mirage is the better car overall so it's worth the extra cash.

I also wanna add that if you want the lowest running cost (incl. upfront payment), cheapest way is to go secondhand and get a gen 1 Vios. Even with more maintenance, it'll still be cheaper than going brand new. Also has more power and space compared to the Wigo.

[Egan101]

For the mini cars, I'd go with the Mirage. It strikes a good balance among the usual car attributes, same as what jut703 stated.

[boytsiks]

I'll get the mirage for the same reason stated above.

Brio is too expensive for a mini car. Not sold on its "prestige". It is still an econo car.

My 2 cents.


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[Egan101]

^^^Me too. I really can't see the "prestige" some folks relate to Honda. It's the same as the other big Japanese manufacturers. If there is one model that has the prestige for the Honda brand, it's the Accord. The Accord has always been a part of the 10Best of Car and Driver for the longest time, much like the BMW 3-series and VW Golf.

The Brio might be a zippy drive knowing it has enough juice from its L13 engine pushing its 900kg weight. However, you can get about the same level of performance from a car with 3-cylinders, lesser weight, and better fuel efficiency for a lesser price.

[JohnM]

My only gripe with the Mirage is the NVH abatement (or lack thereof). Kawawa pakinggan ang suspension on expansion joints. Tagtag ang dashboard sa mga rumble strips. Otherwise it's a fun zippy city car.

The Brio might be better built and feel more solid. However at that price step up ka na lang to the next size.