Proton Saga: Hits and misses

Proton’s entry level sedan, the Saga is one hell of a performer. Don’t believe us? Look at the sales numbers of this fiesty car. The car received a facelift recently but none of it takes away the affordability factor associated with a Proton vehicle. The Saga may be bland to look at but has utility in spades. Something we Malaysians love, don’t we? In terms of features, there is no lacking as well here. So, we thought of compiling a list of things that will classify as hits and misses for the Proton Saga. Scroll down for the full details.

Proton Saga Hits

Bigger dimensions

The Proton Saga is now bigger. As is the case with most of the vehicles coming up with a generation change. The length is now 4,331 mm, up by 74 mm. The vehicle’s width is 1,689 mm which is an increase by 9 mm. In terms of height, it is now 1,491 mm. This department has seen a slight decrease. To be precise by 11 mm. The wheelbase still stays the same at 2,465 mm. Proton still uses the second-gen model’s chassis for this facelift. However, they have added more torsional rigidity as well as plug ins for lower NVH.

Improved stability

The aforementioned changes to the chassis along with the revisions to the dampers as well as power steering have a dramatic effect on the Proton Saga. This includes the loss of nervousness from the steering at higher speeds. If you recollect, the previous generation model had an issue wherein you aren’t much confident if it will handle high speeds or not. This time, there is no issue. The ride quality has gone silent too and one cannot hear all those thuds anymore. The suspension has been made a tad more stiff. Considering that the handling too has gotten better than before.There is a hint of understeer however, the tail of the car still stays in line.

Economical than before

We aren’t referring to the cost involved in purchasing the car but of the fuel efficiency. There is the retuned 1.3-litre petrol engine that makes 94 PS of power and 120 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a new CVT box. The gearbox is much smoother and ably matched to the engine’s characteristics. This results in better fuel efficiency. In mixed driving conditions, the Proton Saga now returns 17.9 kmpl with the CVT whereas the outgoing unit used to return 2 kmpl lower. In the same vein, Proton claims that the Saga manual will do 18.5 kmpl vs 167 kmpl earlier. This is a vast improvement and one which will be welcomed with open arms by all.

Safety

Proton believes that safety shouldn’t come at a cost. They are right. It shouldn’t be made optional in the first place. So now, the Proton Saga comes with front airbags, ABS along with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist, Electronic Stability Control and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Good job then Proton.

Proton Saga Misses

Safety

Didn’t Proton coin the term that safety is paramount and shouldn’t be optional. How about sticking to your own words then, Proton? The features we have discussed in the “Hits” section are not standard. Only dual airbags and ISOFIX tethers are. We wish that Proton offers at least ABS with EBD as standard too. This would have amped up the safety quotient and promoted Proton’s intentions too.

Features

We know Proton is on a budget here and if one wants more features, they can always upgrade to bigger cars. There is still no touchscreen being offered and we wonder why. The double din audio system could be better sounding too. No climate control, auto dimming IRVM, power folding mirrors and the like. These are the basics any car of this size and persona (no pun intended) should offer.

Height adjust

The Proton Saga has a weird driving position, we tell you. The steering wheel doesn’t adjust in the telescope position. It tilts though. For taller drivers, this will mean having the steering wheel closer to your chest. Moreover, the driver’s seat itself doesn’t move up and down when one wants to adjust it. Instead, the adjuster just repositions the seat base. Proton could look at moving the pedals a bit aft and this may solve the problem. Here again, significant costs are involved for reengineering.

Intuitive meter console

Proton has missed out on several essential features like the backlight for the power windows. One will have to end up searching for them in a dark alley. Speaking of which, there is no indication to tell you if the fog lamps are on or not. Additionally, the reverse camera display isn't hi-res and takes away the joy of using it. Another area for a gripe is Proton has given an Eco indicator but how does one know if he is saving fuel or not. If yes, by how much. If not, then how to improve it. Small things but they do count.