Proton Saga: Variants explained

Proton is one of the first indigenous manufacturers. Starting off from making badge engineered vehicles to now producing its own cars, they have come a long way. However, one vehicle has stood by the company during its tenure and that is the Proton Saga. The Proton Saga, now in its third generation, is the company’s best seller. Launched in 2016, the Proton Saga has been the choice of many Malaysian homes. Proton currently offers the Saga sedan in four trims - one manual and three automatic.

All the trims use a 1.3-litre multi-point fuel injection petrol engine that makes 94 PS of power at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The choice is between a 5-speed manual and a CVT then. If you are confused between the Proton variants on offer, here is a simplification.

Proton Saga Standard MT

This is the only trim that the Proton Saga manual will be offered in and is the base unit of all that is available. The Proton Saga Standard MT brings along with it halogen headlights, mirrors with turn indicators, rear fog lamp, front and reverse sensor, black coloured door handle, mirror casing and garnish, single DIN radio unit with Bluetooth, AUX and USB input, seat height adjuster, twin rear USB chargers, central locking, dual airbags and ISOFIX child seat mounts. The Standard MT runs on 175/30 R13 steel wheels.  The kerb weight is 1,035kg. The claimed fuel efficiency is 18.5kmpl. It is priced at RM 33,591.

Proton Saga Standard CVT

This is the basic CVT trim that you can buy of the Proton Saga. It is specced similarly to the manual trim. The 1.3-litre engine lays claim to a fuel efficiency of 17.85 kmpl. While this is marginally lower than that of the manual, the CVT gearbox also adds to the weight of the car by around 20 kg to now 1,055 kg. It is priced at RM 36,343

Proton Saga Executive CVT

This is the mid-spec trim of the Proton Saga CVTs. It gets 185/60 R14 tyres mounted on alloy wheels, front fog lamp, rear spoiler, black sash tape on centre pillar, body coloured front grille, outer door handle, mirror casing and rear garnish. The upholstery while being done in grey like the lower trims, also has standard fabric. The driver, as well as front passenger, can control the ORVMs electrically through a switch. The front passenger also gets a vanity mirror. Behind the front seats are two pockets, a luggage lamp has been added and four speakers for the music system in place of two of the standard trims. In terms of safety, ABS along with EBD and Brake Assist have been added. The Proton Saga Executive CVT is priced at RM 39,095. The kerb weight of the car is 1,065kg.

Proton Saga Premium CVT

Over the Proton Saga Executive CVT, the Premium brings a chrome rear garnish. Grey and titanium interior colour, deluxe fabric, steering mounted audio switches, double DIN music system, reverse camera, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), Hill Hold Assist and a tinted film. Proton has also added 185/55 R15 alloys to the mix. Proton has priced the Saga Premium CVT at RM 41,847. The pegged kerb weight of the Proton top-spec CVT trim is 1,075kg.

Common to all the Proton Saga trims is a five year/unlimited kilometres warranty, five-star ANCAP rating, first aid kit, safety triangle and a number plate holder.