2022 Proton Saga: Variants explained

Earlier today Proton launched the much-awaited, 2022 Saga at an exclusive media event held at the Proton Center of Excellence. In its new version, the brand’s best-selling sedan offers an intelligent proposition for the driver with its improved quality, design, features, and safety profile.

In Proton’s own words, the all-new Saga has three major USPs -

• Supreme Style
• Smart Savings
• Superb Stability

Thus, making the new Saga a complete package, be it for a family man or an urban youth. In its latest version, the sedan has the potential to take the model name’s legacy even further.

Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON said, For close to four decades, the Proton Saga has been the vehicle of choice for many Malaysians and buyers overseas, and we are proud to continue its legacy and mark the start of a new journey with the 2022 Proton Saga. This latest update further extends the heritage of PROTON’s all-time best-selling model for drivers of all ages and backgrounds, and with more than 1.9 million units having been sold in over 28 markets worldwide, we are confident the Saga name will continue to thrive for many more years,”

One would get a good overview of the new 2022 Saga in our launch story, here, however, we’ll be going to discuss Proton’s latest A-segment sedan in a bit more detail. We'll take on the new Saga variants and see how different they are from each other. It’ll probably help a prospective in making a decision. So, let’s get started.

2022 Proton Saga Variants: Price

2022 Proton Saga Variants	Price
Standard MT	RM 34,400
Standard AT	RM 38,300
Premium AT	RM 41,300
Premium S AT	RM 44,300

With four variants on board, the 2022 Saga is offering customers a chance to pick a trim that best fits their budget and requirement. However, with no more than a RM 4k difference between each succeeding variant, we are hoping they’ll share a lot of common features.

2022 Proton Saga Variants: Engine

2022 Proton Saga Variants	Engine & Transmission
Standard MT	1332cc four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC VVT engine making 95 PS at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm A 5-speed MT (for Standard MT) & 4-speed automatic transmission (for the rest three)
Standard AT
Premium AT
Premium S AT

No mechanical changes for the new Saga. It continues to be powered by the familiar mill that has proven itself in the previous-gen model. The engine offers improved fuel efficiency, thanks to features like an ECO Drive Assist indicator that highlights how efficient the sedan is.

In short, whichever variant you pick, automatic or manual, you’ll get the same seamless experience.

2022 Proton Saga Variants: Dimensions

Dimensions	Standard MT	Standard AT	Premium AT	Premium S AT
Length	4335 mm
Width	1690 mm
Height	1515 mm
Wheelbase	2465 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	40-litre
Minimum Turning Radius	5.1 metre
Wheels	14-inch steel	14-inch alloy	15-inch alloy	15-inch alloy

Size-wise all the four 2022 Saga variants are the same. The only difference is the wheel size and type. That we feel is in accordance with the price point.

2022 Proton Saga Variants: Exterior

Standard MT: Halogen headlamps, full steel wheel cover, electric ORVM with manual folding, trunk spoiler, and remote trunk release

Standard AT: Over the Standard MT it gets alloy single-tone wheels instead of steel. Everything else remains the same

Premium AT: Over the Standard AT, the Premium AT variant gets LED daytime running lights

Premium S AT: It is the same as the Premium AT but with dual-tone alloy wheels, front skirtings, and side skirtings

No major functional inclusions as we go up the variant list. The additions are completely cosmetic, so even the entry-level trim is well equipped

2022 Proton Saga Variants: Interior

Standard MT & Standard AT: Urethane steering with tilt adjustment, LCD multi-info display, ECO drive assist, keyless entry via remote, power windows, fabric seat, driver seat height adjuster, air-con system with N95 cabin filter, and a 12V power socket. On the connectivity front, they get a standard audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, two speakers, and a USB port

While the Standard MT gets just one USB port, the Standard AT adds two charging ports

Premium AT: Over and above the Standard versions, the Premium AT variant gets a multi-functional steering wheel with audio & hands-free telephone controls and a luggage lamp

On the connectivity front, it gets a 7-inch touchscreen display with Android support and four speakers. Rest all remain the same

Premium S AT: While it shares all the features as the Premium AT variant, the range-topping Saga gets leatherette steering, semi leatherette with fabric seat, and a power window with auto down for the driver side. Also, instead of a keyless entry via the remote system, it gets an intelligent entry with a push start button. It also gets a reminder before learning vehicle systems and iOs connectivity along with Android.

It is here that the prices of the new Saga variants are justified.

2022 Proton Saga Variants: Safety

Standard MT: 2 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD & BA, 2 rear parking sensors

Standard AT: In addition to the Standard MT safety gears, the automatic version gets electronic stability control, traction control system, and hill hold assist

Premium AT & Premium S AT: Reserve Camera and two parking sensors are added to the above list

Starting from the Saga Standard AT variant, the sedan offers a well-equipped safety kit. It seems like a really good deal for the customer who is low on budget but needs a solid and safe car

So, which 2022 Saga variant seems like the best deal? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Will Proton challenge Toyota and Honda in the hybrid space?