2022 Proton Saga vs Perodua Bezza: The better compact sedan

It was only yesterday that Proton launched the all-new 2022 Saga in the local market. And without any delay prospective buyers and enthusiasts have started pitching it against competitors. One of Saga’s biggest and long time rivals is the Bezza sedan which got its last update in 2020. Thus making the new Saga vs Bezza fight all the more interesting

So, without any delay let’s get started with the fight for the title of best compact sedan between Saga and Bezz.

Price and Variants

2022 Proton Saga		Perodua Bezza
Variants	Price	Variants	Price
1.3L Standard MT	RM 34,400	1.0L G MT	RM 33,456
1.3L Standard AT	RM 38,300	1.0L G AT	RM 35,391
1.3LPremium AT	RM 41,300	1.3L X AT	RM 42,551
1.3L Premium S AT	RM 44,300	1.3L AV AT	RM 48,356

The two sedans from national automakers are neck-to-neck with one another when it comes to pricing. Thus making it very hard for a buyer to make a decision just based on the price.

Engine

2022 Proton Saga: The all-new Saga is powered by a 1332cc 4-cylinder in-line 16 Valve DOHC, VVT engine making a maximum power of 95 PS at 5750 rpm along with a peak torque of 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The engine configuration remains the same for all four variants.

The entry-level variant gets a 5-speed manual transmission and the rest three come equipped with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Perodua Bezza: The Bezza is offered in two engine options - a 998cc DOHC with VVT-i making 68 PS at 6000 rpm and 91 Nm at 4400 rpm of torque and a 1329 cc DOHC with DUAL VVT-i pumping 95 PS at 6000 rpm and 121 Nm at 4000 rpm.

The drive is sent to the wheels either via a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, depending on the variant.

Conclusion: While both the cars offer almost the same output with their respective 1.3L units; the Bezza however comes with an even smaller engine (1.0L) which we don’t think helps it earn points over the Saga.

Dimensions

Specs	2022 Saga	Bezza
Length	4335 mm	4170 mm
Width	1690 mm	1620 mm
Height	1515 mm	1525 mm
Wheelbase	2465 mm	2455 mm
Wheel	14 &15-inch	14 & 15-inch
Fuel Tank Capacity	40-litre	36-litre

Out of the two compact sedans, the new Saga is taller and wider, it also has a bigger wheelbase, though only 10 mm extra that would translate into slightly more cabin space that the Bezza. The Saga also has a 4-litre bigger fuel tank.

Conclusion: The new Saga gets a few extra inches here and there, however, they aren’t big enough to make a major difference.

Standard Features

2022 Proton Saga standard features: Halogen headlamps, electric ORVW with manual fold, remote trunk release, fabric seat cover, steering tilt adjustment, LCD multi-info display, ECO Drive assist, keyless entry via remote, power window, driver seat height adjuster, air-con system with N95 cabin filter, a 12V power socket, standard audio system with Bluetooth, USB port, and two speakers.

On the safety front, it gets two SRS airbags, rear seat ISOFIX, ABS with EBD & BA, and two rear parking sensors.

Perodua Bezza standard features: auto-off LED headlights, electric ORVM with turn signals, LED taillights with light guide & LED stop light, fabric seats, 12V power socket, audio system with USB & Bluetooth, two speakers, multi-info display, electric power steering, power window, and reserve sensors.

Part of its safety kit is dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX, and seat belt reminder.

Conclusion: The 2022 Saga surely wins the fight here with features like remote trunk spoiler, driver seat height adjuster, air-con with N95 cabin filter, and rear parking sensor. However, if a buyer is a fan of LED setup then it's the Bezza sedan that fulfills the assignment. The latter also gets Bluetooth connectivity as standard which is not the case with the new Saga.

Range-topping features

2022 Proton Saga: LED headlights, alloy wheels, electric with auto fold ORVM, multi-functional steering wrapped in leather, leather seats, steering tilt adjustment, intelligent entry with push start button, luggage lamp, 7-inch touchscreen display with Android & ioS support, Bluetooth connectivity, reminder before leaving vehicle function, 4 speakers, and one data & two charging ports.

Perodua Bezza: Front fog lamps, electric retractable ORVM with indicators, leather seats, multi-media system with navigation, ‘Smart Link’ USB, Bluetooth & HDMI, 4 speakers, rear USB port, smart entry with smart key & push start/stop button, steering audio controls, reverse camera, front corner sensors, and driver seat with height adjuster. On the safety front, it gets vehicle stability control, traction control, brake assist, advanced safety assist 2.00, and solar & security window film.

Conclusion: The range-topping variant of Saga offers better connectivity with Android and iOS support that the Breeza clearly misses. And all this at RM 4k less, thus clearly making Saga the winner here.

Overall Score: 2022 Proton Saga vs Bezza

The all-new Proton Saga stands out as the clear winner in the war. The compact sedan apart from being affordable packs all the features an urban youth looks for in a car. We also feel that Perodua will soon introduce an updated Bezza in the market, making it better prepared for today’s market requirements.

Also Read: 2022 Proton Saga: Variants explained