Proton Saga: Old vs. New; an actual improvement or a sight update

The 2022 Saga arrived only a few days back. It’s the second minor update of the 3rd-gen entry-level sedan by Proton. Though the overall revisions are not that revolutionary, however, being one of the highest-selling A-segment sedans in the country, it attracts a lot of limelight.

The 2022 Saga is offered in four variant options with its price ranging from RM 34,400 to RM 44,300. In our previous articles, we have discussed the new Saga variants in detail and also pitched them against the Perodua Bezza. Today, however, we’ll be comparing the old Saga with the new 2022 Saga and see how much the sedan has changed and what new elements it benefits from.

Proton Saga: Old vs. New

Variants on offer

The old Saga was available in four variants and so is the new model. However, the 2020 Saga gets a new range-topping 1.3L Premium AT trim that replaces the previously available Premium variant.

The rest of the Saga range remains unchanged with the base 1.3 Standard MT, 1.3 Standard AT, and 1.3 Premium AT.

Exterior revisions

As mentioned previously, the all-new 2022 Saga sedan does not benefit from any major exterior update. That being said, the new Saga does get its fair share of newness. Included in the list is -

• New Proton logo
• New front and side skirts (only Premium S)
• Dual-tone alloy wheels (only Premium S)
• Red/Chrome trim below the new logo (Premium S with Red, rest with silver)
• Electrically-adjustable side mirrors
• Auto folding ORVM (only Premium S)
• New black trim piece above the number plate (replacing the previous chrome bit & limited to Premium S)

Handling enhancements

The Saga gets a few effective handling enhancements by its side. The list includes -

• New Atlas AS380 tyres with 14- and 15-inch wheels (for improved grip & reduced road noise)
• Revised dampers (for better ride comfort & handling)

Interior update

On the inside, the 2022 Saga gets all its major updates for the season. It gets a new air-con system with smaller, modern-looking knobs like the one seen on the updated Persona and Iriz. However, unlike its siblings, the air-con unit on the new Saga is simple, with no blower modes and a fancy display.

Other differences that separate the old Saga from the new 2022 Saga are limited to the range-topping Premium S variant. Included in the list are -

• Keyless entry with engine push start button
• Leatherette steering wheel with audio controls
• Semi leatherette seats
• New 7-inch infotainment system with a new operating system
• Android Auto & Apple CarPlay mirroring
• Reminder before leaving vehicle display (3 icons on infotainment head unit - children, gadgets, and personal)
• Power window control
• Auto down control driver side window (only Premium S)

Improved safety

Proton is slowly but steadily improving the safety profile of its cars, the 2022 Saga is a good example of the automaker’s recent efforts.

All the 2022 Saga variants, except the base 1.3L Standard MT, benefit from features that were once reserved for the old Saga’s top-spec Premium variant. Included in the list are - hill hold assist, stability control, and traction control.

Price difference

With all the new inclusions the new 2022 Saga is a bit pricier compared to the old Saga.

2022 Proton Saga Variants	Price	Difference over the old Saga
Standard MT	RM 34,400	RM 2,000+
Standard AT	RM 38,300	RM 3,000+
Premium AT	RM 41,300	RM 2000+
Premium S AT	RM 44,300	-

Conclusion

Compared to the old Saga, the new 2022 Saga carries a few improvements on all fronts (design, handling, features, and safety), except for performance that remains the same as before. For all those enhancements, the slight price hike seems justifiable.

Also Read: Why has the Proton Saga returned to Malaysian showrooms?