Why has the Proton Saga returned to Malaysian showrooms?

This is the latest update to Proton’s best selling nameplate since day one.

 Mention the name ‘Saga’ to any adult Malaysian in any town, village or city and they will immediately point to the popular, cheap and ‘cheerful’ Proton compact sedan. Not a single one of them will realize that the name ‘Saga’ actually comes from a tree that is quite popular and very visible around Malaysia.

 Some 32 years ago, Proton Cars launched their first ever vehicle which was given the name ‘Saga’. The first ever Proton saga was a rebadged Mitsubishi Lancer and over the years it evolved into a stand alone all Malaysian product. Yes, the humble Saga is designed and developed completely by the Malaysian Proton engineering and design team and this is why the nameplate will probably never be retired, even under partnership with Geely Auto.

Now for 2022, Proton has launched a face-lifted Saga and instead of starting with clean sheet design (despite its age) they tweaked an already popular selling sedan to keep its price low and continue to provide reliable motoring for a large group of Malaysian car buyers who have a tight budget and need a car.

The familiar 1.3L 16-valve DOHC VVT engine remains and its proven 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual gearbox (Yes, Proton still provides a manual driven Saga). With a sensible 95 PS and 120 Nm of torque, this sedan is all out to provide good fuel economy with its ECO Drive Assist indicator helping the driver to keep the engine revs low and productive.

New features for the 2022 model starts with revised looking 15-inch alloy wheels and new daytime running lights. The rear design language remains.

Step inside and the added new features start in the ‘Premium S variant. You get a re-designed semi-leatherette (which is a fancy term for quality PVC) seats and floor mats with red edging. The steering wheel also gets the same material with red finishing. You also get a N95 Cabin Filter system to provide clean cabin air.

Proton has upgraded the entertainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen head unit equipped with Bluetooth 4.2. This system also allows for easy connectivity and works with Android and iOS smartphones. Plus, an added safety feature is the ‘friendly reminder’ on the screen to check your cabin for left children, pets or objects when you switch off the engine to exit the car. 

Safety features maintained with a full suite as before. You still get two SRS airbags (standard across all variants), Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). All automatic transmission variants are also equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and lets not forget the Hill Hold Assist (HHA).

Prices start from RM 34,400 for the manual gearbox version to RM 38,300 for the ‘ride hailing’ standard auto version to RM 41,300 for the Premium automatic Saga. The top specification Saga Premium ‘S” automatic is priced at RM 44,300 only. 

All showrooms have ready stock but do not expect it to remain for long. Bookings have started. 

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