Proton Saga Review

Introduction

The Proton Saga is the first national car that was introduced by National Car Maker Proton in Malaysia. It was first debuted on the 9^th of July 1985. Over its three decades of existence, it has gone through countless updates the improved the overall look and drive ability of the car.

The current third generation Proton Saga was first launched back in the year 2016 and is currently available in four different colours which are midnight black, metal grey, fire red and sterling sliver.

The staring price for the sage is from RM 33,591 for the base variant standard manual and up to RM 41,847.59 for the top spec Premium CVT Variant.

Source from https://www.proton.com/en/find-a-car/saga

Interior of the Saga

The interior quality is cheap as can be expected at this price range. But it never gets unpleasant. And even so the basics are all covered. There is a 2 DIN head unit that boasts all the connectivity options from Bluetooth to USB on the Premium. The base models come with 2 speakers while the Premium and Executive come with 4.

The Premium variant of the Saga comes with a reversing camera integrated into the rear view mirror. However it does look like an aftermarket unit that Proton has ordered and outsourced to a 3rd party vendor needed to save cost. Most consumers would personally prefer the reverse camera to be shown on the infotainment system instead, just like the ones that are available in the premium version of the Perodua Bezza.

There are also two USB plug points. Steering mounted controls for the audio are available for the Premium. The steering, however, can only be adjusted for tilt but should be sufficient for people of normal height.

The seats could also use some adjustability options on top of the slide and recline adjustability. Rear passenger comfort is decent. The legroom is increased from the outgoing model. This is because of the design of the rear sections of the front seats which are recessed.

The boot space of the sage is remarkably small at only 420 litres as compared to its rival Bezza at 508 litres and the Toyota Vios at 506 litres. 

Proton Saga Standard MT Interior

Proton Saga Executive Interior

Proton Saga Premium CVT Interior

Exterior of the Saga

As a compact sedan, its dimensions are appropriate reading 4331 (L) X 1689 (W) X 1491 (H) mm. The wheelbase is 2465 mm while the ground clearance is a decent 150 mm. The wheelbase is the only thing that is not larger than its predecessor. Simply because it’s cheap doesn’t mean that customers will settle for a box on wheels.

The current third generation Proton Saga has a modern design and looks like an evolution of the older model. The front end is especially recognizable even with its reshaped headlights.

Touches of old and new design elements from other proton cars can also be seen in the grille and bumper. The hood has an unmistakable European contour to it. The rear is even more handsome with its segmented taillights joined by the black or chrome horizontal piece that runs across the width.

The side also gets a more curved C-pillar that makes for a less boxy and well-proportioned shape. The standard variants get 13” wheels which go up in size by an inch for each subsequently higher variant. Tires are 175/70 on the standard, 185/60 on the Executive and 185/55 on the Premium.

Proton Saga MT Front

Proton Saga MT Back

Proton Saga Executive CVT Front

 Proton Saga Executive CVT Back

Proton Saga Premium CVT Front

Proton Saga Premium CVT Back

Engine & Fuel Consumption of the Saga

There are 4 variants available - Standard M/T, Standard CVT, Executive CVT, and Premium CVT. Powering all of them is a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder, fuel injected VVT churning out 94 hp at 5,750 rpm and peak torque of 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual or a CVT.

 This CVT along with the ECU have been greatly improved and make for easy overtakes and acceleration. But the accelerator pedal needs to be used progressively and the driver should manage their expectations. The manual should serve those looking for a more spirited response.

The suspension is set up on the firmer side which along with the hydraulic steering makes it easy to steer around corners. The handling has a planted feel that is quite surprising for a car like this thanks to the stiffened chassis.

In addition, in terms of mileage Proton claims that the Saga can manage 17.9 km/L on the CVT and 18.5 km/L on the manual, while cruising at speed up to 90km/h on the highway.

It might be an impressive figure on their own, however it is still a far cry from its rival the Perodua Bezza which claims mileage figures in 20-22 km/L range.

Safety of the Saga

There are ventilated discs on the front and drum brakes on the rear. ABS with EBD and brake assist is available on the Executive and Premium variants. Electronic stability control, traction control and hill hold assist, however, are only available on the topmost Premium variant.

All variants of the Saga comes equipped with dual front airbags, ISOFIX, and seatbelts with seat belt alarm for the drier and immobilizer with the alarm system as standard. There are parking sensors on both the front and the rear. The safety of the car itself has undergone massive improvements and the Saga now enjoys a 4 star ASEAN NCAP safety rating. This used to be a three-star rating for the previous Saga.

Summary

If you’re a first time car buyer that is looking for car that is value for money and has great fuel economy then the saga would be the car for you. However if your looking for more bells and whistles that comes along with the car, then you could consider its rival the Perodua Bezza in the market.

For detail review of the Proton Saga, kindly click on the videosbelow. Credits to alexlovesmac for reviewing the Proton Saga Standard CVT and the Executive CVT and GC Mah from AutoBuzz.my for reviewing the Proton Saga Premium CVT.

2017 Proton Saga 1.3 Standard CVT Review

2017 Proton Saga 1.3 Executive CVT Review

2016 Proton Saga Premium CVT Review