KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Proton Holdings Bhd launched the third-generation Proton Saga today in a nostalgia-filled ceremony with the memories of the first ever Proton model to be launched here in Malaysia, coincidentally the first-generation Saga which was launched in 1985. The second-generation Saga was launched in 2008 after numerous updates were made to the first-generation over the product lifespan of 23 years.
“We have certainly come a long way since the introduction of the first Saga, over 30 years ago. A lot of improvements, enhancements and refinements have gone into the making of the new Saga and we believe the new Saga will appeal to all Malaysians, especially those looking to buy a car for the first time or as a practical second car. We have incorporated a stylish design, practicality, safety, convenience and comfort into the country’s best-value-for-money sedan,” said Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
The new Saga is based on the same platform as the outgoing Saga, with a new drive train and a totally new body. It is common practice in the automotive industry to re-use platforms as long as they are still relevant, and can meet the requirements of the auto maker or the safety regulations. In addition, it also reduces the cost of development, with the benefit of more affordable retail prices for the end-user.
According to our research, the Saga platform is known for its high rigidity and durability.
The Saga is said to be in the A+ segment (bigger than the A segment but smaller than the B segment). With a wheelbase measuring 2,465mm versus the Persona wheelbase of 2,555mm, the Saga is slightly smaller, and I was told that as part of the overall product line-up rationalisation plan, the Saga is powered only by the 1.3 litre Proton engine, now upgraded with VVT (Variable Valve Timing), which replaces the IAFM intake — fuel consumption is claimed to be improved by 12–14 per cent, and is claimed at 5.4l/100km.
Owners of the new Saga will be able to experience a quieter cabin, thanks to the introduction of a 3-point mounting system for the engine; the change in body has also resulted in some changes in dimensions — the new Saga is 74mm longer at 4,331mm, and 9mm wider at 1,689mm.
Luggage space has also increased slightly from 413 litres to 420 litres. With the new body, the Saga has achieved an improved rating of 4-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating across all its variants compared to 3-stars rating previously.
Safety features for the new Saga include two front airbags, ISOFIX and top tether, front and reverse sensor.
The Executive and Premium variants get additional features such as ABS, Electronic BrakeForce Distribution (EBD) as well as Brake Assist (BA). The Premium variant is further enhanced with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), Hill-Hold Assist (HHA), as well as a reverse camera.
The Saga variants and their prices (Peninsula Malaysia) are as follows:-
1. Standard, (Manual Transmission) - RM36,800
2. Standard, (CVT) - RM39,800
3. Executive,(CVT) - RM42,800
4. Premium, (CVT) - RM45,800
