This people’s Proton arrives in 3 trim levels: Standard (RM 37,990), Executive (RM 43,990) and Premium (RM 48,990).
After a multitude of teasers, Proton has finally pulled the covers off its new Saga. Just in time for its 40th birthday, this people’s Proton is now offered in three variants:
- Standard: RM 37,990
- Executive: RM 43,990
- Premium: RM 48,990
Do note that these prices already factor in the RM 1,000 rebate Proton is giving to buyers who secure their Saga by 31st December 2025. And just to sweeten the pot even further, early birds are also entitled to a launch package that includes either RM 1,500 in additional trade-in value, or RM 2,000 if the traded-in vehicle is more than 15 years old.
There are also promotional financing rates starting from as low as 2.6% per annum, along with an upgraded insurance programme offering special perils coverage, up to RM 2,000 in enhanced flood relief, and personal accident coverage up to RM 1,500 per passenger.
In discussing a little bit more detail – worth highlighting is that this “all-new” Saga is technically a heavily reworked facelift of the third-generation model. This updated iteration has nevertheless undergone substantial re-engineering to accept new technologies and safety equipment (more on that later), while also receiving a subtle-but-not-that-subtle makeover outside and inside.
Changes on the outside begin with a more blocky (almost Renault-esque) visage that comes courtesy of a more bulbous new pair of LED projector headlamps inset with C-shaped daytime running lights, which are connected by the now Proton-signature concave grille with an Ethereal Bow and a revised lower apron. Beyond the new nose, the next-gen Saga also gains a revised bonnet with two subtle creases and new side mirrors featuring slim integrated turn signals.
Down the profile meanwhile, there are now chrome door handles and gloss-black side mirrors apparently “borrowed” from the Lotus Evora 400. redesigned boot lid incorporates a subtle ducktail spoiler round its rump, paired with a reprofiled bumper.
The Standard trim retains the familiar 14-inch silver alloys, while the Executive and Premium move up to 15-inch Arrow wheels in single-tone and dual-tone finishes respectively. The Premium further adds side skirts, matte-black B-pillars, and an illuminated light bar bridging both taillights (which also cleverly houses the external boot release button).
Under the hood of all new Sagas sit a new Geely-derived 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, first seen over here in turbocharged form in the facelifted X50. Here it makes 120 PS and 150 Nm — healthy gains of 25 PS and 30 Nm over the outgoing Saga, and roughly on par with what you’ll find in a purely-petrol Honda City.
Power continues to go to the front wheels, with the Standard and Executive retaining the familiar Aisin-sourced four-speed automatic. The Premium, interestingly enough, switches to the Punch VT3+ CVT — the same family Proton once moved away from — though the company insists it has been fully retuned for its renewed role.
Finally moving along within, the Saga has finally been ushered into the 2020s with a redesigned dashboard, now featuring a pair of large displays framed by even larger surrounds. A seven-inch fully digital instrument cluster is now standard across the range, while the Executive and Premium upgrade to a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen that thankfully supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto right out of the box.
Upholstery varies by variant, with basic fabric on the Standard, wavy-pattern fabric on the Executive and black-and-grey faux leather on the Premium. Adjustable rear headrests (with a folding bench) appear from the Executive upwards, while the Premium adds a height-adjustable driver’s seat via a new ratchet system and faux-leather wrapping for the steering wheel.
Also reserved for the mid-spec variants onwards are keyless entry and a four-speaker setup, now joined by a reverse camera and front parking sensors. The Premium is however where the real safety kit finally shows up, marking the first time a Saga has been equipped with a proper ADAS suite. Included here are autonomous emergency braking with motorcycle detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning, door opening warning and automatic high beam, plus six airbags (front, side and curtain).
Colour options for the Saga include the returning Ruby Red, Armour Silver and Snow White, plus two new additions: Marine Blue from the X90 and Space Grey from the pre-facelift X70. All Sagas are to come with Proton’s usual five-year/150,000 km warranty, along with free labour for the first three service intervals.
