The Proton Saga is a line of compact and subcompact cars made and sold by Proton in Malaysia since 1985. Safety, Achievement, Greatness, and Ability are the initial letters of the acronym that make up Saga's name. The name of the Saga tree comes from the Malay word for its rugged, crimson seed (abrus precatorius). The Proton Saga is another well-known Malaysian icon. Besides a new top-of-the-line model, the 2022 Proton Saga MC2 refresh won't bring any significant changes.
History of the Proton Saga
First Generation Proton Saga (C21A, C22A; 1985–1992)
On July 9, 1985, Proton introduced its Saga saloon. The 2nd generation Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore platform it rides on is powered by the 1.3L 4G13 Orion II engine. The 1.5L 4G15-powered Proton Saga saloon debuted in January 1987. Around 1987, Proton released the Saga Magma, which featured some minor mechanical and visual improvements. In October 1987, Proton released a new hatchback model named the Saga Aeroback. British sales of the Proton Saga began on March 16, 1989. The saloon variants are now known as the Proton 1.3 and Proton 1.5, while the hatchbacks are branded with the additional 'Aeroback' moniker.
Proton Saga Megavalve
The Proton Saga Megavalve first appeared in Malaysia in August 1990. Proton added a new grille and a more powerful 12-valve engine to the vehicle's appearance.
Proton Saga Iswara
The Proton Saga Iswara took to the skies on August 15, 1992. They gave it the name "Great Helen" in honor of the Sarawak butterfly of the same name. Although it was built on the same platform as its predecessor, this version looked and felt very different on the outside and inside. The Saga Iswara continued to use the 12-valve Mitsubishi Orion 1.3L and 1.5L engines, and it came as a four-door saloon or a five-door hatchback. Saga Iswara saloons quickly became the most famous taxis in Malaysia. Since 1993, it has been sold in Europe with the Persona (Wira), and exports lasted up to 1996.
Proton Saga LMST
First introduced in 2003, the Proton Saga LMST is a subcompact hatchback. It shared a base with earlier versions. However, they had upgraded it with contemporary touches inside and out. Proton revved the carburetor-equipped 1.3L Mitsubishi 4G13 engine to 83 horsepower (62 kW). The sole transmission offered was a 5-speed manual, and only two model levels were available.
Second Generation Proton Saga (BT3, BT6; 2008–2016)
2008–2010
On January 18, 2008, Proton released the Saga BLM (Base Line Model), the second version of their popular Saga compact car. Unlike its predecessor, it was created and built entirely within the country and released in three distinct models. The 1.3L CamPro IAFM engine was standard equipment for all Proton models. Proton's new Saga was an instant commercial success, generating over 23,000 reservations in just over two weeks after its introduction. From 2008 to 2010, it was also the most popular taxi in Malaysia, surpassing the older Saga Iswara. In July 2009, Proton presented the public with the Saga SE model. It was marketed as a high-end choice while sharing its CamPro 1.3 engine with more affordable variants and coming in just two colors and a different body kit.
Proton Saga FL (2010–2012)
A redesigned Proton Saga FL was introduced on November 30, 2010, at the Thai International Motor Expo 2010. Two weeks after the Saga FL was introduced in Thailand, it was released in Malaysia. It was offered in two distinct trim levels, each of which could be purchased with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox. Four power windows were a standard feature on every Proton Saga FL. The Proton Saga FL 1.6 Executive, a much more sophisticated variant, debuted later in May 2011.
Third Generation Proton Saga (BT3, BT6; 2016–Present)
In 2016, Proton, a Malaysian automaker, unveiled the third generation of the Saga, a compact four-door sedan. This new version of the Proton Saga replaced the previous generation on September 28, 2016. Starting with Mitsubishi technology, Proton developed many models with the Japanese automaker. The original Saga was released in 1985 and was based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore (Colt Sedan). At launch, Proton only offered one engine size (1.3 L) under the hood, mated exclusively to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Saga may be had with a continuously variable transmission from the manufacturer.
Price
For the 2022 model year, Proton retails the Proton Saga with a starting MSRP of RM 34,400 for the base Standard MT, rising to RM 44,300 for the top-of-the-line Premium S variant.
- Standard MT - RM 34,400 ($7,316)
- Standard AT - RM 38,300 ($8,145)
- Premium AT - RM 41,300 ($8,783)
- Premium S - RM 44,300 ($9,421)
Features of the Proton Saga
Exterior Features
Small cosmetic updates have been made for the 2022 Proton Saga MC2. There's still no LED innovation, as the bumpers and headlights are identical on both ends. The only exterior change is the addition of Proton's new circular logo to the grille. The Proton Saga Premium S has the most noticeable cosmetic upgrades to the outside. The car has a black plate number adornment, a red stripe across the front, and black-painted wing mirror caps. The Proton Saga Premium S is the only model to include a two-toned 15-inch rim; all other Saga models have a single solid silver rim.
Interior Features
The dashboard is made of hard plastic, and the instrument panel has been squared off, giving the interior a feeling of low quality compared to newer Proton models. There is room for four people; even a fifth can squeeze onto the rear bench seat, so the cabin's design is spotless. There is no split-folding capability, but you may expand the trunk space thanks to the rear seatback's ability to fold in one piece.
Standard Features
- 7.0-Inch Touchscreen
- Android Connectivity
- Keyless Entry
- Push-Start
- Auto-Down Power Window
- Auto-Folding Wing Mirrors
- Exterior Boot-Release Button
- Two Airbags
- ABS
- EBD
- Brake Assist
- Rear Seat ISOFIX Mounts
- Esc and Hill Hold Assist
Specs and Performance of the Proton Saga
The Proton Saga's 1.3L turbocharged engine delivers 95 hp (70 kW) at 5,750 rpm and 89 lb-ft (120 Nm) at 4,000 rpm of torque. Proton retails the Saga as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle and is available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Proton Saga accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 12.1 seconds, with a top speed of 99 mph (160 kph). Dimension-wise, the Proton Saga measures 4,331 mm (170.5 in) long, 1,689 mm (66.5 in) wide, and 1,491 mm (58.7 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 2,465 mm (97.0 in) and has a curb weight of 2,282–2,370 lbs (1,035–1,075 kg).
Release Date
The Malaysian car manufacturer Proton has been producing the Proton Saga since 1985. The 2022 Proton Saga was released in May 2022.