Why was the Proton Saga CARES never sold new in Malaysia and only for export
When Proton decided to go into the export market, they set their sights on the United Kingdom and in 1988 the Proton Saga (which was a rebadged Lancer Fiore) made its European debut in Ireland at a price from £8,999 (RM51,721) to £10,799 (RM62,067). When it was launched in Malaysian in July 1985, the Saga was priced from RM17,575 to RM19,005.
Then after some modifications and needed improvements to satisfy the standards required by the British road transport department and the car buying consumer, a revised and improved Proton Saga was launched with the help of some 100 dealers in October 1988.
Now, what was surprising to us when we visited the UK the following year was that the Proton Saga sold in the UK was fitted with the original Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore dashboard and rear reflector lamps to pass U.K. safety regulations. British buyers also got better seat material, trim, door panels, window glass and a sunroof.
As the years passed, the British Specification Proton Saga 1.5 kept most of the British middle class owners happy with its reliable Mitsubishi engine and gearbox and there were no complaints of build and trim as in fact this was an almost complete Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore with just Proton badges.
By the way, the Saga nameplate is now 40 years old.
The Saga CARES pictured here is from @photosbynipam
