The all-new Proton Saga has been shown to the media now that everyone has already had a good look online.
Last week, Proton surprised the world with the twin reveals of the all-new Saga and e.MAS 5 at the 47th ASEAN Summit before the Malaysian Prime Minister and the Chinese Premier. Days later, Proton officially launched the e.MAS 5 and now Proton has officially hosted the media to have a look at the new Saga themselves.
The all-new Saga is actually pretty unique and a landmark model for Proton. Why? Well, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it debuts the new basic 1.5L 4-cylinder ‘i-GT’ internal combustion engine that will go into the next generation of Proton products. Sure, this engine is already available in the X50, but that’s the turbocharged version of the engine, the Saga will get the most ‘basic’ variant of the engine, setting a new standard for budget-oriented Malaysian vehicles. Proton also confirmed that the new Saga would be paired to a NEW continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic gearbox, which could redeem the company’s efforts to go down this path. Previous attempts at integrating a CVT from Punch have resulted in mixed results, perhaps this time will be better.
The next reason why its important is because it’s the first Proton vehicles to be completely designed, engineered and validated by Malaysian talent since the 2017 partnership with Geely. Think about it, the domestically-engineered product line-up for Proton has only shrunk since then with the Saga, Persona and Iriz receiving updates and the Exora, Suprima S and Preve being discontinued. On the other hand, all the new products from Proton have some basis in a Geely vehicle – the X70, X50, X90, S70, e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 5.
With the new Saga, we’re getting a newly-developed Proton Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), which is flexible, scalable and future-ready for international standards. Proton owns all Intellectual Property Rights pertaining to the AMA, which would make this the first truly Malaysian car in years. Safety is uncompromised with Proton Reinforced Safety Structure coming to the AMA and Level 1 ADAS with 9 functions and 6 airbags too.
Besides that, the Saga looks to be quite well-equipped for a compact car. You can expect 16″ integrated dual screens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, full LED projector headlamps with daytime running lamps, a full LED rear tailight bar and 15″ alloy wheels. It should be launched in Malaysia very soon.
