3rd Generation Saga Launched by Proton
Wednesday, 28 September 2016 – Thirty-five years after the very first Proton Saga was introduced in Malaysia, Proton Holdings Bhd launched the third generation Proton Saga today. It was nostalgic indeed, and those of us that are old enough to remember could associate ourselves with the many images of the first Saga that were flashed during the launch event.
Proton has come a far way since 1985, and the progress is seen on this third generation Saga that is home grown, and incorporates many new features – it is also mooted as the best value for money sedan in Malaysia, what the Chinese may refer to as ‘Pheng, Leng, Cheng”, which is a Cantonese expression for something that is affordable and worthwhile.
“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 2nd Generation Saga which was introduced in 2008. Thus the under-pinnings such as the suspension mounting points and the floor panels are the same, but the ‘top hat’ or the body on top of the floor pan has been totally re-designed.
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 platform has been used for the last eight years, so we can be assured of its quality 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 rationalization 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 percent, 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 (Peninsular Malaysia) are as follows:-
- Standard, (Manual Transmission) – RM36,800
- Standard, (CVT) – RM39,800
- Executive,(CVT) – RM42,800
- Premium, (CVT) – RM45,800
We have actually driven the new Saga on the Proton test track last week in a hush-hush preview programme, and everything looked good – the car handles very well, is quieter, and power is adequate for a 1.3 litre sedan. We shall also be participating in a lengthier media test drive very soon in the future – stay tuned for updates. In the meantime, go to any Proton showroom in the country for a closer view of the Saga, and perhaps go for a test drive.