Say hello to the new Proton Saga MC3! After several prototype sightings and appearing in a livestream, we now have our best look at the brand’s heavily updated sedan thanks to recent photos of it at the ASEAN Summit circulating online
While the car seen in these photos (dubbed “all-new,” much like the X50) is dressed in songket-inspired camouflage, the new design cues are clear as day to see. As has been expected (and known) for some time, the Saga sports an overhauled front end that features redesigned LED projector headlamps with L-shaped daytime running lights.
The DRLs are visually connected by an Ethereal Bow on a full-width concave grille, which itself has an array of black pins for its insert and a thick upper chrome strip. Squint a little and you’ll even notice the headlamps have two inner light bars that should act as indicators, as past spyshots indicate.
The more upright face also entails a revised bonnet, with the creases on it spread further apart than they were on the MC2. Also new is the lower apron that sees a rectangular-shaped intake and more subtle corner trim – no LED light strip in the latter because of the integrated DRLs.
Other changes include new side mirrors with more discreet indicators integrated into the caps. As for the rear, there’s a full-width light bar that links the taillights with dashed bars as its signature. The Proton script sits just below the boot lid with a small ducktail, with the rear bumper having a diffuser-like element.
Look closer and you’ll spot the ‘i-GT’ badge on the left of the boot lid, which likely points to the new 1.5 litre inline-four petrol engine (deep dive here) that is expected to debut with the Saga. A leaked document previously indicates this will be paired with a conventional automatic transmission on Standard and Executive variants, with the top-spec Premium getting a CVT instead.
Inside, the new Saga gets an overhauled dashboard that no one will confuse with its predecessor. To start, there is a large housing on the dashboard accommodates a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system.
Beneath this are pill-shaped air vents and what should be the air-conditioning controls and buttons for certain vehicle functions like the hazard lights. It should be noted that unlike the MC2, the corner air vents are not positioned slightly higher, so all vents are on a single line – note the textured trim on the passenger side.
Other differences from the outgoing model include a more angular centre console with a new gear lever design, a dedicated panel to the right of the driver that is home to the side mirror controls and engine start button, new door cards that appear to be able to hold taller bottles, new wiper and light stalks as well as new seats.
Proton says the Saga MC3 is built on the AMA platform, which is a platform used on models previously developed by the company but significantly upgraded to be relevant to newer safety standards and technologies – the sedan is said to get ADAS for the first time.
Further details like the exact specifications of the powertrain, available equipment and most importantly, pricing, are still required to complete the Saga MC3 picture. For now, what do you think of the changes made to the brand’s most historic nameplate?
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It is songket, not batik. Showcase to ASEAN delegates?
Another 1:1 scale collection for Tun M place at the Putrajaya’s Perdana Leadership Foundation.
The same path with all new X50, repurpose chassis, new face. Value engineering wise.
Those thick bezels on the screens look cheap.
because it is cheap,
at least no more boring needle with orange backlight thats so 1990’s
Those analog displays will outlive these cheap fugly LED screens by at least 10years
Launch it well, and bye bye bezza
Can we have that pattern as an option for the roof? :D
Screen bezels so thick?!.
On the bright side the new engine is a good sign to come!
You pay little then get small screen lah..
4:3 ratio somemore
At last,the P2 Bezza will get stiffer competition,from an improving Saga.
Time for Perodua to upgrade the outdated Bezza with a proper haircut,in terms of pricing.
Kipidap,Proton.
Nice!
Looks good, if really comes with a timing chain 4 cylinder engine + non punch cvt gearbox under rm60k, proton will be champion again over tofu perodua and overpriced city vios.
60k too expensvie, if you want to benchmark against perodua and previous Saga then under 50k should be the base price
Obviously different from current Proton Saga, so should be called Proton Saga 4th generation eventually, not MC3 anymore!
Center armrest & console box not added yet??
The design feels dated, to be honest. The silver line across the grille doesn’t work, it tries to look premium but clashes with the rest of the face. The overall shape still carries the proportions of an older-generation budget sedan. Proton just can’t seem to get this right, it’s not rocket science but maybe to them it still is.
The interior doesn’t help much either. The dashboard layout looks basic and disjointed, like a cost-cut refresh rather than a full redesign. The tablet-style screen feels tacked on instead of integrated, and the air vents and trims make it look more 2015 than 2025.
Proton should really aim for a cleaner, more modern design language, less chrome, more cohesion, and a dashboard that feels purpose-built, not recycled.
They should just terminate the design and architecture team that is leading this and hope MC4 is better. This car gives a negative meaning to saga.
You’re being too hopeful. It never try to look premium, it’s a basic car after all. If anything Proton would avoid such design that could overshadow upper tier models, while still making it look interesting. This is still a hatchback chassis thats been given rear boot on an improved platform. Not much can be done without costly R&D for new chassis. At that price range, people don’t care about dashboard design as long as it is refreshed, and serve it’s purpose perfectly. I don’t see Axia owner bragging it’s dashboard looking better than the Myvi.
That’s exactly the kind of thinking that keeps Proton stuck. Well done. “It’s a budget car, so design doesn’t matter”, that mindset is why competitors with the same cost base are miles ahead.
Clean, cohesive design isn’t about R&D budgets, it’s about discipline and intent. Look at how others evolve their entry models, same price range, but they look current because someone actually cared about proportion, flow, and visual balance.
Calling it “basic” isn’t a justification, it’s a symptom of low standards. People buy affordable cars too, but nobody wants to feel cheap every time they step inside one.
Why is the top spec variant getting CVT? I much rather pay more for a proper AT. I see CVTs as cheap crap alternatives to reduce cost.
Because it makes much more sense. 4AT is a cheap pre-historic relic. Unless they add another set of planetary becoming 6AT or 8AT.
I think is better to fit this car with a conventional analog meters rather than low grade screens…
I will always support Malaysian cars..
1981 Proton Saga 1.5
1986 Proton Wira. 1.5
2003 Proton Waja 1.8
2012 Proton. Saga FL 1.3
2018 Proton IRIZ. 1.3
Please make this “songket” wrap a launch edition, looks special!
Other than interior, that exterior looks sick ! xD
Overall shape still the same, just change the lamps only. Inside………………..typical Proton low budget car, no suprise!
Digital meter for a budget car? Which means it’s a budget part… Good luck for reliability
I think the price will be above 55k. There goes affordable rakyat saga. Is the car bigger interior? Looks the same.
It is good until it’s not, when the battery kong on the morning you are rushing to attend a meeting.
Gosh.. the instrument screen and entertainment panel…
It’s so hideous…
still waiting to see it on the road. i do wish it is good and robust enough for majority of malaysian new drivers. My Saga FLX 1st Gen, still running and i am still happy with it.. for the price you pay and the years it goes. not bad. in fact i find it the right size for daily run about. it can fit my mom’s wheelchair and she does not complain getting in and out of the car. so it’s kinda senior friendly too. hope this MC3 further built open it’s chasis and built quality. continue to progress is the way to go… will this sell oversea ?
Why so many perspective angle shot.. why not just reveal the normal shot (which can be seen through fb by some agents), actually its just MC3… the overall base and look and frame are just the same… the difference is the upgraded interior (which i think from geely) and overall the outlook just another saga and HOO HAA by the HICOM gang!
Its a good look and price is ok.
I will be the first person to buy at bintulu pls give me a good deduction price Sir