The Proton eMas 5 was only launched yesterday evening, but the national carmaker is already looking towards what’s next. And that “what’s next” may be just around the corner, according to DRB-Hicom group managing director Syed Faisal Albar at the event.
In his speech, the Malaysian conglomerate boss spoke highly of its strategic partner Geely, saying that the Chinese giant’s technology transfer has trained Proton’s engineers to “embrace the best technologies from our partner,” culminating in the establishment of an R&D facility in Hangzhou Bay last year.
As such, he added, we can expect more models where the development is driven by Proton’s own team, but with Geely backing, “where the intellectual property will fully belong to Proton.” And apparently, we won’t have very long at all for the first fruits of this effort.
“If today’s launch is a drama series episode five, please wait for the next episode, which is coming very, very soon,” Syed Albar said. “I think it should be coming next month.”
He didn’t actually mention what car Proton will be launching next, but its identity is fairly obvious – it’s the new Saga, known internally as the MC3. The company has already revealed the entry-level sedan (alongside the eMas 5) earlier this week as part of the ASEAN Summit, so we’re only awaiting the full details and, of course, the pricing.
The car uses the same platform and basic structure as before, redeveloped into a next-generation architecture that Proton calls AMA. A wholesale front and rear fascia redesign has added LED projector headlights linked by an Ethereal Bow chrome bar and a distinctive full-width grille, as well as a taillight bar bearing the Proton script.
Inside, the comprehensive revamp continues with a new dashboard featuring a widescreen display panel. This houses two almost square screens for instrumentation and infotainment, modernising the Saga’s cabin significantly. There are also new flat-bottomed steering wheel from the X50, pill-shaped air vents, a wave texture on the door cards and a slim centre console with a new gearlever from the Iriz and Persona.
Peeking into the camouflaged car at Proton’s Centre of Excellence dealership reveals that the car will come with six airbags – a massive jump from just two before. A camera at the top of the windscreen indicates the presence of driver assists such as autonomous emergency braking, although buttons for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist are missing from the car. We expect these features to be reserved for the top-spec Premium.
No technical details have been announced just yet, but the i-GT badge on the boot lid hints at a new engine – essentially the X50’s BHE15 1.5 litre four-cylinder but with the turbo and direct injection removed. Leaked documents show that the car will be offered with an automatic for the Standard and Executive models and a CVT for the Premium.
It’s likely that the stepless transmission is once again sourced from Punch Powertrain. The Belgium company has opened a new plant in Tanjong Malim as part of a long-term partnership with Proton.
Not long to go now before the launch of the Saga. Are you excited?
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Excellent then wait for 2nd Jan 2026 to buy the car straight away discount for last year unsold units.
Very obvious its by own team (Hicom)… coz Geely will never create such SYOK SENDIRI design…
Next episode: Replace new Chief Designer.
Possible 2 variant:
Left over timing belt campro + aisin 4AT
New IGT engine + left over punch cvt
still using this crappy punch?? Oh my….
I think Proton’s involvement on this model is bigger because the grille is larger.