One week on from its unveiling at the ASEAN Summit, Proton has now released more details of the new Saga, internally dubbed MC3. Set to be launched later this month, the entry-level sedan has seen a substantial redesign with a new look, increased technologies and an all-new engine and transmission combination.
New images give us a full view of the updated design, unencumbered by camouflage. The front end sports a large full-width grille and LED projector headlights (a first for the Saga, and a surprising “upgrade” over the reflector units on the X50, X70 and X90), joined together by L-shaped daytime running lights and an Ethereal Bow chrome bar. The raised pins on the grille are said to be inspired by Sulaman Songket.
To fit the big new grille, the air intake design has been simplified and slimmed down, now reading as a one-piece full-width item. Also new are the reshaped black door mirror caps from the old Lotus Evora 400, plus chrome door handle strips and a sleeker shark-fin antenna, oddly also finished in black.
At the back, you’ll find full-width taillights that provide a visual link to the S70, as well as a larger black rear valance that gets rid of the fake corner air vents. There are also redesigned 15-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels, plus a new grey that appears to be the Space Grey from the pre-facelift X70.
The interior is as per what was previewed previously, with a more horizontal dashboard design, pill-shaped air vents, a wavy pattern on the dash and doors and a new gearlever and stitched boot. The highlight is of course the 16-inch widescreen display panel housing a digital instrument display and an infotainment touchscreen.
Proton has not provided the individual screen sizes, but their tall aspect ratios do result in extremely thick black bezels. At the very least, the Saga will be offered with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from launch, making it the first A-segment car in the country to do so.
The new Saga is built on an heavily revised version of its predecessor’s platform that Proton calls the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA). The national carmaker claims that it is “flexible, scalable and future-ready” and is designed to meet international safety, performance and efficiency standards.
Proton adds it owns the full intellectual property rights for the platform, reinforcing its “growing engineering capability.” It also says it is open to collaboration across the Geely Group, “potentially positioning Malaysia as a regional engineering hub for future model development.”
The new electrical architecture in particular allows for the fitment of the new screens and additional safety equipment, including six airbags and selected driver assistance functions. The list includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, a front departure alert, a door opening warning and auto high beam.
Expect all these features to be offered solely on the top-spec Premium, with the Standard and Executive likely to offer just two airbags and no ADAS. Notably, despite the new safety kit and some hot-pressed steel components to reinforce the structure, the Saga only manages to defend its four-star ASEAN NCAP rating rather than improve on it – albeit on the newer, stricter 2021-2025 protocol.
Proton has also confirmed that the Saga will come with a 1.5 litre Intelligent Green Technology (i-GT) four-cylinder engine – essentially the facelifted X50’s engine without the turbo and direct injection – paired with a CVT. The latter is likely once again derived from Punch Powertrain, the Belgian company having recently opened a new factory in Tanjong Malim as part of a “long-term collaboration” with the carmaker.
No output figures have been released, but Proton has announced that the engine and transmission combination delivers a combined 4.9 litres per 100 km on the Malaysian Driving Cycle (MDC). That’s just very slightly behind the Saga’s arch nemesis, the Perodua Bezza 1.3 (4.8 litres per 100 km).
Leaked documents show that the stepless transmission will only be offered on the Premium, with the other variants getting an unchanged Aisin four-speed automatic. As an aside, the new Saga will also now come with electric power steering (connected to the X50’s flat-bottomed ‘wheel), replacing the old hydraulic setup.
“The all-new Saga represents much more than the next chapter in our sedan legacy,” said Proton Edar deputy CEO Zhang Qiang. “It embodies the culmination of years of development by Malaysian engineers and designers, backed by global collaboration. This milestone signifies Proton’s transition from a national carmaker to a global automotive innovator – proudly powered by local talent.”
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10,000 units per month?
Yes if give 30-years unlimited mileage warranty for the CVT gearbox.
Since P1 is so adamant to give the reject Punch cvt for top variant,just buy the lesser variant with proven Aisin 4 speed.The price difference,just go to a good car spa..get the latest sound system plus changgih sportsrims with better tyres.
Sometimes,P1 gives an improved product,but masih degil with the problematic Punch cvt.Dr Li Chun Rong..this is Bolehland not China (as Trump pronounce “Chaina” ).
Perodua, Totota and Honda never give 30-years unlimited mileage warranty for the CVT gearbox.
those huge screen bezels..
Probably 1 processor to handle 2 screens to save cost. Yes, it doesn’t look great.
Punch CVTs are absolute garbage! and to think that it is offered on the top spec model. might as well source Honda’s ancient 5-speed AT from honda city of yesteryears, more reliable, more fun
So far proton cvt with the vvt or turbo ones are miles better than the weak ass honda CVT in brv, civic and city. Mine lasting 251k km in 4years with regular maintenance before full overhaul only at rm4k. The honda city ancient 5speeder is also cannot tahan speed run from kl to pd to kl. Reaching kl by tow truck. What fun you ask?
Overall, this new Saga looks nice and well equipped, at least the top variant. Hopefully, the CVT is not from Punch. With low price tags, definitely another hot cakes from Proton.
It’s definitely from Punch. Removed from previous model due to part issue, then add it back? GG
I thought 2019 Kia Picanto GT Line was the first A segment car sold in MY with Apple Carplay/Android Auto supported. Not sure it’s wired or wireless though. But Kudos for Saga got this from day 1, not even S70 got Carplay even until today.
let me be the first commenter to actually use brain and suggest – can we do a engine swap with the S70 turbo engine ?
Seem like ur brain is not functioning, SAGA is for those who need a car and cant afford too expensive one… so by swapping in s70 turbo engine how much cost will it takes and how much charges will it put on customer?!
seems wonderwhy did not know that malaysians used to love to transplant engine done for thousands of proton cars . those who did not learn from history are …
Why downgrade to less one cylinder. If anything just take X50 4 Cylinder Turbo and do bolt on.
Holding IP could mean they bought it, built it, OR co-developed it and secured full rights.
If MC3 comes with Punch, I won’t buy.
Usually people buy entry level car for a dependable and fuss free ride. Replacing the conventional RPM and speedometer with LCD screen might not be smart move, unless it is a high quality unit. Imagine the LCD screen failed and you can’t see your speed, water temperature, fuel level… etc, not gonna be fun.
from my past experience with LCD screens on cars/bikes. they dont last very long in our hot sunny weather.
Hopefully rm50k can buy a car similar spec like vios dugong. Easy maintenance and safe fuel.
I think more spin off models like aeroback, small MPV and crossover to come, just like wira years.
just like wira years transplant 4g93 or 4g63, now can also transplant tgdi turbo engine into proton saga.
The Geely Emgrand has 1.5NA + CVT drivetrain, so the Saga is more likely using Geely’s CVT rather than Punch’s.
This powertrain, labeled “NEW,” is unlikely to use the previous Punch CVT.
Explain Malaysian Driving Cycle.
The side profile really cannot make it . Looks like ah mah . Ironically the platform is called AMA .
Hopefully this new saga owners won’t paste low quality tint film aka bubbles wrap tint film especially on rear windshield LOL
Punch CVT again? Any crap 4AT is better than this.
Until the official launch and professional media test drives, we must remain cautiously optimistic about the improved Punch CVT. Your doubts are reasonable; a test drive is the gold standard.