The new Proton Saga was launched last week, but it was only yesterday that we got our first proper look at the base Standard model. With this, we now know the entire equipment list of each of the three variants, which also include the Executive and the top-spec Premium.
First, the prices. To reiterate, the Standard is priced at RM37,990, the Executive at RM43,990 and the Premium at RM48,990. These figures are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of a RM1,000 rebate up to the end of the year. There are several other early-bird offers as well, which you can read about in our comprehensive launch report.
We’ll begin the comparison with the thing they all share – the 1.5 litre BHE15-CFN port-injected, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine making 120 PS at 6,100 rpm and 150 Nm of torque between 4,000 and 5,000 rpm. This means the Standard is now the cheapest 1.5 litre car in Malaysia, costing nearly RM13,000 less than the Perodua Myvi 1.5 X. The Saga also punches above its weight in terms of output, being only narrowly beaten by the Honda City (121 PS) in power and beating it in torque (145 Nm).
However, while the Standard and Executive models retain the previous Aisin four-speed automatic gearbox, the Premium returns to a Punch CVT. Controversial I know, but it’s the stepless transmission that is more efficient, delivering a fuel consumption figure of 4.9 litres per 100 km, versus 5.1 litres per 100 km on the others. This figure nearly matches the Perodua Bezza 1.3 (4.8 litres per 100 km) while being significantly more powerful.
We’ve already talked endlessly about what’s new, so we’ll keep it brief. The new front fascia features redesigned headlights that come with LED projectors (yes, even on the Standard), plus a too-big grille tied together with the Ethereal Bow bar that envelops the Proton roundel. The taillights are also new (and illuminated with LEDs) and join a sleeker, taller “aero” boot lid.
The Standard’s headlights make do with L-shaped LED positioning lights, while the Executive and Premium graduate to full-blown daytime running lights. The part numbers are common across all three, however, so the difference is merely software.
The Ethereal Bow and the also-new door handle strips are finished in silver on the Standard and chrome on the other two, and the wheels are carried-over 14-inch silver alloys on the Standard; the Executive and Premium gain snazzier 15-inch “arrow” rollers, with the Premium’s also receiving a two-tone finish. Also exclusive to the Premium is an illuminated bar joining the taillights, which also houses an external boot lid release; on the other models, you’ll either have to press a button on the key or reach in and pull a lever.
It’s a sea change on the inside, too, with a horizontal dashboard design and pill-shaped air vents. Dominating proceedings is a tombstone of a display panel, and even the Standard receives a new seven-inch digital instrument display – something you won’t find elsewhere in this price range.
This does not extend to the nine-inch touchscreen, which can only found on the Executive and Premium; the Standard retains the outgoing model’s radio/Bluetooth player with fiddly capacitive touch buttons. It being fully integrated with the instrument display on a single panel will likely make it harder and more expensive to replace the head unit, but we’re sure the aftermarket will find a way regardless.
Losing the touchscreen also means the Standard loses out on the new wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto function as well as a reverse camera. It also gets just two speakers as opposed to the usual four, with the rear door perforations opening up to gaping blank holes.
Elsewhere, you get three different upholstery options – regular fabric on the Standard, textured fabric on the Executive and faux leather on the Premium. The driver’s seat itself also features a more ergonomic ratcheting height adjuster lever that moves the entire seat, although this is still reserved for the Premium, with the others stuck with the same rotary knob that lifts only the seat base. Last but not least, keyless entry is only offered on the Executive and Premium, but all models now get a push-button starter.
Safety-wise, the Saga comes as standard with two airbags and stability control. For the full experience, you’ll have to spring for the Premium, which now features six airbags and advanced driver assistance systems like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and auto high beam. Again, the Premium is the one with the CVT, so it’s take it or leave it – CVT, or no ADAS.
The full variant breakdown is as follows:
2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Standard – RM37,990
Gets as standard:
Mechanicals
- 1.5 litre DOHC i-GT PFI engine
- 1,499 cc naturally-aspirated dual-VVT four-cylinder petrol
- 120 PS at 6,100 rpm, 150 Nm of torque at 4,000-5,000 rpm
- Aisin four-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- MacPherson strut suspension (front), torsion beam (rear)
- Electric power steering
- Ventilated disc brakes (front), drums (rear)
- 5.1 litres per 100 km combined fuel consumption (MDC)
Exterior
- LED projector headlights with LED positioning lamps
- Silver Ethereal Bow grille bar
- LED taillights
- Silver door handle strips
- 14-inch silver alloy wheels with 175/65 R14 tyres
Interior
- Push-button start
- Black interior
- Grey headliner
- Manual air conditioning
- Manual seats
- Driver’s side seat base height adjuster
- Fabric upholstery
- Urethane multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment
- 7-inch digital instrument display
- Bluetooth/MP3/radio head unit
- One front USB port (USB-A)
- 2 speakers
- Folding rear bench
- 420 litres boot space
Safety
- Two airbags
- ABS with EBD and brake assist
- Traction control and stability control
- Hill start assist
- Rear seat reminder
- Rear parking sensors
2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Executive – RM43,990
Adds on:
Exterior
- Automatic headlights with follow-me-home function
- LED daytime running lights
- Chrome Ethereal Bow grille bar
- Chrome door handle strips
- 15-inch silver alloy wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres
Interior
- Keyless entry
- Discrete height-adjustable rear headrests
- Textured fabric upholstery
- 9-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- “Hi Proton” voice control
- Two rear USB ports (USB-A)
- 4 speakers
- Halogen boot lamp
Safety
- Reverse camera
- Front parking sensors
2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Premium – RM48,990
Adds on:
Mechanicals
- Punch Powertrain continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- 4.9 litres per 100 km combined fuel consumption (MDC)
Exterior
- Full-width LED taillights
- 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels
- Side skirts
- Black B-pillar trim
- External boot release button
Interior
- Black and dark grey interior
- Driver’s side full-seat height adjuster
- Faux leather upholstery and steering wheel wrap
- Driver’s side auto-down window
- Auto-folding door mirrors
Safety
- Six airbags (front, side, curtain)
- Autonomous emergency braking with motorcycle detection
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Rear collision warning
- Door opening warning
- Automatic high beam
Check out our comprehensive launch report for all the details on the substantial revisions, and you can also click here to read our brief initial drive impressions.
GALLERY: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Premium CVT MC3
GALLERY: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Executive A/T MC3
GALLERY: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Standard A/T MC3
AD: Drive the Proton model of your dreams. Submit your details and Proton PJ will get in touch with you.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Habis lah Bezza..
Proton can sell R3 accessories like how Perodua sell Gear Up.
Proton really need to offer OEM accessories like safety tint, bodykit, seat cover and dashcam. Owners are willing to pay for them, especially if they come with official warranty and can be bundled into the hire purchase like P2’s GearUp.
Impressive spec. However sales depends on how soon it goes up tow truck. Bezza did not outsell Saga because of features, size, look or performance. It won because of reliability.
Standard tyre size is 175/65R14, not 185/60R14. The tyre size is visible from the pics. 175/65R14 is the 14″ tyre size for Saga since MC1.
Oversight on my part, it’s been fixed. Thanks for the spot!
Buying exec sebiji, now hard to decide marine blue or space grey.
Proton should have done a more professional job by covering up the gaping holes of the empty rear door speaker locations in the Standard variant.
The Executive not worth to buy. Either go Premium for bells and whistles or just Standard and retrofit most bells and whistles.
R3 still around?
Is a good upgrade, but I think Proton screw up major in the packaging and pricing.
As it is, the Standard is the most appealing of the lot. The only thing you want from the Executive is wireless CarPlay, which isn’t worth the price alone.
And for the premium, is the ADAS, but you will have to take a downgrade to punch CVT, which is even less appealing.
The Standard gives a good value especially compare to the best selling Bezza and the outgoing model. The cheapest 1.5L til now was the Myvi, which is rm10k more…
what i see from online sources reminds me of seeing the return of the Ghost of Preve
screaming louad engine when acceleraing
other 150HP cars like doing push up 5 times
PROTON 150HP like doing pushup 50 times
WHICH cars is more pleasant to drive?
reason for loud engine is the high engine revs at highway speeds, and thats thanks to the lousy punch cvt and lousy 4 speed auto
screaming loud engine is because of lousy punch cvt and lousy 4AT gearbox