Proton is being incredibly bullish this year, targeting a 26% increase in sales to 200,000 units. Central to its expected surge is the new Saga, but the national carmaker will also need new product to drive customers to showrooms, and last night CEO Li Chunrong confirmed that the next model built on the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), codenamed AMA02, will be launched this year.
No other details have been released just yet, but Proton has already revealed previously that the platform will spawn SUV and MPV variants, likely taking aim at the Perodua Ativa and Alza respectively. We’ve speculated about a “Saga Cross” for a while now, with Photoshop wizard Theophilus Chin having produced multiple renders, including some just this week.
Such a model is slated to be powered by the Saga’s 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre i-GT naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to an Aisin four-speed automatic gearbox. There will also be the option of a less powerful, non-plug-in hybrid version of the eMas 7 PHEV’s powertrain – something that is also set to be offered on the MPV. The “DHT120” tag indicates a combined output of 163 PS (120 kW).
Proton is promising big things for the forthcoming AMA models, such as targeted five-star ASEAN NCAP safety ratings, a revised suspension architecture to improve ride and handling, shorter product development times and built-in readiness for export markets, including support for left-hand drive conversions. These cars are all expected to retail under RM80,000.
But let’s face it. If Proton really wants to steal sales from Perodua – which it needs to if it’s to hit its lofty sales target – then it needs to attack Rawang’s hatchback models first. The Axia and Myvi swept the remaining podium places last year behind the Bezza; by contrast, the Alza and Ativa were fifth and sixth respectively, behind the Saga.
As such, a Saga hatchback would be the logical next step, broadening the sedan’s appeal while also (presumably) being easy to develop. The latter is because the carryover structure was actually developed as a hatch first – remember, the Saga can trace its roots all the way back to the Savvy from 2005.
If it does come to fruition, expect it to utilise the sedan’s powertrains, including the aforementioned 1.5 litre engine and four-speed auto combo but also a Punch CVT on the Premium. Are you excited for the AMA02, whichever form it will take? Let us know in the comments.
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MPV variant hybrid, sliding door and 6 seater please.
Not 6-seater. 7 or 8-seater is better!
Wow, more AMA cars.
Good affordable cars.
The hatch back looks not nice
saga hatchback will hurt the sales of myvi and axia. if they dont make it cvt
Yuk. Stop it already.
Yes, preferably lower cost hatchback guise than higher cost crossover guise