KUALA LUMPUR: Proton unveiled the 2019 Saga today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
The launch was officiated by Datuk Darell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI).
Also present were DRB-Hicom chairman Datuk Mohammad Zainal Shaari, Proton chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar, Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong and his deputy Datuk Radzaif Mohamed.
The new Proton Saga arrives in three variants, namely Standard MT which is priced at RM32,800, as well as Standard AT and Premium AT which are priced at RM35,800 and RM39,800 respectively.
The new A-segment car boasts a new styling package, new gearbox and an intelligent infotainment system.
Generally, the new 2019 Saga looks pretty much similar to the outgoing car, but it received small touches here and there to give it a more Proton’s family look.
For instance, the Saga now features the Infinite Weave element on its grill, as on the X70, Persona and Iriz.
The front and rear bumpers have been revised and look sportier now. There are new daytime running lights (DRL) and he badge on the bootlid is now replaced by Proton letterings above the registration plate.
The Premium variant gets a unique set of 15-inch alloy wheels.
Moving inside, the most prominent addition is the floating-type 7-inch touchscreen which contains the infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, 16GB internal storage and Android smartphones connectivity.
Elsewhere, there’s new upholstery for the seats, new centre panel, redesigned instrument cluster, Eco driving assist and three USB slots.
New convenient features include remote boot opener, sunshades with card holder and mirror, LED vanity lights and new grip handles.
The biggest and most important change to the mechanicals of the car is the new four-speed automatic transmission which replaces the continuous variable transmission (CVT).
Additionally, there are other aspects which have undergone some tweaks by the engineers. These include the braking performance, NVH (noise, vibrations and harshness) levels and handling.
As for the powerplant, the new Proton Saga retains the outgoing 1.3-litre four-cylinder VVT engine that makes 94hp and 120Nm of torque.
Standard safety features for the new Saga include anti-lock braking system, electronic braking distribution, brake assist, frontal airbags, reverse sensors and ISOFIX.
However, the Premium variant receives additional kit comprising of hill-descent control, front sensors, reverse camera, electronic stability control and traction control system.
With that said, this makes the new Proton Saga the only car below RM40,000 to be fitted with electronic stability control and traction control system.
For further value, Proton offers the new Saga with three Extra Value packages; service package, interest package and insurance package.
Five colours are available for the new Saga – Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Rosewood Maroon and Ruby Red.