Proton will be launching a 1.6 litre IAFM variant of the Saga in Australia soon (November 2009 ETA) and has put up a teaser website for it at newsedan.com.au. It won’t be called the Saga in Australia though – a new name will be picked. Prices will begin at under AU$13,000, or under RM37,895 for the 1.6 litre manual, but an automatic option as well as a smaller engine (likely the 1.3) will be available from February 2010 onwards.
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.
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express varied sentiments regarding the Proton Saga 1.6 launch in Australia, including skepticism about its pricing, perceived quality issues, and brand reputation. Many highlight that the Australian version offers better specs and lower prices, fueling frustration over higher prices and lower specifications in Malaysia, which they attribute to high taxes and protectionism. Several critics question Proton's quality, blaming suppliers and management practices, while others support the brand’s technological progress and export efforts. There's a strong nationalistic tone advocating for supporting local industries versus criticizing them. Some comments mention the high cost of car ownership in Malaysia, the impact of taxes, and compare with other countries’ policies, expressing hope for competition-driven improvements. Overall, comments reflect both pride and frustration with Proton’s positioning and Malaysian automotive policies.