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.
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Comments on the blog reveal mixed feelings about Proton's launch in Australia, with some praising the competitive pricing and spec advantages, while others criticize perceived lower quality, lack of support, and the high taxes impacting local prices. There is concern about brand perception, export strategies, and how Malaysian-made cars compare internationally. Many express pride in Malaysia’s automotive achievements, yet frustrations about pricing, quality, and government policies persist, reflecting passionate debates about national identity, economic protectionism, and consumer rights.