It’s another set of spyshots of the 2016 Proton Saga, this time courtesy of reader Sean Yeoh. However, the national carmaker’s smallest, cheapest car now appears to have been benchmarked next to the Honda Brio Amaze, hinting at ambitions to challenge Honda’s global budget sedan.
As before, this development mule wears a touch less camouflage, showing the more three-dimensional tail lights, a new fog light in the bumper and the more steeply raked shoulder line – incorporating the new Iriz-style door handles. Also seen is the C-pillar window line kink that differs from the current car‘s straight slope.
Although only the rear has been caught in these photos, the front of the car was seen in another photo that surfaced online earlier in the week, revealing reshaped headlights, a new dual-bar grille and a reprofiled front bumper. Also expected are larger changes to the interior, revamping the Savvy-era cabin of the current car.
Technical details remain scarce right now, but the Saga could launch with the Iriz’s 1.3 litre VVT engine and a choice of a five-speed manual or a CVT. Proton’s new naturally-aspirated 1.0 litre and 1.2 litre three-cylinder engines may also make an appearance further down the line – these mills are slated to begin production by the end of 2017 – while a turbocharged version of the 1.0 litre engine could also feature.
Aside from the Saga, the new 2016 Proton Perdana was also seen tested – it shouldn’t be long now before the flagship D-segment sedan is launched, seeing as the order books have already been opened.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments expressed strong support for Proton, praising its design, reliability, and safety features, often comparing it favorably to Japanese brands like Honda and Toyota. Many fans are excited about upcoming Proton models, especially the Saga and Perdana, though some skeptics doubt Proton's sales targets and product quality. There was criticism of Japanese competitors' outdated engines and gearbox, with some calling Proton’s engines more efficient. Several comments also debated design similarities with Honda Brio Amara and criticized recent Proton spy shots for their appearance. Overall, fans are enthusiastic about Proton’s future, despite some doubts and criticisms about the brand's current offerings and sales strategies.