Following the introduction of the Proton X70 last December, Al-Haj Automotive, the authorised distributor and assembler of Proton vehicles in Pakistan, has now launched the more affordable Saga sedan in the country.
The Saga on sale there is being offered in five variants, including the Saga MT and AT, the range-topping Saga Ace AT, as well as the limited-edition Saga R3. What’s interesting is the Saga R3 in Pakistan is available with either an automatic or manual transmission – the latter is something we don’t get.
In terms of equipment, both the Saga MT and AT are similar to the Standard MT and AT variants we have here, including halogen headlamps, 14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, rear parking sensors, powered side mirrors with indicators and remote trunk release.
Stepping up to the Ace AT, it matches the Premium variant in Malaysia, adding on LED daytime running lights, a small boot spoiler, 15-inch alloy wheels, a multi-function steering wheel, a seven-inch touchscreen media system with smartphone mirroring, a reverse camera and a N95 cabin filter.
As reported previously, the Saga sold in Pakistan is powered by a S4PE engine with a displacement of 1,299 cc, which is 33 cc less than the Malaysian model that has a capacity of 1,332 cc. The lower engine displacement of below 1.3 litres allows the Saga to be priced more competitively in Pakistan, thanks to the tax breaks it qualifies for with this classification.
According to Proton Pakistan, the engine makes 92 PS (91 hp) and 120 Nm of torque, and comes with an Eco Drive Assist mode. The transmission pairings include a four-speed torque converter automatic and a five-speed manual.
Safety-wise, the base MT and AT variants receive two front airbags, ABS and EBD as standard, while traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is only found on the Ace AT. There are six colours to choose from – Armour Silver, Ruby Red, Rosewood Maroon, Jet Grey, Snow White dan Quartz Black.
The Saga R3 is a little different than the MT, AT and Ace AT, as it uses the 1,332-cc engine that we have here. Equipped with the same kit as the Premium, the variant features cues inspired by the Sepang 1000KM race car, including a body kit consisting of a front spoiler lip, side skirts and accents in the official R3 colour, yellow.
The hue is seen on the front grille, front and rear windscreen stickers, as well as the side mirror caps. Other exterior touches include 15-inch alloys in matte grey, an R3 emblem on the boot lid and the race car’s number “82” that is part of the body decals.
Inside, more yellow accents can be seen on the centre console and the analogue meter cluster, complemented by an “R3 Limited Edition” emblem on the dashboard, R3-branded carpets, R3-embroidered leather seats and the stitching on the steering wheel.
Prices start at 1.975 million Pakistani rupees (RM53,665) for the Saga in MT guise, while the AT goes for PKR2.125 million (RM57,741). The Ace AT is priced at PKR2.225 million (RM60,458) and the Saga R3 goes for PKR2.175 million (RM59,100) with a manual, or PKR2.425 million (RM65,893) with an automatic. A five-year/150,000-km warranty is standard, and Proton is one of the first car brands in Pakistan to offer such a coverage package.
Only 100 units of the Saga R3 will be offered in Pakistan, which is far less than the 2,000 units we get here. According to Proton Pakistan marketing manager Ibad Jamal, to ensure a fair chance for customers to secure a unit, they must first register their interest online, after which a lucky draw will be done to decide who is fortuitous to buy one.
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Should sell the same specs here at 20k…surely the best seller ever…after all honda civic is only US20k in usa…
Copy paste: “Hahaha.its funny because in Japan (its domestic market) Honda civic cost around 2,948,000 yen = RM110k.”
They sell at US$20k plus…go check honda usa website…thats the price…read below:
The 2021 Honda Civic sedan starts at around $21,000, while hatchbacks start at 22,000. These prices are slightly above average for a compact car. Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Honda dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Honda deals.
Pls compare prices from ori country
Japan nowadays also got tax on their cars base on different class, weight and purchase tax. Just look at tax free zone you can get what the original car cost like from Langkawi or Labuan.
Firstly no one wants a bottom spec Civic, by the time you pick your spec, fav color & useful accessories & plus destination charge it becomes US30k.
And here you want a RM20k Saga full spec? Hahaha
Hopefully this will end the Suzuki/Toyota/Honda automotive cartel in Pakistan.
P1 can’t do a jack with P2/Toyota cartel here. What makes you think it can do anything there?
How? they are yet to set up their plant and have imported a few CBU units. Deliveries are being given from August 2021 onwards, some people even claimed 2022 date & beyond.. no spare part support yet… they havent even started delivering the X70 which they launched in December 2020.. Proton may be a a good brand but its in very very BAD hands in Pakistan… Al-Haj effed up FAW and now its Proton’s turn
Takyah nak buat reverse psychology lah. Proton good brand konon.
You just hate Proton don’t you? No amount of proof that Proton is a good brand can change that hate, right? Wherever you comment, it’s just straight up hate. I wonder what causes that much hatred.
To add on to my other comment:
This car’s competition is the Changan Alsvin. Looking at Pakistani forums, it is 50/50 reaction.
The Proton has a 4 speed auto while the Changan has a 5 speed DCT. The Proton has antique hydraulic steering instead of electronic steering. The Proton has a old interior design while the Changan has a modern interior. The Proton doesn’t have a sunroof, the Changan has a sunroof. The interior design, many people prefer Changan over the Proton.
Though the price point is very good.
This Saga (& Iriz & Exora) is a legacy model. Not surprisingly it’s chock full of old tech & outdated design. Proton has no choice but to keep it (with facelift and drive train improvement) as there are no replacement model (from Geely) for the foreseeable future.
Don’t forget, the agreement signed, in lieu of payment, the rights for X70 X50 & a MPV was to be “given” to Proton. Anything more than this, negotiation on the table for the rights.
the Changan Alvsin look suprisingly like Honda City …
tough to beat lo for Plotong thundercats
Attractive values: AMG stylish front and rear bumpers, Audi A7 rear light, cleancut and smooth classic sedan bodyline, a rarity in A segment category. Complemented by good ride comfort and handling tuned for Pakistan roads. 5 years warranty with competitive price from PKR 1.975 to 2.425 Million.
Bila test kereta, nak pergi Ireland, UK, winter Europe, Australia. Tapi jual kat Kenya, Pakistan, Nepal, Iran.
test car must go to glamour places ma, lawatan sambil belajar … not the first time wut …
Don’t be daft. It is quite standard practice for manufacturers to do extreme weather testings in such countries as Sweden or Germany during winters, and Middle East or Africa continents for hot weather tests. Proton is no different if they had to test prove their safety & reliability.
FYI Koreans & Japs performance cars are regularly tested on the Nur even when they have far better race tracks.
Don’t mind, this “ioma” just hate Proton to the bone. Don’t know why but either its a big or small reason, it’s probably something very significant to that person.
Proton need to build a new network of export markets for future sales volume. Just relying on SEA isn’t enough.
Forget about the previous UK, Australia first world countries. Go RHD emerging third world countries as these can give long term growth.
Proton could have changed the S4PE code for Pakistan to S4PD instead, showing the differences of engine displacement.
Thats the purpose of using engine code. . Example is Toyota 4A engine from A series in the late 70s.
It late gained twin cam 16 valve.. known as 4A-F…still carb
Injection versions known as 4A-FE.
At the same time a wide angle twin cam also made appearance in the MR2 first gen AW10 and the Corolla Levin, Trueno and FX hot hatch.
Add a supercharger then the code is 4A-GZE.
I am big fan of Toyota thats why i know
NOBODY CARES….
Price millions of Saga.
Proton love to do business with country that others would avoid.
Proton goes where angels fear to tread
I just want to register…
Paki brothers will love this P1!!
Proton R3
I want to buy proton saga manual
Atleast some of the new cars cheaper than these monster cartels have introduced to break their monapoly for dictating the prices of their cars at their will has entered the market. So happy and is better and affordable for us. Thank you for entering in pakistan. IndhAllah I pray for your success.
Great initiative but also work for 660 cc which are factual requirements of Pakistani market. Middle class can’t afford such a luxury car in current economic conditions.. Do the needful
Great initiative but also work for 660/1000 cc which are factual requirements of Pakistani market. Middle class can’t afford such a luxury car in current economic conditions.. Do the needful
660/1000cc engines would be too underpowered for such a car
The different logos are just so confusing and inconsistent … what kind of business is this
No one is gonna comment on that “Rare Spoiler’’? XD
Price is much better as compared to others
Saga R3
Need this car for my family