Proton has expanded its model line-up in South Africa with the introduction of the Saga, which joins the X50 and X70 that were launched last September. According to a report by BusinessTech, the Malaysian carmaker will also offer the Persona in the future.
In South Africa, the Saga is available in three variants, starting with the 1.3L Standard MT that is priced at 199,900 rand (RM48,814). This is followed by the 1.3L Standard AT that retails at 219,900 rand (RM53,684) and the range-topping 1.3L Premium AT at 239,900 rand (RM58,567).
These prices are more than what we pay for the Saga in Malaysia, which starts at RM34,800 and peaks at RM44,800. Even so, the Saga is reported to be one of the most affordable cars in South Africa by starting from just under 200,000 rand (RM48,807).
All variants are powered by the same 1.3 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder VVT petrol engine that puts out 95 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic, the latter being exclusive to the top-spec variant.
In terms of equipment, the 1.3L Standard MT comes with 14-inch steel wheels, halogen headlamps, electrically-adjustable side mirrors, a urethane steering wheel, an LCD multi-info display, ECO Drive Assist, fabric seat upholstery, manual air-conditioning with a N95 cabin filter, a standard head unit with Bluetooth, two speakers, two airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist and two rear parking sensors.
Going up to the 1.3L Standard AT, the kit list is improved to include 14-inch alloy wheels, two USB charging ports, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control and hill start assist. The 1.3L Premium AT builds on the mid-spec offering by gaining 15-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, steering wheel media controls, a boot lamp, a seven-inch touchscreen head unit, two more speakers (for a total of four), a reverse camera and two front parking sensors.
Five colours are made available for the Saga, and each purchase is accompanied by a five-year, 150,000-km warranty as well as five-year roadside assistance – customers will also be able to purchase service plans.
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Boer Zulu Creole never even known axia bezza myvi existence?
Wow…talk about blast from the past! Proton is starting to sell cars in more third world countries. With these specifications, they feel like the Mercedes Benz of 1980s. Go Harimau Malaysia. We are prouder because of Proton and who cares we are still a ‘developing’ country even though we are now in 2023 and Wawasan 2020 was a complete failure!
Toyota also sell the Vios in developing countries only?
Toyota parent company is from 1st world country. Potong parent company is still from third world country which struggles to sell more cars in first world countries! You go figure.
Vios is ONLY sold in third world countries. As long as people are willing to pay RM100k for a car designed for the third world, they should stop whining about Malaysia.
Malaysia Annual GDP 2021 $373,034M
South Africa Annual GDP 2021 $418,907M
its a wonder Proton left South Africa for a decade due to unknown reasons. South Africa is a RHD market, means cars of similar specs to Malaysia can be exported there with minimal changes (unless to include heater, but UK/Ausralia specs do have those (except for more recent models missing from those markets)
Potong struggled almightily to sell Saga in UK or Australia, even though Chinese cars are selling like hot cakes in Australia now. I’m sure if Saga can sell for $5000 brand new, there will be plenty of takers! Just because it is still the same old same old cars since the early century, price will still attract buyers.
Malaysian people requested 4 speed auto from the stone age for the Saga, which UK and Australia don’t like.
Based on feedback from one or two South African reviewers, they dismiss the X70 for looking so dated even the MC model wouldn’t do much for them. At least they think the X50 is pretty stylish.
What more would they say about these touched up, ‘four offensive’ models that’s been around since 2016?
Congratulations Proton! Export Persona too ASAP!