The third-generation Proton Saga was first launched in Malaysia on September 28, 2016 and has been given a few updates since its debut. In August 2019, the A-segment received a facelift that not only saw styling changes but also a switch from a CVT to a four-speed automatic transmission.
Several years later in May 2022, the MC2 facelift (MC standing for ‘minor change’) was introduced with equipment revisions aimed at keeping the Saga competitive. In June 2023, Saga MC2’s got a new four-speed transmission sourced from Aisin instead of Hyundai and has remained same ever since.
Expecting the Saga to have a new generation is only natural given the current model’s long run and nameplate’s popularity, and we got a hint of what’s next for the Saga in February 2024. Proton CEO Li Chunrong confirmed that the company would set up a new R&D centre in Hangzhou, China specifically for the development of the brand’s homegrown models, which include the Saga, Persona and Iriz.
The rumour mill started to spin from there, with a supposed leak of the next-generation Saga surfacing only to be proven to be renders that aren’t genuine. Now, paultan.org reader Azahar Jalil has posted images of what is supposedly the new Saga spotted on trailer near the Petronas Sepang International Circuit.
At first glance, the body shape of the camouflaged car indicates this isn’t an all-new Saga but possibly another update (called the MC3 presumably) to tide things over until the redesigned model arrives. However, the company has already confirmed previously that a next-generation model is due this year, so what’s the deal here?
If Proton is indeed working on a new facelift for the current Saga, there is a chance that the company may be planning to sell the two Sagas alongside each other. The MC3 would form the base offering(s), with the newer, more advanced AMA-based model priced slightly higher. Official details of the AMA platform used for the all-new Saga are limited, but we understand it will be development of the same base used for the current Saga, which itself can be traced to the second-generation Saga BLM that debuted in 2008.
Perodua is an example of a car brand that offers two generations of the same model at the same time, as it currently sells two distinctly different Axia models (one based on the 2014 original, and one a proper second-generation version).
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Nobody requested for this 2 facelifts ago, but here we are.
Nobody requested it but Murican brands do facelifts every year to keep the competitive edge. This is the same so?
Murican brand selling in level playing field not protected market la. The price range Saga in no imported brands are allowed to compete.
Botox Botox Botox…oh my …Protong…as an ardent fanboy,it sickens me to see another facelift.No wonder,the more expensive Bezza is gaining more market share.
why even bother to camouflage it… its the same design anyways.
The BLM platform base can be traced all the way back to the Proton savvy actually, which is a reverse engineered renault twingo
Which is a pretty darn good chassis and incredible ride and handling. I don’t see why need to change if it’s good. Proton’s problem is not the chassis. It’s the Engine and gearbox which are Proton’s achille’s heels. Campro + Punch is the curse of Proton for decades.
2025 Saga would be REALLY appealing if it has AA and AC
I think this is Saga AMA mule.
AMA tu ape benda? Hi proton model sedan 1.6L yg finally pakai timing chain and bukan punch cvt ada tak?
Couldn’t it be Proton is just testing a new engine on the existing saga since they’re based on the same platform?
Proton’s market share has dropped to about 18%.
At the rate the China cars are coming in,the X50,70 will face fierce competition.The X90 is already a gone case.
So P1 has to work very fast on the Saga,Pesona,Iriz .
All r past their product life cycle.
You can churn out facelifts after facelifts ,but the rot has to be checked.If not,it wont be surprising P1 will hardly hit 125000 units in 2025.
With such declining volumes,Geely will shift everything to Thailand,DRB will have to continue with their Campro engine.
X90 is most sold vehicle in the D segment? Spewing hate is fine but atleast lay the facts convincingly.
What are you smoking? Geely’s X50,X90 series doing fine. They have a solid base here with Proton front end, other brands will have hard time to make a dent.
Let’s admit it, the Saga, Persona and Iriz are the last true Protons.
Proton now has an R&D in China as confirmed recently. It will be developing original Proton cars, continuing the range of Saga, Iriz etc. Geely don’t have smaller cars, S70 (Geely Emgrand is their smallest).
Phew, nearly bought a Saga last year and luckily I did not. After almost 10 years still on facelift and minor update and no new model yet…Moreover still using the 2008 Saga platform which is almost 2 decades..Oh yes, it is modified from the 2005 proton savvy platform, so yeah, it is already a 2 decades old platform..
Test drove one last year and nearly book it as the handling is really good and it feels like driving a C segment car as the handling is very good and stable…
However at the end I bought an Ativa due to the advanced feature and higher ground clearance.
Things I would suggest to change on the Saga facelift
1) Change the ugly KDK fan shaped sport rim
2) use integrated daylight running lights instead of separated unit
3) Used LED headlights instead of halogen
4) Included voice command for the full spec model
5) Radio will stop playing when you shift into reverse gear, pls look into this
6) steering wheel buttons not illuminated when turning on the headlights
Now Wxisting Saga already upgrade kawan to use Bezza same 4AT.
Maybe can upgrade further to use 1.3dualvvti- timing chain D-CVT too.
Sama Sama cost sharing kawan kawan lagi quality.
Then both focus improved export quantity and quality too.
Abcd
The only news I found interesting was the new r&d facility in china. What’s gonna happen to the local one
Since 2008 model today is 2025 and yet Proton previously told us they can only make RM500 from each car sold want to guess where all the money or tax payers money goes to…..
Before Geely acquired Proton，all the money goes to
R&D investment: used to develop new models and technologies to enhance the competitiveness of Proton. This includes R&D in engine technology, chassis technology, safety systems, etc.
Production line upgrade: used to update production equipment, improve production efficiency and product quality.
Marketing: used for brand promotion, advertising, sales channel construction, etc. to expand Proton’s market share.
Talent training: used to train employees and improve their skills.
Debt repayment: During Proton’s difficult operating period, the government may provide funds for debt repayment.
MC3 might be the 40th anniversary edition model
Just bought new saga premium S 2024 last december.. FOR THE PRICE AND VALUE OFFERED, no serius complain la.. (have myvi and sienta at house too). just few suggestion for saga improvement maybe on this coming facelift..
1. At least, for full spec premium S, use led white lamp.. not orange halogen.. this ia 2025.also this is not axia rahmah.. that can make exemption la.
2. Aircond if can make a bit adjustment at the blowing direction..
3. Middle lamp at roof gone.. i dont know where it is. I think it basic to have especially for back passenger to look for itema miss places at night.
4. Full size spare tyre.
5. Touch screen radio no difference between premium and premium S.
Option for built in smart tag like persona.. but nvrmind.. it just an option. Bcoz last time, integrated gear up only for persona.. saga cannot.
A hybrid saga will be interesting. It will improve mileage to 21km/l. That will at least reduce cost of ownership from impending ron95 Price up
Cost of ownership likely to go up, not down. Now you have 2 system to maintain, more stuff to break, more stuff to repair.
You know what PROTON should do with the SAGA?
– keep the styling , update small things , keep the chassis
– upgrade engine , more fuel efficient , reliable , aircond maintain sejuk beku
– enough with the shitty “smart” electronic stuff , its just gimmick or “wayang” , in the end nobody cares
– “Keep It Simple Stupid” is the way to go nowadays
– RETRO Styling have made a comeback now , look at Hyundai , Kia , Suzuki , how the Suzuki Jimny become more sought after
The SAGA MC2 is actually a perfect entry level car for first car or second car buyer
Average Malaysian will love it more if just rectify the things i said
SAGA is Malaysian pride , make it a good reliable car for Malaysia first , then for export it will market itself to world , BELIEVE IT , KEBANGGAAN MALAYSIA is no joking matter
Observe social media if any Malaysian do good outside of Malaysia , the people backup kaw-kaw punya
So , PROTON….hear the Malaysian People opinion , dont syok sendiri make car ikut sedap bontot you saja
Real tongkat company