Here’s the upcoming new 2025 Proton Saga MC3 on test again, this time in Putrajaya, but there’s something different about the camouflaged mule. Yup, it’s that contraption mounted on the roof of the sedan, and we think it’s a LiDAR sensor for advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibration work.
Yes, the next Saga will finally get ADAS, although we’re guessing that it’ll be reserved for top variants, as per the latest X50 facelift and S70 sedan. By the way, this would be the first time that Proton is calibrating ADAS on its own, as previous models with driver assist features were all based on Geely models with existing tech and software.
Last month, Proton effectively confirmed that the new Saga will feature ADAS. Buried in its vendor collaboration press release were mentions of future products that will be launched starting this year, including the new AMA platform for entry-level vehicles.
Most notable was the seemingly innocuous partnership struck between China’s Imotion Automotive Technology and Proton’s long-term vendor Delloyd Technology, which would enable the former to help “accelerate the development and adoption of ADAS systems for the AMA01.” There’s one AMA-based model that will be launched this year and it’s the new Saga.
We’ll have to see if it’s the full Level 2 semi-autonomous driving package available on Proton’s costlier models, but that might be a bit of a stretch given the Saga’s budget positioning. But just having autonomous emergency braking alone would be a huge improvement over today’s Saga and put it on par with the Perodua Bezza, which has the option of AEB as part of the ASA 2.0 pack since 2020.
ADAS aside, the new Saga will feature a heavily revised exterior design based on the outgoing Saga, itself tracing its lineage back to the 2008 ‘BLM’ model. Leaked internal images purportedly show the new Saga with projector headlights, a full-width grille with an Ethereal Bow chrome bar and a new bumper design.
Inside, the changes are even more stark, with an all-new dashboard housing a widescreen display panel with instrument and infotainment screens, pill-shaped air vents and redesigned air-con switchgear. There’s also a new three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel lifted from the X50.
Speaking of the X50, we’re expecting the new Saga to feature a naturally-aspirated version of the new 1.5 litre i-GT TD turbo-four in the X50 facelift. Models like the X70 and S70 could take on the new BHE15TD engine wholesale down the line, but the Saga needs a cost-effective version of the engine, and such a mill does exist in the Aurobay (Geely’s Sweden-based powertrain division, now part of Horse Powertrain) catalogue.
Of the two NA members of the engine family, the BHE15PFI is a ‘low-cost’ unit with port injection, and it looks to be a suitable engine for the Saga. Outputs of the DOHC VVT unit are rated at between 99 PS and 110 PS at 6,000 rpm and between 125 Nm and 135 Nm of torque from 4,000 to 5,000 rpm – more on this here. The new AMA-based Saga will be launching later this year.
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dinosaur platform doing modern things..time for an all new car already, considering the saga best selling model i would think they would go all out and make the best in it segment.But not..
Teaching old dog new tricks.
Old platform but still better than Perodua latest. So why not? Chassis and platform was never Proton’s problem. Engine and gearbox is their problem. With a solid chassis and new engine and gearbox, it’s all Saga needed.
Unlike overpriced Japanese cars that keeps on bloating in size & in price, Saga has always and will always be the rakyat Malaysia car for the rakyat affordability.
Same old rubbish shape and design… where’s those voyeur 3d artist who render based on those wet dream car of ya?! The best u can get is to render base on geely model… but geely doesnt have such small compact car…. and geely wasnt capable to design such ugly car too…. only those in Hicom can… they are perfect in doin such design…. but at least there’s something to brag of… they can still sell alot based on the value of it…
Y not P1 give our beloved Saga a cool design interior/exterior & make it the best selling car in M’sia.
Y give us the same boring design. Y not pamper us a bit, your true Proton supporters.
Proton sound engineering once again to the fore, this long running Saga able to adapt to various engines, multiple gearboxes, and constantly been updated with new tech throughout its life. What a solid designed car! No wonder it is rakyat Malaysia No1 !