Not long to go now before the launch of the new Proton Saga, with bookings now open and estimated pricing revealed to be between RM40,000 and RM50,000. Consequently, dealers are now issuing flyers for the redesigned sedan, giving us a look at the base Standard variant’s equipment for the first time.
As it happens, RM40,000 does appear to buy you a fair lot. Even the base model gets LED projector headlights, full-LED taillights and a seven-inch digital instrument display. As expected, however, the Standard misses out on the headlining nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although the head unit still features Bluetooth functionality. There’s also an engine start button, even though keyless entry is not fitted – much like BMWs of old without Comfort Access.
Mind you, there are plenty of items still reserved for the Executive, aside from the aforementioned screen. Things like front parking sensors, keyless entry, rear USB charge ports and even rear speakers – the Standard continues to make do with just two speakers up front. Notably, the L-shaped LED daytime running lights that link up with the Ethereal Bow grille bar is another Executive exclusive.
Of course, for the full experience, the Premium is the one to get. Not only is it the nicest to look at both outside (snazzy 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels) and inside (faux leather upholstery), but you also receive new features like a full-seat driver’s height adjuster ratchet (the others only lift the seat base with a less ergonomic knob), six airbags (two for the others) and driver assists such as autonomous emergency braking.
All variants are powered by the same new 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre BHE15-CFN i-GT naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, mated to either an Aisin four-speed automatic gearbox (Standard and Executive) or a returning Punch CVT (Premium). Fuel consumption is rated at 5.1 litres per 100 km for the auto and 4.9 litres per 100 km with the stepless transmission.
The variant breakdown is as follows:
2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Standard
Gets as standard:
Mechanicals
- 1.5 litre DOHC i-GT PFI engine
- 1,499 cc naturally-aspirated dual-VVT four-cylinder petrol
- 120 PS at 6,100 rpm, 150 Nm of torque at 4,000-5,000 rpm
- Aisin four-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- MacPherson strut suspension (front), torsion beam (rear)
- Electric power steering
- Ventilated disc brakes (front), drums (rear)
- 5.1 litres per 100 km combined fuel consumption (MDC)
Exterior
- LED projector headlights
- Chrome Ethereal Bow grille bar
- LED taillights
- Chrome door handle strips
- 14-inch silver alloy wheels with 185/60 R14 tyres
Interior
- Push-button start
- Black interior
- Grey headliner
- Manual air conditioning
- Manual seats
- Driver’s side seat base height adjuster
- Fabric upholstery
- Urethane multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment
- 7-inch digital instrument display
- Bluetooth/MP3/radio head unit
- One front USB port (USB-A)
- 2 speakers
- Folding rear bench
- 420 litres boot space
Safety
- Two airbags
- ABS with EBD and brake assist
- Traction control and stability control
- Hill start assist
- Rear seat reminder
- Rear parking sensors
2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Executive
Adds on:
Exterior
- Automatic headlights with follow-me-home function
- LED daytime running lights
- 15-inch silver alloy wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres
Interior
- Keyless entry
- Discrete height-adjustable rear headrests
- Textured fabric upholstery
- 9-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- “Hi Proton” voice control
- Two rear USB ports (USB-A)
- 4 speakers
Safety
- Reverse camera
- Front parking sensors
2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Premium
Adds on:
Mechanicals
- Punch Powertrain continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- 4.9 litres per 100 km combined fuel consumption (MDC)
Exterior
- Full-width LED taillights
- 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels
- Side skirts
- Black B-pillar trim
- External boot release button
Interior
- Black and dark grey interior
- Driver’s side full-seat height adjuster
- Faux leather upholstery and steering wheel wrap
- Driver’s side auto-down window
- Auto-folding door mirrors
Safety
- Six airbags (front, side, curtain)
- Autonomous emergency braking with motorcycle detection
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Rear collision warning
- Door opening warning
- Automatic high beam
As previously reported, early-bird bookings will come with a one-year/20,000 km of free service (including parts and labour) and a special-edition Touch ‘n Go card until the launch (the date has not been revealed, but it should be this month), on top of the expected launch packages. Five exterior colours are offered – Ruby Red, Armour Silver, Snow White and the new Space Grey and Marine Blue.
For now, you can check out our deep dive on the new Saga, with details on the new Advanced Modular Platform (AMA), the technologies within and brief first drive impressions.
GALLERY: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Executive
GALLERY: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Premium
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saga cheap price, cheap petrol budi95 one of the cheapest petrol in the world. how much better can it get? and this is thanks to which gomen and which PM
saga with 120bhp can smoke vios which costs twice the price. tq ccp for donating excellent engine .
Can smoke Vios also go warung only. You think can afford go Gordon Ramsay Restaurant?
i am talking about drivng on the road, u are talking about disposable income expenses, literally two different things.
Ya lah…Saga and Vios both 1.5 Engine.
But the Saga has the upperhand now,in terms of power.
I can buy 2 basic Sagas with some extra cash to go car spa,to fit some more changgih woofer sound system.
2 Sagas or One Jepunis Vios.,alto Vios slightly bigger.
If P1 lagi turbo this Saga,the Bezza sales will dwindle also.
It is same engine of new X50. The new saga just ommited the turbo kit, intercooler and direct injection. I think some car modified shops will likely offer retrofit turbo kit (original turbo kits, not after market). Btw need to take the Saga 4AT version, the CVT gearbox surely can’t tahan high torque.
enough said. executive way to go. avoid future headache with their cipalak CVT. even less airbags, but the body has been major strengthened
Im gonna buy a space grey executive to replace my half dying persona vvt that need to change timing belt soon. If the premium variant comes with aisin 4AT i don’t mind to buy paying rm50k.
mc3 model which is reported to have increased ground clearance compared to its predecessor, the Proton Saga MC2. This design change is likely aimed at better suitability for varying ASEAN road conditions. dream to be asean no3 is juast aroud the corner..
Happy to see the standard spec gets an analog + TFT combination meter.
It’s 2025, but Malaysia still allow new car with 2 airbags to be sold. It’s like a car getting ready for 3rd world market only.
When Proton offers more safety features and airbags, yet their sales are low, while Perodua, despite offering no airbag or only 2 airbags, achieves high sales. The 2 airbags count doesn’t seem to affect pun.
That is last time. It’s 2025 now for a new launching car. And Bezza is getting a new model soon also which probably will have the same safety specifications mirroring their newer models.
What the heck, still only 2 speakers for base model? And manual windows even on the Premium (except the driver)? What’s this…still 1980?
All models get power windows, it’s just that the Premium gets an auto down function for the driver.
Thanks for the clarification. It wasn’t clear to me from the brochure either
sam loo thinks still need to use arm bicep manual wind window
all that jazz and no auto down power window as standard.
Airbags are important but more important for me is a tough monocoque to provide a safe cocoon around the occupants while enabling the suspension system to achieve stable ride and handling. A car can have all the acronyms of safety techs but it wont matter much if the car cant react stable enough during evasive maneuver or emergency braking because the chassis flexes too much.
> Discrete height-adjustable rear headrests
Is this actually available on Executive or only Premium?
Leaflet says Executive but so far review videos showing only available on Premium.
Latest showroom video confirmed exec got rear adjustable headrest. Earlier shown was pre production unit dun have.
Idk the base model saga is very hilliarious compare my Chevrolet 2005 model that have auto roll down windows and up, rear boot button on door, open rear boot using key remote, warning collision sensor, TRS & ABS, 4 airbags cuz got side pillow airbag on driver sit. now new Chevrolet 2025 more advanced on their base model compare saga it’s kinda outdated to me.
you might as well compare with 1990s german car which already had air suspension , 4-zone climate control
not fair comparison because your chevolet costs probably 3x-4x the price of saga
Punch cvt ? Isnt that problematic slow gearbox known worldwide.
Suggest Proton have a new engine and built new body design and new interior of this segment car although using old saga small spare parts. The result of driving test of the car is good.