It’s no secret that the recently-launched 2026 Proton Saga MC3 is internally known as AMA01, being the first model to sit on the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) platform.
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But now, Proton has officially revealed the existence of future models to be based on said platform – AMA02, AMA05 and AMA06 – that will replace PIES (Persona, Iriz, Exora and old Saga) models. These are described as “new-gen affordable and practical global cars”.
Before we can even begin to speculate what these models will be, Proton has confirmed that there will be a hybrid MPV and two hybrid SUVs. One of these two SUVs we take to be the upcoming eMas 7 PHEV, judging by the DHT160 transmission mentioned on the slide. The remaining MPV and SUV will use a DHT120 transmission, indicating lower power outputs.
Yet another AMA-related slide mentions targeting “the sub-RM80k segment to win back market share with series of national people’s car” – if all AMA models are going to be under RM80k, the RM100k Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid stands to lose its ‘Malaysia’s cheapest hybrid’ crown.
One SUV will not be a hybrid, and its strategic placement on the slide next to the Saga indicates that it will essentially be a Saga-based SUV, mating the 4AT instead of the CVT to the Saga’s 1.5 litre i-GT non-turbo four-cylinder engine. Although the AMA platform is modular, we wouldn’t be surprised if this is a small, Saga-wheelbased SUV – in other words, an A-segment SUV.
Let’s move on to the next SUV, which is going to be a hybrid with a lower output than the eMas 7 PHEV (because of the DHT120 transmission). Now, this could either be simply a hybrid version of the ‘Saga SUV’ mentioned above, or a different, larger model (B-segment SUV?). What do you think?
That leaves the MPV – now, the idea of a people carrier sharing the Saga’s platform may raise eyebrows, but remember, the AMA platform is modular (wheelbase can be lengthened by up to 290 mm, track widened by up to 290 mm). Fingers crossed that it’ll look good, which is not always a given with A-segment MPVs.
Here are our best guesses for AMA02, AMA05 and AMA06 – a small SUV, a slightly-bigger SUV and an MPV. Where has 03 and 04 gone? Again, our guess is that a hatchback is one of them. The other, well, is not a very lucky number in some cultures. Share with us your thoughts, Sherlocks!
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Older readers of Paultan may u remember what former CEO Syed Zainal Abidin said when the BLM saga was launched in 2008= Proton is not going to follow the footsteps of the original Saga that was recycled into 'Wise Up Tank' version & lasted 23+ years.
Then can see the difference.