Verdict
At RM106,800, the Aion ES costs RM67,810 more than the RM38,990 Proton Saga, but it brings electric running, a 136 hp/225 Nm motor and a 442 km EV range. Its 55.2 kWh battery can charge at up to 6.6 kW AC and 60 kW DC. The Saga is the far cheaper petrol sedan, with a 118 hp/150 Nm 1.5-litre engine, 40-litre tank and 4-speed automatic. The Aion is also much larger, with a 285 mm longer wheelbase and 30 litres more boot space.
The ES EV (RM106,800) sits above every Saga variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.
Pick the Aion ES if you can justify the RM67,810 premium for EV driving, 442 km range, faster motor torque and a larger cabin footprint.
Pick the Proton Saga if low purchase cost, local CKD assembly and a conventional 1.5-litre petrol drivetrain matter more than EV range.
Key differences
- Price: Aion ES RM106,800; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Power and torque: Aion ES 136 hp and 225 Nm; Proton Saga 118 hp and 150 Nm.
- Energy storage: Aion ES 55.2 kWh battery with 442 km EV range; Proton Saga 40-litre petrol tank.
- Length and wheelbase: Aion ES 4,810 mm and 2,750 mm; Proton Saga 4,390 mm and 2,465 mm.
- Boot space: Aion ES 450 litres; Proton Saga 420 litres.
- Manufacturer warranty: Aion ES 8 years/160,000 km; Proton Saga 5 years/150,000 km.
ES
- 136 hp and 225 Nm electric motor.
- 55.2 kWh battery and 442 km EV range.
- 450-litre boot and 2,750 mm wheelbase.
- RM67,810 more expensive than the Proton Saga.
Saga
- RM38,990 entry price.
- CKD Malaysian assembly.
- Includes ABS/EBD, stability control, reverse camera and rear parking sensors.
- 118 hp and 150 Nm trail the Aion ES's 136 hp and 225 Nm.
- Smaller 420-litre boot versus 450 litres.
- Shorter 5-year/150,000 km warranty versus 8 years/160,000 km.
What the Saga has over the ES
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The ES's wheelbase is 285 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The ES is 190 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the ES: 450 litres against 420.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM106,800 | RM38,990✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM90 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,090/mo | RM400/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM3,025 | RM1,293✓ |
| Fuel or electricity / year (est.) | RM1,110 | — |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM5.55 | — |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM21,022 | — |
| Charging (estimated) | ||
| AC charge 0–100% (est.) | 8.4 hours | — |
| DC charge 10–80% (est.) | 65 min | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | — | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | — | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 136 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 225 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 55.2 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 442 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 60 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,810 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,880 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,545 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 450 litres✓ | 420 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | — | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | — | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17 | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17 | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | — | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | — | 2 (Driver and Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | — | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | — | Full LED |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | — | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | — | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | — | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | — | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | — | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | — | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | — | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | — | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years✓ | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Electricity at RM0.44/kWh (TNB domestic, home charging); public DC charging costs around RM1.30/kWh. Charging times estimated from battery capacity and peak charging rates. Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.
Used ES & Saga for sale
Our reviews & guides
ES vs Saga FAQ
Is the Aion ES or Proton Saga better?
The Aion ES is better for an electric drivetrain, 442 km range, 225 Nm and more cabin length. The Proton Saga is the better choice when keeping the upfront cost low is the priority.
What is the price difference?
The Aion ES costs RM67,810 more than the Proton Saga.
Which has the longer warranty?
The Aion ES has the longer manufacturer warranty at eight years or 160,000 km, compared with five years or 150,000 km for the Proton Saga.
How long does charging take?
The ES's 55.2 kWh battery takes about 8.4 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 65 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 60 kW peak.
Which one is locally assembled?
The Saga is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the ES is fully imported (CBU) from China. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.