Verdict
These sedans serve very different budgets. The RM67,810 gap buys the Aion ES a 55.2-kWh battery, 136-hp/225-Nm front motor and claimed 442-km range, plus a much larger 4,810-mm body and 2,750-mm wheelbase. Its 450-litre boot is only 30 litres ahead, however. The Proton Saga costs RM38,990, uses a 118-hp/150-Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine with a four-speed Aisin automatic, and is 420 mm shorter for tighter urban spaces. The Aion also has lower annual road tax at RM70 versus RM90 and an eight-year/160,000-km warranty.
Pick the Aion ES if you can cover RM106,800 and want a 442-km electric sedan with 225 Nm, 60-kW DC charging and a longer eight-year/160,000-km warranty.
Pick the Proton Saga if RM38,990, a 1.5-litre petrol powertrain and a compact 4,390-mm sedan better suit your budget and daily routine.
Key differences
- Price: Aion ES RM106,800; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Powertrain: Aion ES 136 hp/225 Nm electric motor; Proton Saga 1.5-litre 118 hp/150 Nm petrol engine.
- Energy storage: Aion ES 55.2-kWh battery with 442-km range; Proton Saga 40-litre fuel tank.
- Charging/transmission: Aion ES 6.6-kW AC and 60-kW DC charging; Proton Saga four-speed Aisin automatic.
- Length and wheelbase: Aion ES 4,810 mm and 2,750 mm; Proton Saga 4,390 mm and 2,465 mm.
- Warranty: Aion ES eight years/160,000 km; Proton Saga five years/150,000 km.
ES
- 442-km claimed EV range from a 55.2-kWh battery.
- 225 Nm motor torque and 60-kW DC charging.
- Eight-year/160,000-km manufacturer warranty.
- RM67,810 more expensive than the Saga.
- China-built CBU rather than Malaysia-built CKD.
Saga
- RM38,990 entry price.
- 420 mm shorter than the Aion ES.
- Malaysia-built CKD sedan with a 40-litre fuel tank.
- 118 hp and 150 Nm trail the Aion ES's 136 hp and 225 Nm.
- Five-year/150,000-km warranty is shorter than the Aion ES cover.
- 420-litre boot is 30 litres smaller than the Aion ES's.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Torque | — | 150 Nm |
| 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 | — | 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.
Used ES & Saga for sale
ES vs Saga FAQ
Is the Aion ES or Proton Saga better?
The Aion ES is better for buyers committed to EV charging, with 442 km of claimed range, 225 Nm and longer warranty cover. The Proton Saga is the better budget choice, costing RM67,810 less and using petrol.
What is the price difference?
The Aion ES costs RM106,800 and the Proton Saga costs RM38,990, so the Aion is RM67,810 more expensive.
Which one has the longer warranty?
The Aion ES has the longer manufacturer warranty at eight years or 160,000 km. The Proton Saga is covered for five years or 150,000 km.