Verdict
The Proton Saga is the rational Malaysian buy: it leaves RM44,898 in your pocket, yet brings 118 hp, LED projector headlamps and a reverse camera. The Nissan Almera justifies its higher outlay with a 2,620 mm wheelbase, 482-litre boot and autonomous braking, plus a rated 5.4 L/100 km. Its 152 Nm turbo torque also narrowly beats the Saga’s 150 Nm. Pick the Nissan for longer family trips and active safety; pick the Proton if upfront cost and stronger peak power matter more.
Pick the Nissan Almera if autonomous braking, a 482-litre boot and the longer 2,620 mm wheelbase are worth the RM44,898 premium to you.
Pick the Proton Saga if you want 118 hp, LED projector lamps and a reverse camera for far less money.
Key differences
- Price: Nissan Almera RM83,888 vs Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Power: Nissan Almera 99 hp vs Proton Saga 118 hp.
- Torque: Nissan Almera 152 Nm vs Proton Saga 150 Nm.
- Wheelbase: Nissan Almera 2,620 mm vs Proton Saga 2,465 mm.
- Boot space: Nissan Almera 482 litres vs Proton Saga 420 litres.
- Fuel tank: Nissan Almera 35 litres vs Proton Saga 40 litres.
Almera
- Autonomous braking and collision warning
- 482-litre boot
- Rated 5.4 L/100 km fuel use
- Costs RM44,898 more
- Lower 99 hp output
- No reverse camera
Saga
- 118 hp from its 1.5-litre engine
- LED projector headlamps and full LED taillamps
- Reverse camera fitted
- No autonomous braking or collision warning
- Smaller 420-litre boot
- Shorter 2,465 mm wheelbase
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM83,888 | RM38,990✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM20✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 999 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 99 hp | 118 hp✓ |
| Torque | 152 Nm✓ | 150 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 72.2 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Xtronic CVT | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 1 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Jatco | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 5.4 L/100 km | — |
| Co2 | 125 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,495 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,740 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 1,090 kg | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 35 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 482 litres✓ | 420 litres |
| Front Tyre | 195/65R15 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 195/65R15 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Single-zone | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with 4 Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5 Times Free Service | — |
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 Almera & Saga for sale
Almera vs Saga FAQ
Is the Nissan Almera or Proton Saga better?
The Proton Saga is better for budget-led buying, with 118 hp and a reverse camera. The Nissan Almera is better for boot space, rear-seat packaging potential from its 2,620 mm wheelbase, and active safety through autonomous braking.
What is the price difference?
The Nissan Almera costs RM44,898 more than the Proton Saga. That is a major gap, and the Nissan counters with autonomous braking, a 482-litre boot and a longer wheelbase.
Which has the better safety equipment?
The Nissan Almera has the stronger safety kit because it adds autonomous braking and collision warning. Both cars have driver and passenger airbags, ABS/EBD, stability control, ISOFIX and hill start assist.