Verdict
The Proton Saga costs RM23,510 less, yet its 1.5-litre engine produces 118 hp and 150 Nm against the Ativa’s 97 hp and 140 Nm. It also carries 420 litres in its boot, 51 litres more than the SUV. But the Ativa’s RM20 annual road tax, claimed 5.3 L/100 km consumption, 2,525 mm wheelbase and six airbags make a stronger case for buyers who can stretch. Crucially, it adds pedestrian-detecting autonomous braking and lane-keeping steering correction; the Saga has two airbags and no such systems.
Pick the Perodua Ativa if active safety, a 5.3 L/100 km rated figure and SUV height matter more than an extra RM23,510.
Pick the Proton Saga if you want 118 hp, a 420-litre boot and the lower purchase cost.
Key differences
- Price: Perodua Ativa RM62,500; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Power and torque: Ativa 97 hp/140 Nm; Saga 118 hp/150 Nm.
- Boot space: Ativa 369 litres; Saga 420 litres.
- Wheelbase: Ativa 2,525 mm; Saga 2,465 mm.
- Airbags: Ativa six; Saga two.
- Wheels and tyres: Ativa 16-inch alloys with 205/60R16 tyres; Saga 14-inch alloys with 175/65R14 tyres.
Ativa
- Six airbags plus pedestrian-detecting autonomous braking
- Lane-keeping steering correction and collision warning
- 5.3 L/100 km rated economy and RM20 annual road tax
- RM23,510 higher purchase price
- 97 hp and 140 Nm trail the Saga’s 118 hp and 150 Nm
- 369-litre boot is 51 litres smaller
Saga
- RM23,510 lower purchase price
- 118 hp and 150 Nm from the 1.5-litre engine
- 420-litre boot and reverse camera
- Only two airbags versus the Ativa’s six
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or lane-keeping assist
- RM90 annual road tax versus RM20
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM62,500 | RM38,990✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM20✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged and Intercooled with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 996 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 97 hp | 118 hp✓ |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 150 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 71 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | D-CVT | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Akashi Kikai | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 5.3 L/100 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,065 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,710 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,525 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 1,020 kg | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 36 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 369 litres | 420 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/60R16 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/60R16 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size 16" Alloy | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2 | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Safety Notes | Front Departure Alert, Pedal Misoperation Control | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflectors with Automatic High Beam | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con (Digital Controls with Memory Function) | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Four Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up/Down | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | 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 | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 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 Ativa & Saga for sale
Ativa vs Saga FAQ
Is the Perodua Ativa or Proton Saga better?
The Ativa is better for safety equipment, with six airbags, pedestrian-detecting autonomous braking and lane-keeping steering correction. The Saga is the stronger budget and luggage choice, with 118 hp and a 420-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Perodua Ativa costs RM23,510 more than the Proton Saga. That gap brings six airbags, autonomous braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping steering correction, a claimed 5.3 L/100 km figure and a lower RM20 annual road tax.
Which has the bigger boot, the Perodua Ativa or Proton Saga?
The Proton Saga has the bigger boot at 420 litres, compared with 369 litres in the Perodua Ativa. The Saga’s advantage is 51 litres.