Verdict
The Axia costs RM33,900 against the Saga’s RM38,990, leaving RM5,090 in the bank for a buyer whose priority is getting into a new car cheaply. Its RM20 annual road tax also undercuts the Saga’s RM90. But the Proton’s 1.5-litre engine produces 118 hp and 150 Nm, far ahead of the Axia’s 67 hp and 91 Nm, while its 420-litre boot is 155 litres larger. The Axia is 630 mm shorter and 190 kg lighter, so it is the more sensible compact runabout; the Saga brings more space, pace and equipment.
Pick the Perodua Axia if RM33,900 entry cost, RM20 road tax, a 3,760-mm hatchback body and lighter 865-kg kerb weight matter most.
Pick the Proton Saga if you need 118 hp, 150 Nm, a 420-litre boot and useful kit including a reverse camera and LED projector headlamps.
Key differences
- Price: Perodua Axia RM33,900; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Engine output: Perodua Axia 67 hp and 91 Nm; Proton Saga 118 hp and 150 Nm.
- Boot space: Perodua Axia 265 litres; Proton Saga 420 litres.
- Length and weight: Perodua Axia 3,760 mm and 865 kg; Proton Saga 4,390 mm and 1,055 kg.
- Road tax: Perodua Axia RM20 per year; Proton Saga RM90 per year.
- Headlamps: Perodua Axia halogen reflector; Proton Saga LED projector.
Axia
- RM5,090 cheaper to buy.
- RM70 lower annual road tax.
- 630 mm shorter and 190 kg lighter.
- 67 hp and 91 Nm trail the Saga’s 118 hp and 150 Nm.
- 265-litre boot is 155 litres smaller.
- No reverse camera, auto headlamps or steering audio controls.
Saga
- 118 hp and 150 Nm from its 1.5-litre engine.
- 420-litre boot.
- LED projector headlamps, reverse camera and keyless push-button start.
- RM5,090 higher purchase price and RM90 annual road tax.
- 630 mm longer and 190 kg heavier.
- Space-saver spare tyre versus the Axia’s full-size 14-inch steel spare.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM33,900✓ | RM38,990 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Segment | A-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM20✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 998 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 67 hp | 118 hp✓ |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 150 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 71 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | D-CVT | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 25.3 L/100 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,760 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,655 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,505 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,525 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 865 kg | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 36 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 265 litres | 420 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 175/65R14 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 175/65R14 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size 14" Steel | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Toyo Proxes CR1 | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 14" 8-spoke Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 14" 8-spoke 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 on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Bulb | Full LED |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Foldable Backrest | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 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 Two Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| 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 Axia & Saga for sale
Axia vs Saga FAQ
Is the Perodua Axia or Proton Saga better?
The Axia is better for lower entry and annual tax costs, while the Saga is better for performance, boot capacity and equipment. The Saga has 118 hp, 150 Nm and a 420-litre boot; the Axia has 67 hp, 91 Nm and 265 litres.
What is the price difference?
The Proton Saga costs RM5,090 more than the Perodua Axia: RM38,990 versus RM33,900.
Which has the bigger boot?
The Proton Saga has the bigger boot at 420 litres, compared with 265 litres in the Perodua Axia. That is a 155-litre advantage for the sedan.