Verdict
The Proton S70 costs RM10,810 more, but brings a 162 mm longer body, 162 mm more wheelbase and an 80-litre larger boot than the Proton Saga. Both make 118 hp and 150 Nm from a 1.5-litre petrol four, so the S70’s advantage is not outright output; it is the eight-speed CVT, six airbags, blind-spot functions and rear air-con vents. The Saga is 214 kg lighter, RM38,990 and uses a four-speed Aisin automatic, making it the clear budget choice. Its LED projector headlamps are a useful counterpoint to the S70’s halogens.
Pick the Proton S70 if you can justify RM59,800 for the 500-litre boot, 2,627 mm wheelbase, six airbags and blind-spot warning functions.
Pick the Proton Saga if RM38,990, a 214 kg lower kerb weight and LED projector headlamps matter more than space, transmission ratios and safety equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Proton S70 RM59,800; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Boot space: Proton S70 500 litres; Proton Saga 420 litres.
- Wheelbase: Proton S70 2,627 mm; Proton Saga 2,465 mm.
- Kerb weight: Proton S70 1,269 kg; Proton Saga 1,055 kg.
- Airbags: Proton S70 six; Proton Saga two.
- Transmission: Proton S70 eight-speed CVT with manual mode; Proton Saga four-speed Aisin automatic.
S70
- 500-litre boot versus the Saga’s 420 litres.
- Six airbags plus blind-spot, lane-change and rear cross-traffic alerts.
- Rear air-con vents, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Costs RM10,810 more than the Saga.
- Halogen headlamps versus the Saga’s LED projectors.
- 214 kg heavier than the Saga.
Saga
- RM38,990 entry price.
- LED projector headlamps and full LED taillamps.
- 1,055 kg kerb weight, 214 kg below the S70.
- Two airbags versus the S70’s six.
- 420-litre boot is 80 litres smaller than the S70’s.
- Four-speed automatic versus the S70’s eight-speed CVT.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM59,800 | RM38,990✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | — | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC DVVT (i-GT), Port Fuel Injection | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed CVT with Manual Mode | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 8 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,602 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,809 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,466 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,627 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 1,269 kg | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 500 litres✓ | 420 litres |
| Front Tyre | 205/55R16 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/55R16 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | — | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Turbine-style Alloys | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Turbine-style Alloys | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Electric Power Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Dual Front, Side and Curtain Airbags) | 2 (Driver and Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | ISOFIX with Top Tether | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Rear Seat Reminder, All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Safety Notes | Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Warning, Door Opening Warning; no AEB/ACC/lane-keep (camera ADAS reserved for 1.5TD Flagship variants) | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | — | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Fabric | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air Conditioning | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | — | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | — | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4 Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up/Down with Anti-trap | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button Start with Remote Engine Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Cruise Control with Speed Limiter | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 6x free labour servicing | — |
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 S70 & Saga for sale
S70 vs Saga FAQ
Is the Proton S70 or Proton Saga better?
The S70 is better equipped for family use, with a 500-litre boot, six airbags, blind-spot functions and rear air-con vents. The Saga is the better choice if the RM10,810 saving is decisive and its 420-litre boot is enough.
What is the price difference?
The Proton S70 costs RM59,800 and the Proton Saga costs RM38,990, a difference of RM10,810.
Which has more luggage space, the Proton S70 or Proton Saga?
The S70 has the larger boot at 500 litres, compared with 420 litres in the Saga. That is an 80-litre advantage for the S70.