Verdict
At RM59,800 against RM38,990, the Proton S70 asks RM20,810 more, but brings a 2,627-mm wheelbase, 500-litre boot, six airbags and blind-spot warning functions. Its 8-speed CVT, cruise control, rear air vents and wireless phone integration make it the more complete family sedan. The Proton Saga is 214 kg lighter and uses the same 1.5-litre, 118-hp output, so the saving is substantial for buyers who can accept its 420-litre boot, two airbags and four-speed automatic. The S70 is the more useful long-distance car; the Saga is the cheaper basic transport choice.
The S70 1.5 Prime (RM62,800) sits above every Saga variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.
Pick the Proton S70 if you need six airbags, a 500-litre boot, rear air vents and a 2,627-mm wheelbase for regular family use.
Pick the Proton Saga if keeping the upfront cost RM20,810 lower matters more than extra safety equipment, cabin features and luggage space.
Key differences
- Price: Proton S70 RM59,800; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Safety: Proton S70 has 6 airbags and Blind Spot Detection; Proton Saga has 2 airbags and no blind-spot system.
- Boot space: Proton S70 500 litres; Proton Saga 420 litres.
- Wheelbase: Proton S70 2,627 mm; Proton Saga 2,465 mm.
- Transmission: Proton S70 8-speed CVT with Manual Mode; Proton Saga 4-speed Aisin automatic.
- Warranty mileage: Proton S70 5 years/unlimited mileage; Proton Saga 5 years/150,000 km.
S70
- Six airbags plus Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Collision Warning.
- 500-litre boot and 2,627-mm wheelbase.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear air vents and cruise control.
- Costs RM20,810 more.
- Halogen headlamps versus the Saga's LED projector units.
Saga
- RM38,990 entry price.
- Same 1.5-litre capacity and 118 hp as the S70, while weighing 1,055 kg.
- LED projector headlamps and full LED taillamps.
- Only two airbags, versus six in the S70.
- No blind-spot system, rear cross traffic alert or rear collision warning.
- Four-speed automatic and a 150,000-km warranty limit.
What the S70 has over the Saga
What the Saga has over the S70
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The S70's wheelbase is 162 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The S70 is 119 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the S70: 500 litres against 420.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM59,800 | RM38,990✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM610/mo | RM400/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM1,834 | RM1,293✓ |
| 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 |
| Bore × Stroke | 73.4 mm × 88.57 mm | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed CVT with Manual Mode | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 186 km/h | — |
| 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 | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | 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 | 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 | 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 | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Fabric | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding, Fixed Headrests | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air Conditioning | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C Front, 1 USB-A and 1 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Front and Rear Interior Lamps | 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 | — |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | 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 |
| Convenience Notes | N95 cabin filter; Eco/Sport/Comfort drive modes; Auto Brake Hold; 12V socket (120W); electric door mirrors with manual fold; urethane steering wheel; aerokit optional | — |
| 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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.
Used S70 & Saga for sale
Our reviews & guides
Proton S70
S70 vs Saga FAQ
Is the Proton S70 or Proton Saga better?
The Proton S70 is better equipped for family and longer-distance use, with six airbags, a 500-litre boot, rear air vents and cruise control. The Proton Saga is the better choice only when its much lower purchase price is the priority.
What is the price difference?
The Proton S70 costs RM20,810 more than the Proton Saga: RM59,800 versus RM38,990.
Which car has the better safety specification?
The Proton S70 has the stronger safety specification: six airbags, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Warning and Door Opening Warning. The Proton Saga has two airbags, ABS/EBD and stability control.