Verdict
At RM38,990 versus RM106,800, the Saga is the rational Malaysian runabout: it is 142 mm shorter, 141 mm narrower and 520 kg lighter, yet still seats five and carries 420 litres. The RM67,810 gap buys the X70’s 178 hp/290 Nm turbo engine against 118 hp/150 Nm, a 515-litre boot, six airbags and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its 2,670-mm wheelbase and rear multi-link suspension make it the more substantial family choice, but it is not the easier city proposition.
Pick the Proton Saga if you want the RM67,810 saving, a 1,055-kg sedan and RM90 annual road tax for daily urban use.
Pick the Proton X70 if you need 178 hp, six airbags, a 515-litre boot and markedly more cabin equipment for family trips.
Key differences
- Price: Proton Saga RM38,990; Proton X70 RM106,800.
- Power and torque: Proton Saga 118 hp and 150 Nm; Proton X70 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- Size and weight: Proton Saga is 4,390 mm long, 1,690 mm wide and 1,055 kg; Proton X70 is 4,532 mm long, 1,831 mm wide and 1,575 kg.
- Boot space: Proton Saga 420 litres; Proton X70 515 litres.
- Airbags: Proton Saga 2; Proton X70 6.
- Transmission and rear suspension: Proton Saga 4-speed automatic with torsion beam; Proton X70 7-speed wet dual-clutch with multi-link rear suspension.
Saga
- 1,055-kg kerb weight and 4,390-mm length suit tighter urban spaces.
- RM90 annual road tax, versus RM120 for the X70.
- LED projector headlamps and a 420-litre boot.
- 118 hp and 150 Nm trail the X70’s 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- Two airbags versus the X70’s six airbags.
- No rear air vents, front parking sensors or 360-degree camera.
X70
- 178 hp and 290 Nm from the 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine.
- Six airbags, all-seat seatbelt reminders and a 360-degree camera.
- 515-litre boot, rear AC vents and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
- RM67,810 more expensive than the Saga.
- 520 kg heavier, 142 mm longer and 141 mm wider than the Saga.
- RM120 annual road tax, compared with RM90.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM38,990✓ | RM106,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | A-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90✓ | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm | 178 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm | 290 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 4-speed Automatic | 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission with Manual Mode |
| Gears | 4 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Geely |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,390 mm | 4,532 mm |
| Width | 1,690 mm | 1,831 mm |
| Height | 1,525 mm | 1,694 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,465 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Weight | 1,055 kg | 1,575 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 60 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 420 litres | 515 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 175/65R14 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 175/65R14 | 225/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Atlas AS380 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 14" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 14" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| 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 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat, Front Seat Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | Foldable Backrest | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Air Purifier System & Air Ionizer |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | 12.3" Touchscreen Atlas OS Infotainment System with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, eSIM, Voice Control and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button with Remote Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| 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 Saga & X70 for sale
Saga vs X70 FAQ
Is the Proton Saga or Proton X70 better?
The Proton X70 is the better-equipped and more powerful family car, with six airbags, 178 hp and a 515-litre boot. The Proton Saga is the better choice for a tight budget and easier city use.
What is the price difference?
The Proton X70 costs RM67,810 more than the Proton Saga.
Which has more luggage space?
The Proton X70 has the larger boot at 515 litres, 95 litres more than the Proton Saga’s 420 litres. It also has 60:40 split-folding rear seats, while the Saga has a foldable backrest.