Verdict
At RM38,990, the Proton Saga costs RM51,610 less than the RM90,600 Toyota Vios, yet its 1.5-litre engine produces 118 hp and 150 Nm against 104 hp and 138 Nm. That makes it the budget-led choice, but its four-speed automatic and two airbags are a clear step down. The Vios justifies more of its outlay with six airbags, a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating, pre-collision braking and blind-spot monitoring, plus a 475-litre boot and 2,620-mm wheelbase. Its 5.2 L/100 km rating gives fuel-conscious owners a figure to work with.
Pick the Proton Saga if you want the RM51,610 saving and stronger 118 hp, 150 Nm output without needing the Vios’ safety suite.
Pick the Toyota Vios if active safety, six airbags, a larger boot and a longer 2,620-mm wheelbase matter more than purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Proton Saga RM38,990; Toyota Vios RM90,600.
- Output: Proton Saga 118 hp and 150 Nm; Toyota Vios 104 hp and 138 Nm.
- Transmission: Proton Saga four-speed automatic; Toyota Vios CVT with seven-speed Sequential Shiftmatic.
- Wheelbase: Proton Saga 2,465 mm; Toyota Vios 2,620 mm.
- Boot space: Proton Saga 420 litres; Toyota Vios 475 litres.
- Airbags: Proton Saga two; Toyota Vios six, plus a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating.
Saga
- RM51,610 lower purchase price.
- Stronger 118 hp and 150 Nm engine.
- LED projector headlamps and foldable rear backrest.
- Four-speed automatic versus the Vios CVT.
- Two airbags versus six in the Vios.
- No pre-collision braking, blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert.
Vios
- Six airbags, pre-collision braking and blind-spot monitoring.
- 475-litre boot and 2,620-mm wheelbase.
- 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Costs RM51,610 more than the Saga.
- Lower 104 hp and 138 Nm output.
- Fixed rear bench instead of the Saga’s foldable rear backrest.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM38,990✓ | RM90,600 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | A-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 118 hp✓ | 104 hp |
| Torque | 150 Nm✓ | 138 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 72.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 11.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 4-speed Automatic | CVT with 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic |
| Gears | 4 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Akashi Kikai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | — | 5.2 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,390 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,690 mm | 1,740 mm |
| Height | 1,525 mm | 1,480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,465 mm | 2,620 mm |
| Weight | 1,055 kg | 1,015 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 420 litres | 475 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 175/65R14 | 195/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 175/65R14 | 195/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 16" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Atlas AS380 | Toyo Proxes CR1 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 14" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 14" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | 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 |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Front Departure Alert, Pedal Misoperation Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Foldable Backrest | Fixed Bench |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Manual |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | 9" Touchscreen Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 3D Panoramic View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger, Premium Solar and Security Tint, Front Digital Video Recorder |
| 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 & Vios for sale
Saga vs Vios FAQ
Is the Proton Saga or Toyota Vios better?
The Toyota Vios is better for safety and cabin practicality, with six airbags, active safety systems, a 475-litre boot and 2,620-mm wheelbase. The Proton Saga is the better budget choice, costing RM51,610 less while producing more power and torque.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Vios costs RM51,610 more than the Proton Saga: RM90,600 versus RM38,990.
Which sedan has better safety equipment?
The Toyota Vios does. It has six airbags, a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating, pre-collision braking, steering correction, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Proton Saga has two airbags, ABS/EBD and stability control.