Verdict
At RM44,990, the Proton Saga Executive delivers the same 118 hp, 150 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine, 420-litre boot and 9.0-inch wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto screen as the RM49,990 Proton Saga Premium. But the RM5,000 gap is not merely cosmetic: the Premium moves from two to six airbags and adds autonomous braking, collision warning, blind-spot information and lane-keeping warning. Its CVT also replaces the Executive’s four-speed automatic. For a Malaysian family buyer, those safety additions make the Premium the sensible step up; the Executive remains the budget-led choice.
Pick the Proton Saga Executive if you want the RM44,990 entry point and can live without the Premium’s extra four airbags and driver-assistance systems.
Pick the Proton Saga Premium if you will pay RM5,000 more for six airbags, autonomous braking, blind-spot information and a CVT.
Key differences
- Price: Proton Saga Executive RM44,990; Proton Saga Premium RM49,990.
- Transmission: Executive four-speed automatic; Premium CVT automatic.
- Weight: Executive 1,065 kg; Premium 1,085 kg.
- Airbags: Executive driver and passenger airbags; Premium driver, passenger, front side and front/rear curtain airbags.
- Driver assistance: Executive has no autonomous braking or collision warning; Premium has autonomous braking and collision warning.
- Wheels and mirrors: Executive 15-inch alloy wheels and no folding wing mirrors; Premium 15-inch two-tone alloys and folding wing mirrors.
Executive
- RM5,000 less to buy.
- Same 118 hp and 150 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine.
- Same 420-litre boot and 9.0-inch wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto touchscreen.
- Only two airbags versus the Premium’s six.
- Lacks autonomous braking, collision warning and blind-spot information.
- Four-speed automatic instead of the Premium’s CVT.
Premium
- Six airbags, including front side and curtain airbags.
- Gets autonomous braking, collision warning, blind-spot information and lane-keeping warning.
- CVT automatic, automatic high beam and folding wing mirrors.
- Costs RM5,000 more.
- At 1,085 kg, it is 20 kg heavier than the Executive.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM44,990✓ | RM49,990 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | A-Segment | A-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 and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 118 hp |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 4-speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 4 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | — | 175 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,390 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,690 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,525 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,465 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 1,065 kg | 1,085 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 420 litres | 420 litres |
| Front Tyre | 185/55R15 | 185/55R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 185/55R15 | 185/55R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Atlas AS380 | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy | 15" Two-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy | 15" Two-tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Automatic High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Foldable Backrest | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 2 USB-A Rear | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 2 USB-A Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4 Spekers | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4 Spekers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down |
| 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 | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | 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 cars for sale
Executive vs Premium FAQ
Is the Proton Saga Executive or Proton Saga Premium better?
The Proton Saga Premium is better equipped where it matters most, adding four airbags, autonomous braking, collision warning, blind-spot information and lane-keeping warning. The Executive retains the same 118 hp engine, boot space and infotainment, so it is the lower-cost choice.
What is the price difference?
The Proton Saga Premium costs RM5,000 more than the Proton Saga Executive: RM49,990 versus RM44,990.
Does the Proton Saga Premium have a different engine?
No. Both use a 1,499 cc naturally aspirated 16-valve DOHC petrol engine with dual variable valve timing and an Atkinson cycle, producing 118 hp and 150 Nm. The transmission differs: four-speed automatic in the Executive, CVT automatic in the Premium.