Here we are again with the 2016 Proton Saga, a model that Proton’s deputy CEO Datuk Radzaif Mohamed describes as the national carmaker’s “most important model” yet. There’s a lot of history with the nameplate, with “value” being the main unique selling point during its over three decade of existence.
With many new carbuyers entering the market, their first choice should be something that can deliver on multiple fronts, while not having to pay a pretty penny. Proton is hoping the Saga meets all these requirements, and with prices starting at RM36,800 (up to RM45,800), it already hits the “affordable” point.
Our first impressions of the new Saga has been a rather positive one, but a drive around a test track doesn’t tell the whole story. Which is why we’ve been invited to sample the most affordable Proton on a drive up north towards Ipoh, to see what things are like in the real world. Will it continue to impress? Read on to find out.
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Now that the 2016 Proton Saga has been launched, Proton has released a video of the Saga undergoing NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) development work, with a light-hearted twist. The video shows the rigours undertaken with the objective of weeding out errant noises, be they external or mechanical.
In summary, the Proton Saga 1.3 is available as the following: starting at RM36,800 for the manual Standard variant and RM39,800 for the CVT-equipped Standard; next up is the Executive CVT at RM42,800, while the top Premium CVT variant goes for RM45,800.
Just one engine is available for the Proton Saga – the 1.3 litre VVT naturally-aspirated four cylinder engine from the Iriz which produces 94 hp at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. In terms of headline equipment, the top Premium variant adds stability control and hill-start assist, making it the cheapest sedan in Malaysia with the all-important active safety feature.
Watch our walk-around video tour of the new Proton Saga, here, and check out CarBase.my for a detailed look at the car’s specifications and equipment.
The 2016 Proton Saga is here, with the nameplate first making its debut in 1985. 31 years later, the latest Saga is available in four variants at launch: Standard (MT), Standard (AT), Executive (AT) and Premium (AT).
All variants here are powered by the 1.3 litre VVT engine which also powers the Iriz hatchback – 94 hp at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm is transmitted to the front wheels via either a five-speed manual gearbox (Standard only) or a continuously variable transmission (all variants).
The 2016 Saga manages improved performance and fuel economy figures, despite similar outputs as before; the manual variant does the 0-100 km/h acceleration benchmark in 12.2 seconds (previously 13.0 seconds), with fuel consumption rated at 5.4 l/100 km at 90 km/h (improved from 6.0l/100 km).
The CVT variant gets to 100 km/h in 13.1 seconds (from 14.5 seconds previously), with fuel economy of 5.6l/100 km at 90 km/h (improved from 6.3l/100 km). Powertrain improvements on the Persona are present here too, including a three-point engine mount for better NVH, and a revised ECU for better response.
The new car shares its 2,465 mm wheelbase with the outgoing car, while with different exterior dimensions – the 2016 Saga is 74 mm longer, 9 mm wider and 11 mm lower than the previous model. Improvements to the structures include a chassis that is stiffer by 20%, a quicker, still hydraulically assisted steering rack, lighter door closing effort as well as improved ride and handling.
Equipment-wise, we start with the Saga Standard, which rolls on 13-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, rear fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, dual airbags, a Bluetooth-capable, single-DIN head unit, USB charging ports and Isofix child seat anchors. The Standard is distinguished by unpainted door mirrors, door handles and rear garnish, plain black fabric seats, as well as a black-themed interior.
Onwards to the CVT-only Saga Executive, power-adjustable, body-coloured wing mirrors, door handles and rear garnish, black-painted B-pillars, front fog lamps and a rear bootlid spoiler are added. 14-inch alloy wheels, added gloss grey accents to the interior (outer air-con vents and steering wheel trim) and fabric seats with a mesh pattern are also added to the Saga Executive.
Sitting atop the line-up at launch is the Saga Premium, which introduces Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with hill-hold assist, along with fancier 15-inch alloy wheels and a rear garnish finished in chrome. Also added is a reverse camera with a rearview mirror which integrates the camera’s video feed into the mirror, as on the top Exora variants, a double-DIN head unit with steering audio controls, fabric seats with a wavy pattern and more gloss grey trim on the gear lever.
All Saga models get reflector halogen headlamps (with Proton lettering), a chrome front grille, and folding rear bench seats. There will be a total of six colours offered for the new Saga: white, silver, black, red, blue (new) and grey (new). Additionally, each purchase will include a 3+2 year warranty or 150,000 km, whichever comes first (up from three-year/100,000 km coverage).
All models get these improvements:
1.3 VVT engine (replaces IAFM+)
Manual performance – 0-100 km/h in 12.2 seconds (from 13.0 secs)
Manual economy – 5.4 l/100 km at 90 km/h (from 6.0 l/100 km)
CVT performance – 0-100 km/h in 13.1 seconds (from 14.5 secs)
CVT economy – 5.6 l/100 km at 90 km/h (from 6.3 l/100 km)
Three-point engine mounts for better refinement
Retuned ECU for better CVT throttle response
Improved ride and handling package
Tyres with lower rolling resistance, better wet grip (quieter by 2 dB)
At the launch of the 2016 Proton Saga today, the national carmaker displayed a cutout of the new A-segment sedan, highlighting some of the changes done to improve the model’s safety cell.
Enhancements include a 20% increase in torsional rigidity to 12,000 Nm/deg from 10,000 Nm/deg previously, allowing the Saga to achieve a higher crash protection rating compared to the outgoing model. The car also gains a front strut bar that helps to improve the handling as well.
The ASEAN NCAP has awarded the sedan with a four-star safety rating, an improvement over the Saga FLX+, which received three stars back in its day. A higher adult occupant protection score of 13.33 points (from 10.23 points) and 71% compliance in child occupant protection (from 48%) are contributing factors to the higher safety rating.
Standard safety kit on the Saga include two airbags and Isofix child seat anchors (with top tethers). Upper variants will come with more items like ABS (with EBD and brake assist), ESC and hill hold assist.
The third-generation Proton Saga – officially launched this afternoon – boasts a new powertrain and fresh sheetmetal, but is based on the same platform as the Saga BLM from 2008. The 74 mm added length from the previous car is all in the overhangs – both cars share the same 2,465 mm wheelbase.
At the press conference after the launch ceremony, Proton CEO Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Mohd Kenali revealed that the development cost for the new Saga is RM150 million, which is relatively low for a new model. This is because there was no new platform development involved.
“The Saga has been developed on the existing Saga platform. We recognise that our volume is not that big, so we have to economise in terms of development cost,” Ahmad Fuuad told reporters.
“Based on the same platform but by improving the technology in terms of engine and transmission, we have good value from the development. Total cost incurred is only about RM150 million, which is a good number for a market our size,” he said, adding that the break-even level for the new Saga is three years if the company sells 5,000 units of the entry-level sedan per month. That’s also Proton’s sales target for the Saga.
The new Saga, positioned as an A-segment sedan to rival the Perodua Bezza, is powered by a 1.3 litre VVT engine with 94 hp and 120 Nm. A five-speed manual gearbox (Standard only) and CVT automatic (Standard, Executive and Premium) are the transmission choices. Available in three trim levels, the new model is priced from RM36,800 to RM45,800 OTR including insurance.
We’ve seen the spyshots and teasers, and we’ve even driven it, but now it’s finally time for the new 2016 Proton Saga to face the world. The budget sedan has officially been launched at the Setia City Convention Centre today, and while it’s the last of Proton’s three sedans to be introduced this year, it’s arguably the most important, as it represents the national carmaker’s bestselling model.
Sitting at the entry level of the company’s range, the new Saga is priced at RM36,800 for the Standard manual variant and RM39,800 for the CVT. Moving up, the Executive CVT retails at RM42,800, while the Premium tops out at RM45,800. All prices are on-the-road inclusive of insurance and a five-year/150,000 km warranty, up from the old model’s three-year/100,000 km coverage.
The new car is built on the bones of the outgoing Saga, but don’t let anyone tell you that it’s just a facelift. There’s a lot that’s changed since the second-generation BLM model was originally introduced way back in 2008, so let’s get to it.
Based on outgoing Saga, but heavily revised
The measuring tape alone indicates that there’s been a significant rework – at 4,331 mm long, 1,689 mm wide and 1,491 mm tall, the Saga is not only 74 mm longer than before, but also 9 mm wider and 11 mm lower. Only the wheelbase remains the same, at 2,465 mm. The longer overhangs are likely the reason why the boot is now seven litres larger, at 420 litres.
Also getting a revamp is the design – the front gets more organic reflector halogen headlights (with Proton script on both the head- and tail lights), a new dual-bar grille reminiscent of the Perdana (and the original 1985 Saga) and a massive Persona-esque lower grille that flows under the front fog light surrounds.
Moving back, the surfacing has been made less angular than before, with a rising shoulder line that carries the Iriz-derived door handles and terminates at the tail lights – providing a more dynamic appearance. The C-pillar also gains a new BMW-style kink.
At the rear, there are new trapezoidal two-piece tail lights (now using regular bulbs instead of the previous LEDs, unfortunately) joined together by a horizontal bar; a more aggressive rear bumper with a diffuser-style black insert completes the look.
A considerably revised cabin features inside. Up front is a redesigned centre console incorporating the centre air vents, the head unit, a wider row of buttons (needed to control additional functions, such as central locking, front parking sensors and front and rear fog lights) and the carryover air-con controls.
Other details to note are the rectangular air vents with increased slats (no longer able to be closed), Iriz-style faux dashboard stitching, a new gearlever (also derived from the Iriz) for the CVT, revised instrument cluster graphics and a new three-spoke steering wheel from the Exora, Prevé and Suprima S. The door cards have also been restyled, while a new folding rear bench adds an extra dimension of practicality.
New VVT engine, 1.3 litre only, improved chassis
All models are powered by the 1.3 litre VVT four-cylinder engine, and only that engine. The removal of the 1.6 litre option offered on the previous model is part of a range-wide restructuring, providing some breathing space for the Persona that’s only available with the larger mill. Despite being a new engine, outputs remain identical at 94 hp at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Transmission options have also been streamlined, with the five-speed manual gearbox only available on the base Standard variant; by contrast, all models get a CVT. The latter is a CVT2+ unit, and is said to be significantly improved over the one in the Iriz.
Other refinements to the powertrain include drop in engine mount count – which themselves have been redesigned – from four to three, in order reduce the transmission of vibrations into the cabin. The ECU has also been retuned for a more linear throttle response.
Despite similar outputs, the Saga is now quicker than before, with the manual clocking a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 12.2 seconds (0.8 seconds faster), and the CVT model doing the deed in 13.1 seconds (1.4 seconds faster). It’s also more fuel efficient – Proton quotes consumption figures at 90 km/h of 5.4 litres per 100 km with the manual (down from 6.0 l/100 km) and 5.6 litres per 100 km with the CVT (from 6.3 l/100 km).
The body is now 20% stiffer, and the doors require less effort to close. Underneath, the chassis has been revised with new springs, dampers and engine bay strut bar to ensure better handling and control, while the steering has been made quicker and lighter; the steeper steering rack angle also tightens the turning circle.
More equipment, improved safety
Kicking off the new Saga range, the Standard variant gets taxi-style 13-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, a rear fog lights, black plastic exterior trim, front and rear parking sensors, plain black upholstery, a single-DIN head unit with Bluetooth connectivity, USB rear charging ports and an ECO Drive Assist indicator from the Persona.
The mid-range Executive variant adds front fog lights, 14-inch snowflake-pattern alloy wheels, body-coloured exterior trim, black B-pillar trim, a rear bootlid spoiler, gloss grey interior trim and mesh-pattern upholstery.
Stepping up to the range-topping Premium model nets you intricate 15-inch alloy wheels, a chrome rear horizontal bar, wave-pattern upholstery, multifunction steering wheel controls, a gloss grey gearlever, a double-DIN head unit from the Exora and a reverse camera that feeds the view to a small display on the rear-view mirror (also from the Exora).
Dual airbags are standard on the new Saga, along with ISOFIX child seat mounts with top tethers – putting the whole tethergatesaga (hah!) to bed. Impressively, the Premium model also adds stability control and hill-start assist; however, ABS with EBD and brake assist is only available on the Executive variant upwards, which is a right shame. All models get a four-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, up from three.
Here’s the variant breakdown in detail:
Proton Saga 1.3L Standard – RM36,800 (MT), RM39,800 (CVT)
Quicker, more direct steering rack (16:1 ratio, from 20:1)
Tighter turning radius (5.1 m, from 5.3 m)
Lighter door closing effort (15 kgf, from 25 kgf)
Lighter steering effort (2.75 kgf, from 3.0 kgf)
Improved torsional stiffness (12,000 Nm/deg, from 10,000 Nm/deg)
Proton is hoping to sell around 5,000 Sagas per month following the model’s launch, with plans to export to right-hand drive ASEAN markets (export production to start four months after Malaysian launch). Colours available are Topaz Blue, Metal Grey, Fire Red, Sterling Silver, Cotton White and Midnight Black. We’ve already driven the 2016 Proton Saga – read our first impression of the new model here.
Another month, another Proton launch. You’ve studied the specifications and read our first impressions report. Now, you can watch the 2016 Proton Saga’s official launch ceremony tomorrow live, streamed exclusively on paultan.org. Join us here from 2:45pm onwards as we bring to you live feed from the launch event and walk you through the new model.
UPDATE:The 2016 Proton Saga is now launched – full specs and gallery in our launch report.
This is the sequel to the Proton Saga BLM from 2008, and it comes into a new world where the Perodua Bezza has proven to be popular with Malaysians looking for an entry-level sedan. Three-box saloons have been Proton’s exclusive territory till Perodua came up with its first ever sedan earlier this year, so the new Saga has to deliver for its maker.
Same platform as before, but there’s a redesigned body and improved chassis. The Saga is solely powered by a 1.3 litre VVT engine with 94 hp at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Transmission options include a five-speed manual (Standard only) and a revised CVT automatic (Standard, Executive, Premium). The interior has also been redesigned.
Tentative pricing is from from RM37k and RM46k. The top spec Saga gets features such as ESC with hill hold, 15-inch alloys, reverse camera integrated into the rear-view mirror and a double-DIN head unit with steering controls. Front and rear parking sensors are standard across the board, but ABS/EBD/Brake Assist are only available from the Executive onwards. ASEAN NCAP has given the new Saga a four-star rating.
The 2016 Proton Saga will be the next model to be introduced from the national carmaker, after the new Persona and Perdana. During the first media preview of the Perodua Bezza rival, we were told the bookings for the new Saga will begin from Saturday, September 24, with tentative prices between RM37k and RM46k.
We also got up close with the four variants that will be offered at launch – Standard (MT), Standard (AT), Executive (AT) and Premium (AT). All four will be powered by the same engine found in the Iriz – 1.3 litre VVT (replacing the old IAFM+ unit) – with 94 hp at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Transmission options include a five-speed manual (Standard only) and a CVT (all variants).
Despite similar outputs, Proton claims the new Saga is both quicker and more economical than before. The manual version now gets to 100 km/h in 12.2 seconds (from 13.0 secs), and consumes 5.4 l/100 km at 90 km/h (from 6.0 l/100 km). Meanwhile, the CVT does 100 km/h in 13.1 seconds (from 14.5 secs), and 5.6 l/100 km at 90 km/h (from 6.3 l/100 km). Improvements introduced on the Persona (three-point engine mount for better NVH, revised ECU for better response) are present here too.
Based on the current Saga – with the same 2,465 mm wheelbase – the new car gets different dimensions from the outgoing model – longer (+74 mm), wider (+9 mm) and lower than before (-11 mm). The car also gets a brand-new design, inside and out, plus Proton has also stiffened the car’s chassis by 20%, as well as introduce quicker steering (still a hydraulically-assisted system), lighter door closing effort and an improved ride and handling package.
As for standard kit, we begin with the Saga Standard, which comes with 13-inch steel wheels (with plastic covers), rear fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, dual airbags, a single-DIN head unit (with Bluetooth), USB charging ports and Isofix child seat anchors. It also gets unpainted wing mirrors, door handles and rear garnish, plain black fabric seats, as well as a black-themed interior.
Moving to the mid-range Saga Executive, which comes with a CVT only, you’ll find the addition of body-coloured wing mirrors (now power-adjustable), door handles and rear garnish, black-painted B-pillars, front fog lamps and a rear bootlid spoiler. Other addition include 14-inch alloy wheels, added gloss grey accents to the interior (outer air-con vents and steering wheel trim) and fabric seats with a mesh pattern.
Finally, the Saga Premium introduces Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with hill-hold assist, along with fancier 15-inch alloy wheels and a rear garnish finished in chrome. You’ll also get a useful reverse camera, where the rearview mirror features an integrated display to show the camera’s video feed (like on top Exora models), a double-DIN head unit with steering audio controls, fabric seats with a wavy pattern and more gloss grey trim on the gear lever.
All Saga models get reflector halogen headlamps (with Proton lettering), a chrome front grille, folding rear bench seat, 420 litre boot capacity (seven litres more than before), along with a four-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating. There will be a total of six colours offered for the new Saga: white, silver, black, red, blue (new) and grey (new). Additionally, each purchase will include a 3+2 year warranty or 150,000 km, whichever comes first (up from three-year/100,000 km coverage).
Here’s the variant breakdown in detail:
2016 Proton Saga 1.3L Standard MT/CVT
1.3 litre VVT engine
94 hp at 5,750 rpm, 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Ecodrive Assist
Reflector halogen headlamps
Rear fog lamp
Front and rear parking sensors
13-inch steel wheels (with 175/70R13 Silverstone Synergy M3 tyres)
Unpainted side mirrors, door handles and rear garnish
Manually-adjustable side mirrors
Body-coloured B-pillars
Black interior
Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
Single-DIN headunit with Bluetooth, USB and AUX input
USB charging ports
Fabric seats – plain black upholstery
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
420-litre boot with space saver spare tyre
Folding rear bench seat
Isofix child seat anchors with top tether
Two airbags
Front disc brakes, rear drums
2016 Proton Saga 1.3L Executive CVT
Adds on:
Front fog lamps
14-inch snowflake Y-spoke alloy wheels (with 185/60R14 Silverstone Kruizer1 NS800 tyres)
Body-coloured side mirrors, door handles and rear garnish
Power-adjustable side mirrors
Black B-pillars
Rear bootlid spoiler
Gloss grey trim on outer air-con vents and steering wheel
Fabric seats – mesh pattern upholstery
Front seat back pockets
ABS with EBD and BA
2016 Proton Saga 1.3L Premium CVT
Adds on:
15-inch turbine split-spoke alloy wheels (with 185/55R15 Silverstone Kruizer1 NS800 tyres)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Hill-hold assist
Double-DIN headunit with Bluetooth, USB and AUX input
Reverse camera (with integrated rearview mirror display)
Steering wheel audio controls
Gloss grey trim on gear lever and surrounds
Fabric seats – wavy pattern upholstery
All models get these improvements:
1.3 VVT engine (replaces IAFM+)
Manual performance – 0-100 km/h in 12.2 seconds (from 13.0 secs)
Manual economy – 5.4 l/100 km at 90 km/h (from 6.0 l/100 km)
CVT performance – 0-100 km/h in 13.1 seconds (from 14.5 secs)
CVT economy – 5.6 l/100 km at 90 km/h(from 6.3 l/100 km)
Three-point engine mounts for better refinement
Retuned ECU for better CVT throttle response
Improved ride and handling package
Tyres with lower rolling resistance, better wet grip (quieter by 2 dB)
Four-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating (from three-star)
Quicker, more direct steering rack (16:1 ratio, from 20:1)
Tighter turning radius (5.1 m, from 5.3 m)
Lighter door closing effort (15 kgf, from 25 kgf)
Lighter steering effort (2.75 kgf, from 3.0 kgf)
Improved torsional stiffness (12,000 Nm/deg, from 10,000 Nm/deg)
Proton is hoping to sell around 5,000 Sagas per month following the model’s launch, with plans to export to right-hand drive ASEAN markets (export production to start four months after Malaysian launch). We’ve already driven the 2016 Proton Saga – read our first impression of the new model here. What are your thoughts on what the new model has to offer? Will you be interested to get one over the Perodua Bezza? Sound off in the comments below.
The Proton Saga – a nameplate that has been with the first national carmaker for more than three decades, and recognised as the first-ever national car. The one that started it all. It is a car that is familiar to almost every Malaysian, who have either been driven around in one, or have been behind the wheel of one themselves.
Having undergone two generational changes and numerous updates over the years, the Saga has always incorporated affordability into its DNA, accompanied by practicality and convenience. With the dawn of the third-generation Saga almost upon us, Proton has decided to head back to the drawing board to ensure the Saga continues to win the hearts of the masses.
The 2016 Saga (internally known as the P2-13A) will be the third introduction (after the new Persona and Perdana) in a four-model revamp from the company this year, and it’ll be its most important one yet. With tentative prices set between RM37,000 and RM46,000, this will be Proton’s volume seller – the company aims to shift up to 5,000 units per month.
That is by and far a lot more than the recently-introduced Persona, and thus, the new Saga has to hit all the right notes to pull in the crowd. More so now, especially when its market space has been invaded by Perodua’s first-ever sedan, the Bezza. So, can the new 2016 Proton Saga live up to its potential? That’s what we’re gonna find out.
Tipped to be launched by the end of the month, the upcoming 2016 Proton Saga has received a four-star crash protection rating from ASEAN NCAP. The budget sedan scored 13.33 points in adult occupant protection (AOP) and a 71% compliance in child occupant protection (COP) – the latter means the car is also rated four stars in child protection.
These figures compare favourably with those achieved by the current Saga FLX+ tested in 2013 – that car mustered a score of 10.23 points in AOP, earning it three stars. Its COP compliance score of 48%, meanwhile, only managed to put it in the two-star bracket for child protection.
Details of the new Saga remain scarce, but it has been confirmed that the car will be powered by the Iriz‘ 1.3 litre VVT four-cylinder engine – in the Iriz, it produces 94 hp at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The use of the smaller engine (as opposed to the Saga FLX, which was also available in a 1.6 SE variant) better demarcates the Saga’s positioning in Proton’s lineup vis-à-vis the Persona, which is only available with the 1.6 litre VVT mill. The current five-speed manual and CVT transmission options are likely to be retained.
Our readers have been sending in spyshots of the upcoming 2016 Proton Saga, Persona and Perdana, but now it’s our turn to capture two of the three sedans – the Saga and Perdana – while readers Ong Bahk and Hanafi have also contributed with their own images of the trio.
Let’s start with the Saga. Our latest photos give us a closer look at the updated front fascia of the heavily-revamped budget sedan. The reshaped headlights, sleeker bumper design and downturned air intakes make for a cleaner, more sophisticated look.
The rest of the prototype is mostly familiar to us now – there’s a new C-pillar kink, Iriz-style door handles, a side character line that slopes further downwards and a completely revised rear end that is more elegant than the outgoing car, featuring trapezoidal three-dimensional tail lights.
2016 Proton Saga
Technical details remain scarce right now, but the Saga could launch with the Iriz’s 1.3 litre VVT engine and a choice of a five-speed manual or a CVT. Proton’s new naturally-aspirated 1.0 litre and 1.2 litre three-cylinder engines may also make an appearance further down the line – these mills are slated to begin production by the end of 2017 – while a turbocharged version of the 1.0 litre engine could also feature.
Next up, the Persona – here we also get a closer look at the front end, and while it does look fairly reminiscent of the Iriz, we can see the reshaped bonnet and grille, as well as round fog lights instead of triangular units on the hatch. We can also see reflector headlights instead of projector halogens on the Iriz, which is probably indicative of a lower-end positioning in the lineup.
2016 Proton Persona
The rear of the car sees a similar C-pillar kink as the Saga, as well as as almond-shaped tail lights and tall bootlid, all seen before. The Iriz’s range of 1.3 litre and 1.6 litre VVT engines are expected to be offered on the Persona at launch, but the car could gain Proton’s new 1.3 litre and 1.6 litre direct-injected (GDI/TGDI) engines after production of the new mills begin by the end of 2017.
Lastly, we’ll look at the Perdana. Unlike the others, we’ve already seen the D-segment sedan – based on the eighth-generation Honda Accord – in full before, so these spyshots hold little of significance in terms of the design of the car. However, the car has to be unveiled to the public very soon; out of the three cars here, the Perdana is slated to be launched first, and all three are expected to be launched this year.
2016 Proton Perdana
At launch, the Perdana will feature the 154 hp/189 Nm R20A3 2.0 and 177 hp/222 Nm K24Z2 2.4 litre i-VTEC engines and five-speed automatic transmission, derived from the eighth-generation Honda Accord on which it is based. A revision is slated to arrive by the end of 2017, with the Perdana set to receive a new NE01 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, acquired from Petronas in 2012.
Also being considered is Proton’s new 1.5 litre turbocharged, direct-injected TGDI engine, claimed to be able to produce 180 hp and 250 Nm. Whichever powertrain ends up being slotted in, a new torque converter CVT automatic is expected to become standard fare come end-2017.
The new 2016 Proton Saga and its bigger brother, the 2016 Proton Perdana have been spotted again, thanks to readers Rezwa666 and Rulf Federico, who sent in these photos. Not long now before both the budget sedan and the flagship D-segment make their debut, with the latter slated to be launched first.
Let’s start with the Saga, as it’s the one that we’ve yet to have seen much of. As before, the heavy camouflage makes it difficult to discern much in the way of details, but we can see the large trapezoidal tail lights that encroach into the bootlid, as well as an arching bootlid lip.
Elsewhere, the rear windscreen has been given a faster rake for a sleeker profile, while the rear doors have been redesigned with a kink at the C-pillar. The shoulder line also slopes downwards towards the front, with the new Iriz-style door handles now in line. Previous spyshots have shown that the front will also receive changes, including reshaped headlights and a reprofiled grille and bumper.
As for the new Perdana, not much can be gleaned that’s new in our eyes (except perhaps the dual-bar grille), particularly as we have already seen the finished article in the metal. However, this sighting of what looks like a production-ready model once again confirms that the flagship D-segment sedan is nearing its launch – the order books have already been opened for the car, after all.
Also being considered is Proton’s new 1.5 litre turbocharged, direct-injected TGDI engine, claimed to be able to produce 180 hp and 250 Nm. Whichever powertrain ends up being slotted in, a new torque converter CVT automatic is expected to become standard fare come end-2017.
The launch of the Perdana was previously slated for the first quarter of this year; while that has now passed, it’s still expected to be launched very soon. As for the Saga, no launch window has been announced just yet, but it is claimed that it will be unveiled before the end of this year, after the B-segment Persona sedan.
Our readers have caught the 2016 Proton Saga again – this time Rachel Ow and Christopher Lim have sent in photos of both the upcoming budget sedan and its bigger sibling, the 2016 Proton Perdana, near the national carmaker’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Shah Alam.
The images of the Saga hold particular interest as they include a close up shot of the tail lights. It shows a larger, more three-dimensional trapezoidal shape of the lamps compared to the wraparound triangular items on the current Saga. Unlike the FLX, however, this mule looks to have conventional bulbs compared to the former’s LEDs, so it does look to be a slight downgrade from the outgoing model.
Elsewhere, we can see the faster rear windscreen rake that contrasts against the upright look of the current car, along with a C-pillar kink. This sleeker appearance has been accentuated by a shoulder line that slopes upwards towards the rear, as well as the new Iriz-style door handles that are now in line with the aforementioned line.
As for the new Perdana, not much can be gleaned that’s new in our eyes, particularly as we have already seen the finished article in the metal. However, this sighting of what looks like a production-ready model once again confirms that the flagship D-segment sedan is nearing its launch – the order books have already been opened for the car, after all.
In his explanation for his resignation, former Proton chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that the Perdana will be launched later this month. As for the Saga, no launch window has been announced just yet, but it is claimed that it will be unveiled before the end of this year, after the B-segment Persona sedan.
It’s another set of spyshots of the 2016 Proton Saga, this time courtesy of reader Sean Yeoh. However, the national carmaker’s smallest, cheapest car now appears to have been benchmarked next to the Honda Brio Amaze, hinting at ambitions to challenge Honda’s global budget sedan.
As before, this development mule wears a touch less camouflage, showing the more three-dimensional tail lights, a new fog light in the bumper and the more steeply raked shoulder line – incorporating the new Iriz-style door handles. Also seen is the C-pillar window line kink that differs from the current car‘s straight slope.
Although only the rear has been caught in these photos, the front of the car was seen in another photo that surfaced online earlier in the week, revealing reshaped headlights, a new dual-bar grille and a reprofiled front bumper. Also expected are larger changes to the interior, revamping the Savvy-era cabin of the current car.
Aside from the Saga, the new 2016 Proton Perdana was also seen tested – it shouldn’t be long now before the flagship D-segment sedan is launched, seeing as the order books have already been opened.
Not much appears to have been changed from the current Saga FLX at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals a new dual-bar front grille, as well as mildly reshaped headlights that look more three-dimensional in form. The bumper also appears to have a more aggressive in design, with protruding fog light surrounds and jutting chin spoilers as seen on newer Proton models from the Prevé onwards.
Elsewhere, the side shoulder line slopes further down towards the front for a more dynamic look, while the new door handles (taken from the Iriz) are now aligned to that line. The C-pillar also now has a kink that necessitates reshaped rear doors, while the rear end has been completely revised with more three-dimensional tail lights and a new number plate recess on the bootlid connecting the two.
