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2020 PROTON Saga Anniversary Edition – Only 1,100 Units, RM39,300

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National automotive flagbearer PROTON has today marked the 35th birthday of their inaugural Saga, the model that started it all, with a commemorative limited edition version of its compact saloon. With a production run of just 1,100 units, the 35th anniversary model will surely be a hot commodity – especially since its RM39,300 price means it asks no more than the model upon which it’s based.

On that subject, there are no major mechanical or specification changes, aside from the aesthetics. So under the bonnet still lies a 1.3L VVT engine producing 95PS and 120Nm, sending power to the front wheels via a Hyundai 4AT transmission. There are still things like electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution with brake assist, anti-lock brakes, hill-hold assist, and two airbags, as well as the LED daytime running lights that came as part of the facelift last year. The interior specification remains the same too – touchscreen infotainment unit, a smarter-designed meter cluster, and plusher fabrics used for the headlining and seat upholstery.

Now, onto the special bits. The 35th anniversary Saga marries a unique black paintjob with yellow accents, namely on the upper grille, the rear bumper garnish, and the wing mirrors. Not to be overlooked are the alloys – while they’re the same 15-inch units as before, they’ve now been given a matte-grey finish with a high-gloss silver lip, making them stand out quite a bit (and no doubt giving current owners ideas).

Inside, the air-conditioning surrounds on either side are done in gloss black, while the vent sliders are finished in the same matching yellow hue. Not to end there, the same colour is applied to the meter cluster surrounds, as well as to the little ‘tray’ that sits beneath the ‘PROTON’ script in the centre stack.

Unfortunately however, the snazzy bodykit you see here (door visors, front lip & side skirts) are an option, along with some new items like a boot tray, bonnet NVH insulator (called ‘NVH Guard’), and boot NVH insulator (also called ‘NVH Guard’). For the time being, these items can be bundled together on the Anniversary Edition or any facelifted PROTON Saga for RM2,035 – which represents a major savings given that individually-optioned they’d come up to RM2,350.

PROTON also took the opportunity to announce that the new Saga Anniversary Edition will come fitted with an N95-grade cabin air filter, which will now be offered on all new PROTON cars and be available for retrofitment on existing models. Retailing at RM59, these N95 filters will come in very handy to filter out smoke particulates, certain bacteria, and other harmful elements in the air. And between now and the 9th of October 2020, the N95 filter retrofit will be offered at a promotional price of just under RM52.

The Saga is an important model for PROTON, being the entry-level model into the lineup. Of the cars that were introduced through the course of 2019, the Saga was given the most attention by DRB-Hicom & Geely in its refresh. The new PROTON team made major upgrades to the Saga’s refinement, poise, and even its driving characteristics, enhancing a car that has was always impressive at its core but disappointed in the details.

With a more refined finish than ever before, plus the added emphasis by PROTON to keep customers excited and engaged, we’ve no doubt that there are many, many chapters to go in the story of the PROTON Saga.

What’s your Saga story? Let us know in the comments below!

VIDEO: 2020 Perodua Bezza Driven – Small Changes, Big Differences

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Malaysian automotive heavyweight Perodua may have enjoyed market leadership for a good 16 years now, but perhaps now more than ever, there’s a fire under its ass to ensure that its lead isn’t compromised.

I don’t believe I have to go into detail here, but for the uninitiated, I’m talking about the challenges that fellow national carmaker PROTON has levelled at it throughout 2019. With every model in its lineup updated, purchase prices reduced, kit levels enhanced and aftersales service given a thorough going-over, PROTON has mounted an aggressive attack on the Malaysian market that threatens Perodua’s marketshare, which accounts for over 40% of the total number of cars sold in the last year. While models like the Myvi and Axia are beyond reproach, with the former accounting for almost half of all Perodua sales, the Bezza is in a far more precarious position.

With prices starting at RM34,580 for the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Bezza G (M/T) and rising up to RM49,580 for the top-flight Bezza 1.3 AV with Advanced Safety Assist, there’s a clear price-gulf between the models. Saga Premium vs. Bezza AV the price difference is enough to account for more than 4,700L of fuel, which could certainly power the lesser vehicle for quite a while, given that the one we own manages less than 6L/100km with daily use.

But with things like active driver assistance features, better modern conveniences, and tried-and-tested reliability, many argue that the Bezza can very easily justify its price premium. Couple that with the improved driveability, interior quality, and reduced NVH levels, the Perodua Bezza feels like a car that’s worth more than it is.

Don’t believe us? Check out our video review and see for yourself.

VIDEO: 2020 Perodua Bezza Lands – 3 Variants, ASA 2.0, RM35k-RM50k

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National carmaker Perodua has today unveiled their refreshed Perodua Bezza, arriving to the market some 5 months after the launch of the updated PROTON Saga, and some four years after the model was first introduced. The Perodua Bezza has comfortably held the position as the most popular A-segment saloon since it was first launched back in 2016, with 184,000 units sold – critically however, that position has since been threatened by the new Saga, with the PROTON snagging the title as the best-selling compact saloon in the segment for two months in 2019.

This refresh then is critical for Perodua, as this updated Bezza will be tasked with fending off PROTON’s new contender for a few more years. But with the Saga holding a clear price advantage, the new Bezza truly tests Perodua brand loyalists like never before, with a gap as wide as RM10,000 in favour of the Saga at the top end. However, with pre-facelift models sold out since mid-December, bookings for Bezza models from last year were converted into bookings for the new car, which were then added to the 2,000 bookings received for the new Bezza since the registration of interest opened 5 days ago – which means that right off the bat, the new Perodua Bezza has some 10,000 orders already locked and loaded, with a further 4,000 units a month expected to move once orders stabilise.

The new Bezza continues to offer the same array of engines, with a 1.0-litre three cylinder motor in G models, and a 1.3-litre four-cylinder in the X and AV models. The pair put out 67hp/91Nm & 94hp/121Nm respectively, with a 4-speed automatic shared across the range. Only the base G comes with the option of a 5-speed manual now though, with manual X models being dropped from the lineup.

The changes with this refresh are limited to just specs and aesthetics, then. The new Bezza arrives with a more aggressive face, topped by new slim headlights and a new grille. The headlights are now LED and standard across the range, a move taken from the larger Myvi and Aruz. Down the flanks there are new alloy wheels – the 14s for the G models are shared with the smaller-capacity Myvi variants, while the 15s for the X and AV are an entirely new dual-tone design.

At the rear, changes are limited to a new bumper with a more aggressive design and ‘diffuser,’ as well as a new garnish between the taillights.

Inside, Perodua has lightly tweaked the aesthetics, though some changes are more obvious than others. The first thing that stands out is the incorporation of a contrasting silver element that runs across the dash, flicking upwards in the middle and framing the new centre stack. That centre stack itself now houses a new infotainment unit, again nicked from the Myvi and Aruz, which should offer things like satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring. Elsewhere there’s a new instrument cluster, featuring a more sophisticated look designed to inspire drivers (kononnya) that’s also now backlit in white for improved legibility.

There are no changes to report in the rear-half of the cabin though – unfortunately the rear bench remains as upright as it has ever been, a serious gripe among Bezza owners and potential buyers, though they seem to be a bit more sculpted to improve comfort somewhat. There are also no changes to the boot, with 508L of capacity on offer still. However with the facelift, Perodua has opted to add a small luggage net to the side of the boot, to improve load carrying capabilities a little bit.

Safety-wise, the Bezza continues to do well, at least for the posher variants. The X and AV models soldier on with 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety ratings, while the G models make do with just 4. ABS and EBD are standard across the range, while vehicle stability (VSC) and traction control (TSC) are the reserve of 1.3-litre models, with the AV going further by adding ASA 2.0.

Overall, the new Bezza certainly seems ready to take on the new PROTON Saga, albeit at a price disadvantage. That said with benchmark levels of kit and ten thousand units set to be delivered by the end of January, the Perodua Bezza shouldn’t have a tough time finding its way into the hearts and minds of buyers at all.

2019 PROTON SAGA LAUNCHED – RM33K-RM40K

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After a long wait and numerous leaks, the latest baby from PROTON’s stables has finally joined in the fun. The PROTON Saga is a critical model for the company, being one of the marque’s fastest sellers and marking the entry point into the PROTON lineup. With these latest updates, the Saga is now set to put up an even greater fight than ever before, particularly against its arch rival, the Perodua Bezza.

The 2019 PROTON Saga lineup has been cleaned up, with the removal of the ‘Executive’ variant for this iteration. Instead, the Saga will be available as a Standard in Manual (RM32,800) or Automatic (RM35,800), as well as an automatic-only Premium model (RM39,800). These new prices are a slight reduction over the outgoing model, and PROTON is keen to point out that when combined with the added value that comes with it, the price reductions are rather significant.

Style-wise the Saga has only been given a small nip and tuck. The front sees the incorporation of the Infinite Weave grille pattern that is now part-and-parcel of every new PROTON model, as well as a revised front bumper with a more pronounced air intake. The Premium model loses its front foglights though, with PROTON offering up LED daytime running lights, a first for an A-segment saloon.

Down the sides there are new-design alloy wheels (14-inch for Standard models and 15-inch for Premium cars), while the rear sees the logo deletion in favour of the wide PROTON script we’ve seen on their newer cars, as well as a new boot-lip spoiler and more sophisticated rear bumper design.

Inside there are more significant changes, starting with the seats. They remain a fabric-only affair, but they’re now wrapped in a higher-quality and softer cloth that should serve families quite well. There’s also new headlining and soft-operation roof-mounted grab handles for passengers, as well as a new LED-lit cabin dome light that sits just above the driver’s central mirror.

But up front is where the biggest changes have taken place. The top-half of the centre stack is now completely new, housing a free-standing 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the aircond vents moved below (Standard models get a non-touchscreen radio instead). Between the two sits a plastic panel with ‘PROTON’ lettering across it, which looks rather swish. The 7-inch touchscreen isn’t the fully-fledged GKUI infotainment system like in other PROTONs, so no 4G connectivity and ‘Hi PROTON’ voice command here, but it does offer Android smartphone mirroring. Standard across the range is Bluetooth connectivity, while the Premium model gets things like a reversing camera and four speakers thrown in as well.

There’s also a new instrument cluster sitting ahead of the driver, with two new white-backlit dials flanking an information display that’s now capable of displaying average fuel consumption, opened doors, distance to empty, and others. It’s not a full-colour screen like you get in say an Iriz or a Persona, but it’s not half bad, and is a marked improvement over the outgoing car. You still get a multifunction steering wheel with rake adjustment, though reach adjustment remains a luxury the Saga does not afford.

Under the bonnet there have been some updates, but not to the engine itself. The Saga continues to offer a 1.3-litre VVT petrol engine with 95PS at 5,750rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is now paired to either a 5-speed manual in the base-model as before, or a 4-speed automatic gearbox sourced from Hyundai. This is a significant change for the Saga, addressing some of the biggest bugbears with this model. The 4-speed automatic promises improved noise, vibration & harshness (NVH) levels and responsiveness – there’s even a Sport mode, should the mood take you.

The new Saga has also been treated to a brake upgrade, with larger discs in the front and bigger drums in the rear, taken off the PROTON Iriz. Critically, all cars now benefit from anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, and brake assist, previously unavailable in Standard models. The Premium offers additional front parking sensors, TCS, ESC, and Hill-Hold Assist, though all models continue to offer two airbags.

The 2019 PROTON Saga is now available in five colours, namely Snow White, Jet Grey, Armour Silver, Ruby Red (the ‘hero’ colour), and Rosewood Maroon.

Although PROTON has chucked a whole bunch of new kit into the Saga, the value proposition has gone up significantly. The new Saga is available with very attractive packages, like the free 1st year (or 3-time) servicing, attractive financing rates (from 2.98%p.a.), and a comprehensive insurance package (betterment cost waiver for up to 10-years, agreed value coverage for up to 12-years, key-care coverage of RM1,000 value, flood relief allowance of up to RM1,000, and even personal-accident coverage for the policy-holder for up to RM15,000.

Not bad eh for an entry-level car?

We absolutely cannot wait to sample the 2019 PROTON Saga, and pit it head-to-head with the Perodua Bezza in the near future. We commend PROTON on these massive improvements for their most affordable model, in keeping with the same goals to mobilise the masses and offer the best bang-for-buck, just like the original Saga did back in 1985.

For the best deals on a new car, be sure to hit up our Facebook page, and we’ll put you in touch with one of our verified dealers to ensure that you get the best deal at the best price on your brand-new ride.

2019 PROTON SAGA SPECS CONFIRMED – 3 Variants, 4AT & 5MT, Prices TBC

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With just hours to go before the wraps are pulled off, it seems that netizens are beside themselves with excitement as PROTON prepares to launch its updated entry-level Saga.

The spec sheet, leaked to us from an avid #MalaysianMotorist

Preliminary specsheets have been sent to us via one of our readers who sought to remain anonymous, and it’s helped to confirm a few things. First, we can now confirm that the 2019 PROTON Saga will replace its problematic CVT automatic gearbox with a 4-speed automatic slushbox from Hyundai, while the 5-speed manual will soldier on. We can also confirm that the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment headunit, LED daytime running lights, and 15-inch wheels will remain exclusive to the Premium model; Standard variants will make do with a “Standard” infotainment unit, two speakers, and 14-inch wheels, but all cars now get a remote trunk release and a flip-type key fob.

We can also confirm that there will be 5 colours available for the new Saga, namely Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Rosewood Maroon, and Ruby Red.

UPDATE: The 2019 PROTON Saga has been launched in full, with prices starting at RM32,800 for the Standard M/T and rising up to RM39,800 for the Premium A/T. Details on our latest post.

SPIED: ’19 PROTON Saga In Showrooms Ahead Of Launch

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It seems that PROTON’s all ready to reveal its newest baby, a heavily-updated version of the current-generation Saga that’ll go a long way in righting a few wrongs. The PROTON Saga is a favourite among the MalaysianMotoring team (both videographers own one, albeit different generations) and with the newest model, PROTON aims to address bugbears that have bothered current-gen Saga owners for a while.

These spyshots, courtesy of our friends at Funtasticko reveal much about the new model. For starters, the exterior has been given a light going-over in the same vein as the updated PROTON Iriz & Persona, with a new colour palette (this one is called Rosewood Maroon and we like it), updated bumpers front and rear (with the fronts now gaining LED daytime running lights for the Premium variant), and new alloys (14″ for entry-level variants and 15″ for the Premium).

Inside the changes are pretty major though, with a floating central touchscreen infotainment system, with the full ‘Hi PROTON!’ GKUI system in the Premium, and the usual non-touchscreen system for the lower tiers. There’s also an updated instrument cluster ahead of the driver that now features a more modern speedometer & tachometer, as well as a dot-matrix driver’s information display nestled between the dials. Looks rather snazzy, doesn’t it?

While there’s been no official confirmation from PROTON, we’re made to understand that under the skin, the ’19 PROTON Saga will continue to use the same 1.3-litre VVT engine as the outgoing car with no major changes to the engine, but the Punch-sourced CVT-automatic gearbox has been swapped out with a 4-speed auto unit from Hyundai. This should improve NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels in the car dramatically, as well as address the Saga’s current issues of lacklustre transmission response, particularly in town and when driving spiritedly.

It may also hamper fuel consumption over long-distance drives, but that remains to be seen.

PROTON has yet to release official pricing for the ’19 PROTON Saga, but with the launch slated for later today, the wait shouldn’t be all too long now.