All new Proton Saga
Jan 28th, 2008 by Neo
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I don’t always write about cars although like any lads I do like cars a lot just like how I like pretty young chicks. However, this newly launched Proton Saga which is probably the most anticipated car in the history of local automotive industry is just too irresistible to miss. The new Proton Saga marks the retirement of the old Proton Saga or Proton Iswara, and marks the beginning of the new generation of the entry level car.
I applied a couple of hours leave from my girls and dropped by the Proton showroom adjacent to Giant Hypermarket Bandar Puteri to check out the car. Looks like it’s a complete make over, compared to previous makeovers which only featured enhancements in the accessories and some touch-ups in the chassis. I believe this time, the all new Proton Saga will win back some confidence in the buyers in the budget car segment. 
Thanks to Proton engineers and their external consultants, the car now looks much sportier and not that squarish anymore. The front features a hexagonal mesh front grille, sporty headlamps, and lower air intakes on the bumper. The rear of the car features wraparound crystal cluster lights and a concaved boot lid.
That’s the new 1.3 liter Campro IAFM (Integrated Air Fuel Module) engine. I am not too professional in this area and believe you me, the salesman couldn’t actually give me concrete answers on what are the advantages compared to the Campro 1.3 found in the Proton Satria Neo. Anyway, let’s just believe Proton engineers that this new engine is better compared to the older one.
That’s the minimalist look dashboard panel with the Clarion CD player. Below it is a 1-DIN storage area and the air conditioning controls which are pretty standard. Very simple and nothing much to shout about. One practical feature I like are the convenient cup/bottle holders at every seat.
However, it’s not surprising that the interior still looks and feels very plastic-like. Can’t blame them, we have to remember this is an entry level sedan and not a BMW.
Not bad, there’s airbag protection for the driver. But only available in the M-line (medium), and is not available in the B-line (base) and N-line (eNtry) models.
For me, I think the legroom and headroom are decent and I feel really comfortable inside although the seats are the average baseline sedan seats. Anyway, I was inside for a few minutes only so couldn’t tell if I will fell the same if I were to drive for long journeys.
The car comes in a few exciting colors which you can choose from: Zircon Green, Metallic Black, Granite Grey, Genetic Silver, Chilli Red, Solid White, and Mountain Blue.
This is a really economy car. For N-line, the OTR (on the road price) is only RM31,500.00. The OTR prices for the other models are as follows:
B-line (solid)
1.3 manual transmission: RM34,548.00
1.3 automatic transmission: RM37,548.00
B-line (metallic)
1.3 manual transmission: RM34,998.00
1.3 automatic transmission: RM37,998.00
M-line (soild)
1.3 manual transmission: RM37,048.00
1.3 automatic transmission: RM39,548.00
M-line (metallic)
1.3 manual transmission: RM37,498.00
1.3 automatic transmission: RM39,998.00
See, you can own and drive the most premium Proton Saga at just under RM40k. Overall, I would say this is a good car given it’s price range, and should be suitable for the majority Malaysians who need an economical run-about sedan.
For booking and further inquiries, you can check out Proton Edar’s new Saga page.
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It is a new saga, but still a saga (sa gua). It is alike to waja, gen2, wira, etc. you name it!
I don’t like how the air-con holes they made
I prefer the previous classic kind. Overall I’m still not use to look at it 
Still like missing something for me 
i getting one today…
next time i go to kl u come pick me up with that ok?
jam,
Clearly you don’t like Proton cars. Anyway, the best thing about Proton cars is their low price and low maintenance. So, it’s still a favorite for most Malaysians, because we are forced to buy them basically. Patriotic or not for supporting Malaysian products?
wong,
This new design looks better but more difficult to direct airflow towards you I guess.
benjamin and yus,
Tell me you are not serious?!
Wuching,
I will be welcoming you with a Mercedes, complete with red carpet and young girls lining up just for you!
Yeah, I saw the new saga too.. It is cheaper than Myvi le somemore the car looks bigger…
But I still prefer Myvi… (coz my car is myvi.. hehe)
Harga ok tapi untuk masa jangka panjang I rasa cepat bosan bila pakai kereta ini. Ramai beli sebab murah tapi I think persona is much better than new saga… Something wrong dengan belakang (bonet), rasa macam korang sesuatu jer… it’s better to think twice b4 take it. For 2nd car mayb ok but still prefer myvi as my 2nd car. My 1st car is vios, so saya rasa dalaman vios and myvi kemas jika dibanding dengan saga. Kalau dibandingakan dengan myvi, myvi is bigger than saga.
Don’t like the design. Copy Waja….cehhh
Sarcasticly, I am currently using a Proton.
keeyit,
Not surprisingly I also think MyVi is cooler.
poj,
If I am not mistaken Persona is much more expensive compared to the new Saga?
Che-Cheh,
The are all in the same family, so it’s not surprising the recycle the design. Haha… and I know you like your Altis to the max!
Jam,
Obviously you like the cheaper price compared to imported cars.
For a car that sell at less than 40k, I seriously think proton did a good job on it. The 5 years warranty is a promise from Proton that they’ve improve on their QC part which is still I believe the main concern for most of the potential buyers. The design is ok with me. Some say it looks like Skoda, Waja.. but beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.. Interior, a bit plastic feel but glad that they adopted the doted plastic strategy~ (similar like myvi). I think in term of space, it’s ok~ not as spacious as Myvi but also not far away from it. Considering it’s 10k lesser (for both full spec), I would still prefer to get a Saga, coz a sedan car seems to suit me more. I believe that the new model will give great impact on Viva sales~
And Yes, I guess proton will regain the No.1 domestic car manufacturer position again soon like the saga days. If proton continue the good job (improve the QC part keep up the good work in designing) I think it’s not mission impossible for them to create another Malaysia Boleh legend (though the slogan is quite sarcastic nowadays as it link with all the price increase in the country) similar like what hyundai did. For proton bashes out there, please give our own national manufacturer a chance, you will be surprise to find that there are foreigner who actually prefer to own one Gen-2 compare to Vios. Don’t believe it? Try surf some Taiwan Car Forum~ They even form a fan club there for Proton cars owner. Currently proton exports its Gen-2, Arena (known as Jukebox there) and Savvy to Taiwan market.
Lets asume that this car is a very, very good buy.. and they already have 23, 000 bookings so far to prove it. This 2nd generation Saga is really really popular with consumer!!!
Then Proton face a delivery problem.. 5 to 6 months!!!! Meaning Proton can only produce 4,000 of this car a month.
This is a what Proton is!!! Having a good product but failing to capitalise on the advantage. What’s the point of coming up with a great product but then failing to satisfy market demand.
This was the problem of the first generation Saga 20 years ago. At that time Proton was well protected by the Mahathir government. Consumers had no choice if they want to own a 1.3 or 1.5 car and the whole Proton management from CEO to the salesman had taken advantage of this fact treated their customers badly. Buying and owning a Proton was not a feel good experience. It’s a take it leave it, and most Proton customers bit the bullet and took it. Little wonder then there were no customer loyalty to Proton.
20 years later, with the opening of Malaysian market through AFTA, Proton is NOT so pampered anymore. On the local front, Proton faced stiff competition from the likes of Perodua, NAZA etc. Foreign car makers such as Toyota, having been forced out of Malaysia had set up factories in neighboring ASEAN countries ever ready to ship in their latest model into the Malaysian market.
So Proton fought back… and came up with better value for money cars such as the 2nd generation Saga. Customer responded well and what did Proton do after introducing their secret weapon of a car? Unable to meet supply!!!! It’s like having the best gun but not having sufficient bullet. Proton is a joke!!! Making their customer wait for six months?!?!?!!!! In six months the competitors would come up with at least six brand new models ready to whack the new Saga on the asses!!! Don’t forget that booking fee is not that high and many customers are willing to forfeit it if the new competition prove to be better, and those Saga customer who had made their booking got fed up with the waiting and then having got used to the sight of the Saga on the road realize that the new Saga is NOT that HOT anymore would change their mind.
So if Proton is really serious about facing competition head on, then they should buck up and step up production to meet customer demand fast. Otherwise Proton should continue to sit on their asses and bemoan the fact that the Abdullah government is NOT protecting them anymore. The top management instead of trying to compete should then devise more elaborate ways to bleed the company dry and then hand back an empty and bankrupt (both in ideas and assets) company to the government who would then sell it off to some foreign company for pittance.
I think it is cool if u fit the cars with larger and cooler sport rims and lower it down. The interior is not bad but too many proton design has the same interior (the previous saga, gen-2, satria neo, and persona) but anyway, it is nicer than the older saga iswara.
Good for Proton. But Proton and I have broken up. I wish them good luck in their future business undertakings.
Btw, banking on the ‘nice-looking-design’ factor alone has won the hearts of many Malaysians. A little touch-up and face-lift here and there, and people will sing praises. I wonder how long more Proton will R&D on looks and aesthetics rather than material strength and practicality.
Don’t get me wrong. I still have one Proton at home. A 6-year old one.
What is B-line and M-line different ?
I ordered mine on the second day of the launching… Today the SA call and ask me one to have the silver color…. Ermmm… i feel the mountain blue sooths the shape better… looks more solid than in silver…
What say you? I say i want blue.. He say… if you going to wait for blue it will take you sometime…. how true is this?
Very difficult to go into the fifth gear for the BLM manual.
I ordered one on 2 weeks ago.Coz the salesman told me is only need to waiting for 3months.But what my friend told me is impossible,he said at least need 6months……..so is anyone waiting less then 6 months?
6 months?? For your info, I get my new saga only 2 weeks after order and approval of my finance. Why all of you waiting for so long? Spec for my car is black metallic, auto and b-line. From that day I got my car until now, already one month I use. But i disappointed about the speed, rpm and many more.
When you drive to 120km/h, the rpm is going up to 4000, think about that.
And I also always get tapau by myvi on the highway man… more surprise is VIVA overtaking me at the highway when going uphill. So stupid… I am sad… just like proton cheating their customer.
ahlong, i agree with u, cos i am also using B-line, alot thing dont have, i feel disappointed again, this is my last time trust Proton. i will never Been Cheat again, sales man also will tell u grand mother and grand father story after u purchase the Saga….
if u really want to Buy please pray b4 u buy
Speed: also bad. when u in high way u will not pick-up…
My old Proton Iswara gave me a lot of problems lately… I thought of getting one Proton Saga to replace that, but after saw Ah Bang and Ahlong’s comment, I have to reconsider now. Thanks.
I am really disappointed with my Proton salesperson, promise me to deliver the car in two to 4 months… but now already 6 months loh.
What a bad experience!
My daughter Cynthia has passed her driving test and got a “P” driving licence. She has graduated from secondary school and in a college now. She has requested for a car so that she can drive from Cheras to Sunway instead of giving us trouble to fetch her to-and-fro everyday. We have read article about new Proton Saga, with so many good comments, we decided to book a new car for her, worth about RM40,000.
After a few months waiting, the salesman finally told us that the car has arrived. I paid the balance of the down payment, and the car was hand over to me on 30th May 2008 (Friday) afternoon 3:00pm at EON office, Taman Mutiara, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. My daughter, Cynthia with excitement, picked up the car with his brother, Eric at 6:00pm after schooling. Driving from the EON office to about 1KM, the car broke down. I called the salesman Kenny, and he seem like it is none of his business, I have to call the Sahabat EON myself.
Handing over A PROBLEMATIC NEW CAR TO CUSTOMER IS NOT HIS BUSINESS? Where is consumers rights?
He finally call his friend, a foreman from EON Chan Sow Lin to make the repair. But the car breakdown again and unable to restart a second time when reaching home. The foreman from local service center at Bandar Damai Perdana was unable to fix the problem either. What a nightmare!!!!!! New car with QC PASS tags!
The car was towed to the EON workshop this morning. Hoping that this time, they can hand over the car with error free!!
Say “No” to Proton for the rest of my life after this incident!
YA!!!!!!!my friend’s brand new saga broke down during his first ride as well…speechless…
have somebody can let me know the new saga how many petrol use by 1 km???
My MLine Saga is also the same, first day first time i drove my NEW car from the dealer already got SOUND… CANNOT BELIEVE. Call dealer, asked to send to service center. As i know before the car handling to customer dealer send to do checking again.
Next day morning send to service center, mention where the sound came from, as i am a lady not really know where and what happen, the foremen even never check properly what happen, less then 10 minutes mention to me, the part (suspension) not working properly need to order from Shah Alam come in 2 weeks time to change.
After changing, sound stilL there and during repairing my new car been scratched. I making noise complain they have to paint back the color.
I was again asked to come 2 days later because my car need to drive to Shah Alam HQ to check again. Result, another 2 weeks need to wait for ordering the part. But, when my car drove back from the foremen from Shah Alam, my car plate number went missing.
My advise is, if you send your car for repairing or service, if possible stay there and watch what they are doing at your car. Sometimes service center people cannot be trusted.
Date of delivery: 30th May 2008 at 3.00p.m. (meter reading 37km)
1st time broke down: 30th May 2008 at 6.30p.m. (meter reading 65km)
Towed to workshop: 2nd June 2008 at 10.30a.m.
Hand over from workshop: 4th June 2008
2nd time broke down: 10th June 2008 (6 days after repaired, meter reading 325km)
Towed to workshop: 11th June 2008 at 9.00a.m.
Hand over from workshop: 11th June 2008 at 4.30p.m.
Intend to buy a new car? A new Proton Saga? Please read this before making the decision!
I booked a new Proton Saga a few months ago from EON Cheras Branch for my daughter, a newly pass driver with “P” licence. After a few months waiting, the sales person call me to settle the balance of down payment, and collect the car on 30th May 2008.
After collecting the car, I left my car at the branch and brought my daughter to drive it after schooling in the evening. The car brokedown after driving for less than 2 km from the branch, without any signal. The sales person call a mechanic to fix the problem after waiting for more than one hour. But the same problem happen again. The mechanic of EON service centre from Bandar Damai Perdana was unable to fix the problem after trying for several times, and advice to tow to the main workshop at Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur.
The car was towed to Jalan Chan Sow Lin on 2nd June 2008. After leaving there for one whole day, nothing has been done until we went there on the second day. The car was hand over to me the third day, and was told they have repaired and tested, everything is in good condition.
After driving for less than a week, the problem come back again, engine died off without any warning. This can be very serious if it happen while driving at the highway, especially at night. I can still remember there was one incident happened in Ipoh many years ago, a happy family sending their son to U.K. for further study, they drive from the northern region to the airport in KL. On their way back home, the car broke down at the North South Highway near Ipoh at night, and a fast coming Express bus knocked the car, both the parents died on the spot. How can I let my daughter to take the risk with this problem car??? I have totally lost confidence with this Proton Saga.
I went to the EON Cheras branch, asking for a full refund. You should know the answer, the request was not successful. They have change a fuse box for me. The sales person told me, this is not the only case, there is another car hand over recently having the same problem. How about other branches? Do you agree that new car having the similar problem is very common (as they said)? Can’t they take it seriously? Do you want to risk your life with this problem car?
I love my country Malaysia. I support Malaysia manufactured car - Proton & Perodua. I sincerely hope that they produce a quality car with drivers’ safety bear in mind. I hope that they really care about their customer. Please do not put “QC PASS” tag before tested with error free and handing over the car. This is the first time in my lifetime, buying a lousy new car, and they never appologize to me for the problem and trouble brought by this new car.
Do you want to buy a new car? Please consider before making a decision.
Mr. Richard.. I totally agreed about what you had mentioned above. As my new saga also got some problems, driving back to workshop again and again added me for additional WORK. I am thinking ‘ Paying Money , to get involve in problem’
very disappointed
Now my hushand will stay there to watch what they are repair and how they repair, once it done he will test drive on the sport.
Yelahhh…..kutuk la proton ni. Bangga la sangat ngan keta import tu. Cuba la patriotik sikit. Org india x malu pon pakai keta ala2 morris minor tu? Bangga lagi ada la.