Motoring-Malaysia: THE ALL-NEW PROTON SAGA IS LAUNCHED - PRICES START FROM RM36,800 to RM45,800

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

THE ALL-NEW PROTON SAGA IS LAUNCHED - PRICES START FROM RM36,800 to RM45,800

The 3rd Generation Proton Saga has been launched. It comes in 3 variants – Standard (MT & CVT), Executive and Premium with prices starting from RM36,800 to RM45,800 in Peninsular Malaysia.

The event was graced by YB Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Youth and Sports who also handed the keys of a New Saga to a University student who was present at the launch. That university student, Aliya Raidah Abdul Malek from UPM, has entered local history books by becoming the first person to own the New Proton Saga. This is hitting the target crowd hard, where it counts.

Whilst this is based on the previous Saga's platform, the New Saga is vastly better in every aspect. It is longer, and wider than previously. The target market for the New Saga is first time new car buyers in the 20 to 30something age group or those that require second of third cars in their households - which is why Proton invited students from UPM and UM to attend today's launch. And which is why they gave away a car to that lucky lass.

The New Saga is packed with equipment and safety features even though it is the most affordable 1.3liter sedan in Malaysia to date. The New Saga has an improved rating of 4-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating across all its variants compared with 3-stars rating previously. Aside from the stiffer monocoque structure that the new Saga has, safety features for all variants include 2 front airbags, ISOFIX and top tether as well as front and reverse sensor. In addition, the Premium and Executive variants are equipped with more comprehensive safety features such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as well as Brake Assist (BA). The Premium variant is further enhanced with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), Hill-Hold Assist (HHA) as well as the reverse camera.

The New Saga is fitted with the Proton's current 1.3L VVT engine in all its variants, replacing the IAFM engine that was used in the earlier generation. The new VVT engine lowers fuel consumption by 12% -14%. or 5.4L/100km compared with 6.0L/100km previously on the MT variant and 5.6L/100km compared with 6.3L/100km previously on the CVT variant, when driven at an average of 90 km/h. The New Saga is also fitted with an Eco-Drive Assist, to guide drivers to maintain an economical driving pattern.

In terms of dynamic performance, the new engine can achieve better acceleration for 0 - 100km/h for the MT variant at 12.2 seconds (0.8 seconds quicker) and 13.1 seconds (1.4 seconds quicker) for the CVT variant respectively.

But for me the most surprising thing is the low for its class NVH (noise vibration harshness) levels. It is very refined for a car of this size. As I have driven it. I have to state that Proton's engineers have done an exemplary job in making this car handle well and yet is able to cruise quite effortlessly at the highway speed limit and more. To me, the New Saga ticks a lot of boxes. The two top specs have everything I actually need in an everyday runabout - the right balance between comfort, performance and size for city driving (with the occasional drive out of town).

Actually, go take a look at the New Saga because this time Proton managed to make it look like a small European sedan. And the drive is quite close to that too. Do not expect the exact material or build quality but what you'd get is quite close already. You get affordability in terms of price, a near European-like drive (note the words 'near' and 'like') and European-like styling. I don't feel that is is a bad car as the nearest European sedan that is sold here is close to double the price, variant to variant. I am quite proud of what Proton has done.

And this is from a chap who arrived to try out the New Saga in a W204 Mercedes-Benz C180. It's not as if the difference was like heaven and earth until I was waiting to jump back into the Mercedes. It is an absolutely acceptable level even for a pampered person like me to be seen driving around in the New Saga. This new Saga is a worthy purchase because it is so affordable yet drives decently well.

I am getting carried away here. The Press Release is below. By the way, first drive impressions at the Proton Test Track is here if you are interested. I also should be able to drive one for a longer period within the next few weeks and I will let you guys know how it feels then.

The good folks from Proton Group Corporate Communications finally letting loose after a successful launch event

PRESS RELEASE

(& MORE PICS RIGHT AFTER IT)

PROTON LAUNCHES ITS THIRD GENERATION PROTON SAGA 1.3L MODEL

Posted on Sep 28, 2016

Shah Alam, 28 September 2016 - PROTON Holdings Bhd (“PROTON” or “the Company”) officially launched the third generation Proton Saga 1.3L today at the Setia City Convention Centre, Setia Alam, Selangor. The event was graced by YB Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Youth and Sports.

First introduced in 1985, the Proton Saga has stayed true to its DNA as the people’s car by being the most affordable sedan in the country. The car has evolved over the years from its simple and boxy design to the more modern, contemporary and exciting new look.

“We have certainly come a long way since the introduction of the first Saga, over 30 years ago. A lot of improvements, enhancements and refinements have gone into the making of the New Saga and we believe the New Saga will appeal to all Malaysians especially those looking to buy a car for the first time or as a practical second car. We have incorporated a stylish design, practicality, safety, convenience and comfort into the country’s best value for money sedan,” said Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.

The New Saga comes in 3 variants – Standard (MT & CVT), Executive and Premium with prices starting from RM36,800 to RM45,800 in Peninsular Malaysia.

The New Saga is fitted with 1.3L VVT engine in all its variants, replacing the IAFM engine that was used in the earlier generation. The adoption of the VVT technology in the car significantly improves its performance in terms of acceleration and fuel consumption. The new VVT engine will give a lower fuel consumption by 12% -14%. The car will be able to achieve 5.4L/100km compared with 6.0L/100km previously on the MT variant and 5.6L/100km compared with 6.3L/100km previously on the CVT variant, when driven at 90 km/h. The New Saga is also fitted with an Eco-Drive Assist, to guide drivers to maintain an economical driving pattern.

Owners of the New Saga will also experience a quieter cabin as the change to the 3-point engine mounting has resulted in a reduction of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.

The New Saga is also longer and wider at 4331mm or 74mm longer in terms of length and at 1689mm or 9mm wider in terms of width respectively which provides longer legroom and wider rear seats to provide more superior cabin comfort than its predecessor. The car also provides larger luggage space of 420L compared with 413L previously which can easily fit in two medium-sized and two small-sized luggages.

As an entry level car, the New Saga has also achieved many other improvements to provide more comfort and convenience to the customers. It is fitted with 2 rear USB chargers, radio/CD/MP3, bluetooth connectivity, 10 compartments, 2 cup holders, 4 bottle holders, driver seat height adjuster, tilt steering adjuster, foldable rear seat for all the variants. For style, the New Saga is fitted with 2 piece rear combi lamp and rear fog lamp and for the Executive and Premium variants they are fitted with more sporty features such as spoilers and alloy wheels.

Consistent with PROTON’s drive to provide a safer car to its customers, the New Saga achieved an improved rating of 4-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating across all its variants compared with 3-stars rating previously. The improved safety features for all variants include 2 front airbags, ISOFIX and top tether as well as front and reverse sensor. Coupled with a stronger body structure, the New Saga has also achieved an improved Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) ratings. In addition, for the Premium and Executive variants, they are equipped with more comprehensive safety features such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as well as Brake Assist (BA). The Premium variant is further enhanced with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), Hill-Hold Assist (HHA) as well as the reverse camera.

“Notwithstanding being Proton's entry level sedan, the New Saga has been refined to give better value for our customers. The New Saga will continue to have Proton’s renowned ride & handling capability with enhanced cabin comfort and feature to provide a more comfortable and safer car to our customers. Don’t just take our word for it, go to our showrooms and test drive the car to experience the refinement,” Dato’ Fuaad added.

To date, over 2 million Saga have been sold worldwide and it has won numerous awards throughout the years in Malaysia and the United Kingdom. PROTON is confident that the New Saga will continue the path of its predecessors to continue to provide the most affordable and best value sedan for our customers.

The New Saga is now available for test drive and booking at all Proton Edar outlets nationwide. Experience the Refinement of the new Proton Saga - Most Affordable and Best Value Sedan. Visit our showrooms to test drive the car.

For more information, customers can contact PROTON Customer Care at 1800 888 398 or email to us atcustomercare@proton.com. Customers also can visit www.newsaga.proton.com or our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProtonCarsOfficial. For added convenience, customers can also download the official MyProton mobile app, available via Google Play and Appstore, to book your test drive slots.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE PROTON SAGA AT THE LAUNCH

PROTON SAGA 1.3 STANDARD CVT & MANUAL (in Black) - 13 inch steel wheels with caps