The new 2019 Proton Saga has been launched. The 4 door sedan has been facelifted with updated styling, touch-screen infotainment system and four-speed auto are the most major changes to this car which was first launched in 2016. The most important thing is that with this new car is that it is priced below RM40,000 (top spec before insurance). It now offers better value for money and a better drive. Quite interesting in terms of value proposition.
The new 2019 Proton Saga is priced at RM32,800 (Standard MT), RM35,800 (Standard AT) and RM39,800 (Premium AT) This updated version of this super familiar car in Malaysia has received styling and mechanical revisions. I personally think that the best new feature is the inclusion of a brand new four-speed automatic gearbox which replaces that, while quite decent for a CVT gearbox, with a traditional torque converter...which is still miles better than any CVT (unless you have a torquey turbocharged engine that allows you to accelerate faster thereby masking the high revving rpm hold of the CVT).
Any torque converter box will offer better refinement than a screaming 'hold the redline' type transmission. Even though the Saga seems to have one which has a step-up CVT 'box, the new 4 speeder will actually be smooth during upshifts as well as on most conditions. Four speed may seem a little ancient in 2019, but you'd be surprised that many still use this simple to maintain and realiable setup, especially in small, lighter cars which do not really need so many gears most of the time.
Aside from that, Proton also claims many first-in-class smart features for the new 2019 Saga. All of this would only set it apart from its competitors but also raises its value proposition. Proton also identified three unique selling points (USP) for the new compact sedan - Supreme Style, Smart Savings and Superb Stability. I just think that it would be quite a proposition as it is more affordable, better looking and offers more in terms of equipment inside.
On the outside, the 2019 Saga receives a new and more aggressively styled front bumper with integrated daytime running lamps. The grille also features the infinite weave pattern that was introduced on the Proton X70 and elements of it can also be found on the 2019 Iriz and Persona. The rear sports a more aggressive rear bumper with by a new integrated rear spoiler at the boot and PROTON script located there too. A set of 5 spoke 15-inch alloy wheels featuring a new design adds the finishing touch on the premium variant.
In terms of exterior styling, the wheels and overall bumper design looks like it was taken from a Mercedes-Benz AMG-Line car. The alloy wheels have that same styling as does the vertical vents at the rear bumper. The bumper also features grilles or cut-outs that have that AMG Sportline look to it. Honestly, this is entry level sedan and we have seen so many Saga owners, like the ones owning a Saga FLX converting them to Subarus and other cars.
This move could save owners money as their cars now have bumpers that look like some European car from the start. This is subjective of course as some will say that the designers are just copying something, while others would say that they are doing what people want. I actually think that they are giving people what they want. In terms of entry level cars, one should not think so hard about this as it gives people something to aspire too and something to still feel good yet pay a lot less for it.
The most noticeable change for the interior is the floating 7-inch touchscreen monitor found on the premium model. This was the only model displayed at the launch and you can see this also takes after some European brands. The infotainment screen is used to control the infotainment system, which has Bluetooth connectivity, 16GB of internal storage and smartphone connectivity for Android phones (no word about IOS devices though). Other interior changes include new seat upholstery, a new centre panel which features lower set center air vents due to the floating infotainment screen, new meter combination display with Eco Drive Assist and up to 3 USB ports, which is a must these days. The more ports the better.
Aside from that the 2019 Saga finally gains a remote trunk release, a sun visor with a ticket holder and mirror, LED map lamps and new assist grips to match the new headlining material (which does make the cabin feel a little more premium than before.
As mentioned above, the biggest change is the fitment of a new four-speed automatic in place of the CVT previously used. The same 1.3 liter 95hp petrol engine is offered (remember this is a facelift and not a model change). Other mechanical changes includes an improvement in braking performance. The Saga now features discs and calipers from the Iriz and Persona. Slightly larger so they should provide better stopping power. This is a very, very good move in terms of safety and all round driving performance as one has better brakes (if you are driving enthusiastically on a track for example, it would allow later braking and more stopping power during corners). Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels and the ride and handling have also been tweaked by Proton's engineers to provide better balance and a better drive experience.
Safety equipment as standard in all three variants includes Antilock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), twin front airbags, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX mounting points with top tethers. The Premium variant gets Hill Hold Assist, front parking sensors, a reversing camera and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with a Traction Control System (TCS). Proton states that by fitting the last two items, the 2019 Saga becomes the only car priced below RM40,000 to be fitted with ESC and TCS.
The 2019 Saga is actually interesting in terms of something for everyone looking for an entry level drive. This is the most affordable car Proton has in its line-up, but because of the upgrades, seems like it could be one of the best on paper at the price point. I think that if it drives as well as it is specced out, this could be the best car under RM50,000 that one could get here today. Even better than any similarly priced competitor out there. And because of that, I actually am interested to try this car out.
Stay tuned folks. Hopefully I will get my hands on one within the next month or so.
Like the Proton X70 and 2019 Iriz, Persona and Exora, the 2019 Saga is offered with Extra Value packages. There are three standard Extra Value packages beginning with the service package that offers free labour services three times or for one year. Next is the interest rate package with financing rates as low as 2.98% per annum.
The 2019 Saga also gets an insurance package that offers a number of benefits to customers who insure their new purchase with PROTON’s panel on insurers.
Combined with the price reduction and the value of the new features introduced in each variant, the 2019 Saga 1.3L Premium AT delivers RM3,747 worth of additional benefits compared to its predecessor. The 2019 Saga 1.3L Standard AT gets RM2,043 of additional benefits while the 2019 Saga 1.3L Standard MT has RM2,291 worth of additional benefits for those who buy it.
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