2026 Proton Saga makes first public appearance, here’s what’s new

KUALA LUMPUR: The much-awaited 2026 Proton Saga has just made its first official appearance at a public showcase held alongside the ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Also taking centre stage at the event is the upcoming Proton e.MAS 5, unveiled without camouflage. 

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, The Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, and the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Li Qiang, viewed both models up close. The occasion was also graced by the presence of several other dignitaries, including -

• YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry
• YB Dato’ Seri Utama Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, 
• Eric Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Holding Group, 
• Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON

While we have already discussed the Proton e.MAS 5, let’s focus on the new Saga here. 

2026 Proton Saga: What’s new?

The all-new Proton Saga debuts the brand’s Advanced Modular Architecture platform, and is the first model to be fully designed, engineered, and validated by Malaysian talent with technical collaboration from Geely. 

The refreshed sedan carries the brand’s “full intellectual property rights (IPR), representing a major milestone in national capability and proving that home-grown Malaysian talent can design and develop a complete vehicle that meets international standards.”

Key changes include - 

• The new Saga boasts a revamped front fascia with a large, full-width grille and an ethereal Bow chrome bar that stretches across the grille and merges with the new projector LED daytime running lights.
• The partially revealed rear end boasts segmented full-width LED taillights and an i-GT badge, which hints at the upgraded drivetrain.
• The cabin also received a comprehensive redesign with a cleaner, horizontal dashboard and a slimmer centre console incorporating a new gearlever.
• At the centre of the dashboard sits a new widescreen display panel combining both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment unit. Adding a sporty vibe to the interior is a flat-bottomed design.
• The upgraded Saga also features a camera at the top of the windscreen, hinting at the inclusion of the advanced driver-assistance systems.

While Proton remains tight-lipped on the engine specs, the reports suggest that the new Saga will come with a new 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine replacing the long-running 1.3-litre VVT mill. The new engine is expected to be paired with both a conventional automatic transmission and a CVT, which means the manual option will no longer be available.

Historic moment in Malaysia and China’s long-standing partnership

The display of the upcoming Proton models at the ASEAN Summit reinforces the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. It marks a historic moment and symbolises both nations’ shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in industrial development, technological innovation, and advancement. 

This milestone also reflects the success of the partnership between DRB-HICOM Berhad and Geely in transforming Proton into a modern and competitive automotive company. It also aligns with the nation’s aspiration to become a regional automotive hub with the establishment of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, Perak. 

Also read: Proton e.MAS 5: 10 Exclusive-in-class features