Proton Saga launched in South Africa at RM 48,814

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton has aimed to expand its global reach in 2023, with plans to export cars to 17 countries and sell 10,000 units. The Malaysian automaker has identified South Africa as a key market and has recently introduced its third model, the Saga, to complement the X50 and X70. 

Proton South Africa offers the Saga in three variants - 1.3L Standard MT, 1.3L Standard AT, and 1.3L Premium AT. They are priced as follows - 

Variants	Price
1.3L Standard MT	R 199,900 (RM 48,814)
1.3L Standard AT	R 219,900 (RM 53,684)
1.3L Premium AT	R 239,900 (RM 58,567)

Included in the price is a 5-year/150,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects.

As the name suggests, all the variants are powered by the same 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder VVT petrol engine that generates a maximum power output of 95 PS at 5,750 rpm and a peak torque of 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Sending power to the wheels is a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, depending on the variant picked.

In terms of features, the South African Saga comes equipped with the following standard bits - 

• Halogen projector headlamps
• 14-inch steel wheels
• Power-adjustable side mirrors
• Standard head unit with Bluetooth
• LCD multi-info display
• Urethane steering wheel
• ECO Drive Assist
• Fabric upholstery
• Manual air-conditioning with an N95 cabin filter
• USB ports
• Two speakers
• Two airbags
• Ant-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist
• Two rear parking sensors

The mid-spec 1.3L Standard AT adds a traction control system, hill start assist, and hill descent control to the list. The range-topping 1.3L Premium, on the other hand, exclusively comes with LED daytime running lights, steering switches, a 7-inch touchscreen head unit paired with four speakers, and two front parking sensors.

As per the reports, Proton will be further expanding its lineup in South Africa by launching the Proton Persona. However, the official confirmation on the same is yet to come.

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