Proton Saga - Safety explained

Proton Saga has been one of the significant models in the company’s line-up. Referred to as the evergreen car of Proton, the Saga was introduced the first time in 1985. It is now in its third generation seeing different models in the range come and go, while it remained permanent with a competitive price tag and exceptional value. 

The Saga is also the budget-friendly family sedan available on the market. Available in three variants, Standard MT, Standard AT and Premium AT, the latest Saga is powered by a 1.3-litre DOHC naturally-aspirated petrol engine that pumps out a max power of 95 PS at 5,750 rpm and a peak torque of 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm, mated to either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.

The entry-level sedan ticks all the essential boxes with respect to entertainment, convenience, storage and safety. Despite its affordable pricing, the Saga offers a spacious cabin, generous set of features and a pliant ride. Proton Saga color options include Snow White, Jet Grey, Armoured Silver, Rosewood Maroon, and Ruby Red. No wonder why Malaysians look up to Proton for their first-time sedan buying experience. 

In this read, let’s find out what it has to offer in terms of safety. 

Proton Saga specs sheet includes the following standard safety equipment: 

• Dual front airbags
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• Brake Assist
• Theft Alarm
• Immobilizer
• ISOFIX child anchors for outer rear passenger seats

While the ABS prevents the locking of wheels in situations of panic braking or slippery/wet roads, the job of EBD is to distribute the braking force to each wheel depending on the load. The airbags are limited to two, for the driver and the front passenger. 

A new addition to its standard safety column is the Brake Assist, which determines if the brakes applied by the driver are an attempt of emergency braking. If yes, then it assists in applying additional braking pressure so that the maximum benefit of ABS can be taken, thereby preventing the wheels from locking up. 

Next up is the immobilizer that helps in preventing thefts by not allowing the vehicle to start without the correct transponder key. It also prevents in avoiding the vehicle from being “hot-wired” after the thief has successfully entered the vehicle. Theft alarm is another feature included by Proton that prevents unauthorized access to the sedan. 

For children safety, there are ISOFIX child seat anchors for outer rear passenger seats and manual child-safety rear door locks.

On the top-on-of-the-line Premium AT variant, the company appends the safety features list with Hill-Hold Assist and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Hill-Hold Assist is a driver assistance system that works exceptionally well while the vehicle is on an inclined surfaced. The system detects the tilted nature of the car and holds the brakes for a few seconds until the biting point of the clutch comes in and the car starts to move in the forward direction. The system works even when the driver releases the brake pedal and handbrake. 

Electronic Stability Control, also known as dynamic stability control, helps in improving the stability of the vehicle and reducing the skidding force. The system automatically applies brakes after detecting loss of steering wheel and helps to steer the car to the driver’s intended region. 

Adding to the equipment column of the Premium AT variant are a reverse camera and front parking sensors, which help the driver park more effectively by intimating if there’s an obstacle in the front. 

Like before, the Proton Saga measures 4,331 mm in length, 1,689 mm in width and 1,491 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,465 mm. Further, it boasts a generous boot space of 420 litres that’s capable of accommodating your picnic or weekend getaway essentials.  

There’s plenty more that the sedan offers at budgeted pricing in terms of entertainment, comfort, and convenience. You can visit the model page to know exactly that. 

Proton Saga price range starts from RM 32,800 for the base variant that goes up to RM 39,800 for the range-topping model (both are OTR prices without insurance). The mid-positioned Standard AT variant retails at RM 35,800 (OTR without insurance).

Also read: Proton Saga: Top reasons to buy