Proton Saga: Still relevant in 2025?

KUALA LUMPUR:  Since its debut in 1985, the Proton Saga has been a symbol of affordable mobility in Malaysia.

Mention its name, and almost every Malaysian will have a story to tell – whether it was their first car, a reliable family companion, or a means of earning a livelihood.

As we approach 2025, the Proton Saga finds itself navigating a fiercely competitive landscape, surrounded by newer, feature-rich contenders in the affordable car segment.

This begs the question: does the Proton Saga still hold its relevance, and is it a worthy purchase today?

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To find out, we joined an exclusive media drive for the Proton Saga, which was updated last in 2022. 

From its design to the driving experience, we set out to uncover the reasons behind the Saga's enduring appeal—and to understand how it continues to dominate as Proton's sales king, accounting for nearly 50% of the brand's total sales.

Exterior Design: Simple, but modern?

At the media drive parking lot, a lineup of Proton Saga Premium S (top variant) units stood ready, almost as if daring us to take notice. While its exterior design hasn’t drastically changed, there are some fresh touches that breathe new life into its appearance from its last update in 2022.

For instance, the front grille sports Proton’s modern logo, replacing the older emblem that was starting to look dated. The Premium S variant adds a sporty edge with front and side skirts and a striking red accent on the grille. Oh, and those black side mirrors? A small touch, but they give the Saga a more urban, contemporary vibe.

Overall, while the design doesn’t scream revolutionary, it’s far from outdated. The Saga manages to stay handsome with its understated yet refreshed look.

Interior Updates: Thoughtful Improvements

Step inside, and the Proton Saga greets you with a cabin focused on practicality, complemented by thoughtful modern touches. The air-conditioning controls have been upgraded to user-friendly rotary dials, offering a more intuitive experience and for the top variant, there's now a black headliner, how snazzy.

The wing mirrors now fold in and out at the press of a button and automatically engage when you lock or unlock the car, adding a layer of convenience.

The Premium S variant steps up with a new touchscreen infotainment system, although it lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—something you might consider upgrading yourself.

However, proceed with caution, as doing so voids the warranty for the sound system, leaving you to foot the bill if the speakers fail. On the brighter side, the Premium S adds modern conveniences like keyless entry and push-start ignition, bringing a touch of sophistication to this budget-friendly offering.

Driving Experience: As usual, a smooth operator

The driving experience is the heart of any car, and the Proton Saga delivers where it counts. Its 1.3-litre engine, paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, produces 94 hp and 120 Nm of torque.

While it’s not the most gutsiest thing in the world, it does provides sufficient performance for city commutes and handles itself confidently on highways.

What truly sets the Proton Saga apart is its exceptional balance, whether you’re navigating bustling city streets or tackling winding backroads. The light steering makes darting through traffic effortless, while its compact size turns parking into a stress-free affair—a clear advantage for urban drivers.

For enthusiasts who crave steering feel and feedback, the Saga delivers here too, adding a layer of fun when carving through twisty roads. This precise steering is arguably the Saga’s sharpest weapon, especially when stacked against its obvious rival.

There’s been plenty of chatter about the Proton Saga not being as fuel-efficient as its rivals, but during our media drive, it managed a solid 6.7L/100km. That’s pretty respectable, especially considering we didn’t exactly go easy on it. In the name of testing, we gave the Saga a proper workout—and it held its own.

Safety: Basics That Matter

When it comes to safety, the Proton Saga holds its ground, albeit with a more traditional approach. It doesn’t come with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist – but let’s be real, we’re talking about a car with a top-spec variant priced around RM44,800.

What you do get is Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard from the Standard AT variant upwards, along with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and dual airbags.

These core safety features might not impress everyone, but they’re more than adequate for a car in this segment, covering the essentials.

If you’re after more advanced features, you’d need to look at a rival model from the competition—but be ready to shell out just a bit more for those added perks.

Proton has made sure the Saga provides value where it matters most, balancing affordability and security.

Final Thoughts: Is the Saga Still Worth It?

So, is the Proton Saga still relevant in 2025? Absolutely if you’re a first-time car buyer, a small family, or a ride-hailing driver.

The Saga remains a compelling choice. It may not boast cutting-edge technology especially in the safety department or flashy designs, but it excels where it matters most: reliability, practicality, and value for money.

In a market dominated by rivals often hailed as kings, the Proton Saga proves there’s still a place for practicality, value, and timeless appeal. It shows you don’t need to be the flashiest or the most expensive contender to remain relevant and hold your ground.

Yes, we can complain for all the thigs it doesn't have things it should have, but then again, there are just people out there looking for the most affordable thing out there without purchasing a washing machine.

The Saga is a car that gets the job done with a bit of flair—and does it with an enduring charm that continues to win the hearts of Malaysians. Don’t underestimate this icon; the Saga is still a strong contender and a good buy.

Key specifications for the Proton Saga 1.3L Premium S AT:

Specification	Details
Engine	1.3L VVT DOHC, 4-cylinder, 16-valve
Max Power	95 PS (70 kW) at 5,750 rpm
Max Torque	120 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	40 liters
Suspension (Front/Rear)	MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser Bar / Torsion Beam
Brakes (Front/Rear)	Ventilated Disc / Drum
Tyres & Wheels	185/55 R15 Alloy
Interior Features	Semi Leatherette Seats, Leatherette Steering Wheel with Audio & Hands-Free Telephone Switches
Infotainment System	7-inch Touchscreen Monitor with Smartphone Connectivity and Bluetooth
Safety Features	Dual Front SRS Airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Hold Assist, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Reverse Camera
Convenience Features	Intelligent Entry with Push Start Button, Electric Door Mirrors with Auto Fold Function, Remote Trunk Release, Eco Drive Assist, N95 Cabin Filter
Price	RM44,800

 

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