All-New Proton Saga: Smarter, Safer, Sharper

PROTON recently hosted a preview of its All-New Saga at its production facility in Tanjung Malim. The 2025 Proton Saga marks the boldest evolution yet for Malaysia’s most iconic sedan. Since the first generation in 1985, PROTON has sold over 2.1 million cars. Built on the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), like the preceding model, the new Saga is not just a refresh but can be considered a major redesign. The AMA platform gives the new Saga a reliable and strong foundation that is engineered to meet global safety and emissions standards.

This heavily updated A-segment sedan boasts “Intelligence That Thrills” with 35 new features compared to the outgoing model, worth roughly RM12,000 in value, giving it a class-leading suite of technology, comfort and safety upgrades. In its class, there are 15 unique features, while another 15 features give it an advantage over class rivals. Here are the highlights at a glance:

New Power

• Engine: new i-GT 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder
  • Power: 88 kW / 120 PS
  • Torque: 150 Nm (peak ~4,000–5,000 rpm)
  • Tech: Atkinson cycle, Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT), electric water pump, dual-mass flywheel
  • Durability testing: 50,000+ hours on dyno; 9,000,000+ km of global road tests
  • NVH: ~25.24% reduction via dual-mass flywheel, toothed timing chain, and other refinements

• Transmissions:
  • CVT — offered on Premium spec (for smoothness and best economy)
  • 4-speed automatic (4AT) — for Standard/Executive variants
• Fuel economy (MDC):
  • CVT (Premium): 4.9 L / 100 km — ~14.04% improvement versus predecessor
  • 4AT (Executive): ~5.1 L / 100 km — ~10.53% improvement

Furthermore, a new Electric Power Steering (EPS) system replaces the old hydraulic setup, improving city manoeuvrability and steering precision. Combined with PROTON’s trademark ride and handling balance, the new Saga promises a drive that’s both confident and comfortable.

We had a brief drive session with the Saga Premium on a closed course at Tanjung Malim and found the steering to be progressive with enough feedback to not feel ambiguous. The new Saga turned into corners with composure despite a slight increase in ride height. However, rear passengers will still feel the shift in car body weight when the driver takes a corner too aggressively.

Also, having a CVT in a car tuned for better fuel economy means you should not expect Fast & Furious type of acceleration. But it falls within expectations for a car in this class and price segment.

Safety & Structure

• Body & structure: PROTON Reinforced Safety Structure (RESS) with Hot Press Forming (HPF) and advanced high-strength steels; new RESS parts include reinforced centre pillar and cross-member for the front seat area
• Airbags: 6 airbags (driver, passenger, side and curtain)
• Electronic safety: Level-1 ADAS (Premium) — 9 intelligent functions:
  1. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
  2. Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  3. Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  4. Lane Change Assist (LCA) / lane-centering assistance
  5. Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  6. Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
  7. Door Opening Warning (DOW)
  8. Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)
  9. Front Departure Alert (FDA)
• Other safety kit: Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, rear parking camera and sensors (fitment varies by trim)

Interior & Connectivity

• Display: 16-inch Integrated Dual Screen (merged digital instrument + infotainment) — premium, seamless layout
• Smartphone integration: Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto (unique in segment)
• Convenience: auto headlamps, Follow-Me-Home lighting, headlamp levelling, voice assistant, large tactile buttons, multi-function steering wheel
• Ergonomics & comfort:
  • Wider rear seating / improved cabin packaging
  • Premium trims get two-tone faux-leather seats, full-height rear headrests and better rear legroom
  • Centre console redesigned with USB ports for occupants and more / flatter storage
• Trim-level tech: Executive adds keyless entry, push-button start (depending on variant)

Exterior & wheels

• Front: new full LED projector headlamps with L-shaped DRLs and a bold Ethereal Bow grille featuring a ‘Sulaman Songket’ motif
• Rear: full-width LED taillight bar
• Wheels: two-tone 15-inch alloy wheels on Premium; other trims have 15″ single-tone or 14″ options
• Colours: multiple new finishes (Deep Marine Blue, Ruby Red, Space Grey, Snow White, Armour Silver).
• Styling notes: directional “arrow” spoke wheels, sharper bumpers and a wider, planted stance.

The Verdict

With the Saga, PROTON’s strategy seems to prioritize putting tangible kit into the entry segment, and not just cosmetics. The new 1.5-litre engine gives a more meaningful power and torque uplift while providing better fuel economy. The cabin tech (wireless dual screen) and ADAS package push the Saga into territory usually reserved for higher tiers.

Structurally, the adoption of HPF and reinforced parts brings crash-worthy hardware that supports the active safety systems. With 35 all-new features, smarter tech, and a capable platform, the All-New Proton Saga redefines what a compact sedan can deliver. It is more than a simple budget workhorse and is now an A-segment benchmark for safety, tech and efficiency.

If Proton prices it sensibly, this generation could change shopping lists in the compact-sedan segment.