Proton is gearing up to update its best-selling vehicle, the Proton Saga. While the public has already caught a glimpse of it during the ASEAN Summit, specific details have remained under wraps—until now. Not too long ago, Proton invited us to its factory in Tanjung Malim for an up-close and personal look at the latest Proton Saga. Not only did we get to see it in detail, but Proton also allowed us to take it for a spin on their test track. Here are my thoughts on the new Proton Saga.

For this latest iteration, Proton has introduced several updates and upgrades to bring the Saga into the modern era. The soon-to-be-launched model marks the fourth generation of the Saga and will be offered in three different variants. All variants will be powered by a brand-new 1.5L i-GT engine, while the transmissions have been carried forward. The top-of-the-line Premium variant will come with a CVT transmission, while the Standard and Executive variants will use a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The engine produces 120 PS and 150 Nm of torque, delivering a noticeable improvement over the previous generation.

In terms of safety, the new Saga receives a major upgrade. Proton has equipped it with nine core ADAS features, making the car safer and smarter on the road. These include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Front Departure Alert (FDA), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Door Opening Warning (DOW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Beyond ADAS, the Saga now comes with six airbags, a significant improvement over the previous model, which only had two. Proton has also enhanced the chassis, making it stiffer and stronger by using a mix of hot-press forming steel, advanced high-strength steel, and high-strength steel. This makes the Saga the first A-segment sedan to use such materials in its construction.

On the exterior, the Saga receives a complete visual refresh. It looks distinctly different from the outgoing model, with a new front hood, grille, headlights, bumper, and side mirrors. The rear has also been redesigned with a full-width taillight bar, a new bumper, and a set of modern alloy wheels that complete its updated look.

Inside, the biggest highlight is the new integrated 16-inch display, which houses a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The dashboard design has also been completely reworked, featuring wave-pattern trims, congkak-inspired air vents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel for a sportier touch.

During our short test drive on Proton’s new test circuit in Tanjung Malim, I first noticed the driving position. Personally, I still find the driver’s seat mounted slightly too high for my liking, likely due to the same seat bracket design carried over from the previous model.

On the handling course, the new Saga performed commendably. Despite its relatively high ground clearance—engineered to suit various road conditions across global markets—the car handled corners confidently, with well-controlled body roll and stable direction changes. The steering felt direct and responsive, though slightly over-assisted, similar to the previous generation.

The 1.5L engine delivered a smooth and effortless driving experience, offering good power delivery and refinement. While it’s too early to judge fuel efficiency from a short session, the CVT gearbox behaved much like the ones found in the Persona and Iriz—refined for daily use but a bit vocal under hard acceleration.

Proton also showcased the ADAS features available on the Premium variant. These systems significantly enhance urban safety by preventing minor collisions. We tested features like the Front Departure Alert, which warns you when the car ahead starts moving, and the Autonomous Emergency Braking, which performed well during a 45 km/h test scenario. Although these were done in a controlled environment, the results were impressive for an entry-level vehicle.

While Proton is still finalizing the launch of the new Saga, our first preview has been encouraging. The new model introduces a wealth of upgrades that make it safer, more advanced, and better value for money. According to Proton, the Premium variant will cost more than the previous top-spec Saga, but given the added features, that’s understandable.

Even so, the Saga will remain one of Proton’s most affordable offerings—and a reliable choice for many Malaysians. It may not be perfect, but the improvements make it far more appealing than before. Stay tuned for the official launch of the new Proton Saga on Carsick.my.