Proton Saga

Proton Saga
Overview
Manufacturer	Proton
Production	1985–present
Assembly	Malaysia: Shah Alam, Selangor (Proton, 1985–present) (AMI, Iswara only)[1] Malaysia: Pekan, Pahang (AMM, Iswara only)[2]
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact car / C (1985–2008) Subcompact car / B (2008–2016) Subcompact car / A (2016– )

The Proton Saga is a series of subcompact cars produced by Malaysian automobile manufacturer Proton. The Proton Saga is widely credited as the first Malaysian car. It is Proton's flagship model and the company's longest running nameplate, having been produced for over 31 years.

The first generation Proton Saga was developed as the result of a joint venture between HICOM and Mitsubishi Motors.^[3] It is based on the 1983 Lancer Fiore sedan, and was available in 4-door saloon and 5-door hatchback guises.

The second generation Proton Saga was unveiled on 18 January 2008.^[4] It is based on a stretched Proton Savvy platform and was developed in-house by Proton.

The third generation Proton Saga was launched on 28 September 2016.^[5] It is based on the outgoing Saga FLX platform, and is powered by the Iriz's 1.3-litre VVT engine.

The Proton Saga is best known to have been named after the tiny red seed of the Saga tree (Adenanthera pavonina). It is also a well-known national symbol of Malaysia.^[6]

First generation (C21A, C22A; 1985–2008)

Proton Saga (1985–1992)

Proton Saga (C20, Mk1)
Overview
Production	1985–1992
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L 4G13 SOHC I4 1.5 L 4G15 I4 2.0 L 4G63 I4 (Prototype)
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic

1987–1990 Proton Saga (Magma) saloon

1990–1992 Proton Saga (Megavalve) Aeroback hatchback

The Proton Saga saloon was launched on 9 July 1985. It was based on the 1983 Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore sedan platform and was powered by a 1.3L Mitsubishi Orion 4G13 engine, mated to a manual transmission. In 1987, the more powerful Proton Saga 1.5L saloon was introduced alongside a hatchback variant called the Proton Saga Aeroback.^[7]

On 16 March 1989, Proton launched the Saga in the United Kingdom.^[7] The saloon models were renamed Proton 1.3 and Proton 1.5 whereas the hatchback version was called the Proton Aeroback. Proton advertised their models with the slogan Japanese Technology, Malaysian Style there and later went on to set the record for the Fastest Selling Make of New Car Ever to Enter the United Kingdom.^[8]

In August 1990, Proton introduced the Proton Saga Megavalve for the domestic market.^[7] It was fitted with a more powerful 12-valve engine, and the exterior was altered slightly with a new grille, black trim strips and rims along with the inclusion of rear seat belts and a third brake light as standard.

Proton Saga Iswara (1992–2003)

Proton Saga Iswara (C20, Mk2)
Overview
Production	1992–2003
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback
Powertrain
Engine	1.3L 4G13 SOHC I4 1.5L 4G15 I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic

1992–2001 Proton Saga Iswara saloon

1992–2001 Proton Saga Iswara Aeroback hatchback

2001–2003 Proton Iswara Aeroback Special Edition hatchback

On 15 August 1992, the Proton Saga Iswara (also known as the Proton Mpi in the United Kingdom) was launched.^[7] It was named after the great Helen butterfly (Papilio iswara) of Sarawak. It shared the platform found in the previous iteration, but received major exterior and interior changes. The Saga Iswara was available in 4-door saloon and 5-door hatchback guises and was equipped with the same Mitsubishi Orion 1.3L and 1.5L engines. The saloon version of the Saga Iswara became Malaysia's preferred choice of taxi.

In 2001, Proton introduced the Iswara Aeroback Special Edition. It was based on the Saga Iswara hatchback but included large exterior cosmetic changes and minor interior alterations. It was only available in silver, with manual transmission and the 1.3 litre 4G13 engine.

Proton Saga LMST (2003–2008)

Proton Saga LMST (C20, Mk3)
Overview
Production	2003 – early 2008
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Engine	1.3L 4G13 SOHC I4
Transmission	5-speed manual

2003–2006 Proton Saga LMST hatchback

The Proton Saga LMST hatchback was launched in 2003. It was based on the same platform found in the previous models. Nonetheless, it featured a modernized interior and major exterior modifications and improvements. The 1.3-litre Mitsubishi 4G13 carburettor engine was tuned to produce 83 bhp (62 kW). It was only available in two trim lines, limited to the 5-speed manual transmission.

In late 2006, Proton updated the Saga LMST, offering mainly cosmetic exterior changes. It was only available in two colours, black and orange, and was limited to the 4G13 1.3L engine, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

On 4 March 2007, Proton launched the final facelift model of the first generation Proton Saga, the Proton Saga LMST 50th Merdeka Anniversary Edition.^[9] It was largely identical to the 2006 Saga LMST, but was sold at a discount price of RM26,999 as opposed to the former RM33,240 price. The promotion was made in view of Malaysia's 50th Merdeka celebrations and as a symbol of Proton's gratitude to their customers. That year, the Proton Saga became the second best selling car behind the Perodua MyVi.^[10]

Second generation (BT3, BT6; 2008–2016)

Proton Saga (2008–2010)

Proton Saga (BT, Mk1)
Overview
Production	2008–2010
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Engine	1.3L CamPro IAFM DOHC I4 1.6L CamPro IAFM DOHC I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic

2008–2010 Proton Saga

The second generation Proton Saga, also called the Saga BLM (Base Line Model) launched on 18 January 2008.^[4] It was indigenously designed unlike the former generation and launched with 3 variants which were priced between RM31,498 and RM39,998 respectively. All variants were powered by Proton's 1.3 litre CamPro IAFM engine. The new Saga was a great sales success for Proton, having received over 23,000 bookings in less than two weeks since launch.^[11] It also replaced the older Saga Iswara as Malaysia's taxi of choice from 2008 to 2010. The taxi variants were equipped with 1.6 litre 110 bhp CamPro engines and were later converted to NGVs.^[12]

The Proton Saga SE was unveiled in July 2009. It was sold as a premium variant with just 2 colour options and a unique body kit, mated to the CamPro 1.3 engine found in the other models.^[13] In that same month, Proton showcased the emission-free Saga EV Concept in Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang.^[14] Powered by a 125 kW (168 hp) DC motor mated to a 5 speed manual transmission, it had a maximum range of 109 kilometres (68 miles) and could be charged over a standard household outlet. On the Christmas eve of 2009, Proton launched the S16 in the Australian market.^[15] The S16 was identical to the Saga, but featured the more powerful 110 bhp CamPro 1.6 engine. At the time, it retailed for AUD$11,990, making it the cheapest new car in Australia.^[16]

Proton Saga FL (2010–2011)

Proton Saga FL (BT, Mk2)
Overview
Production	2010–2011
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Engine	1.3L CamPro IAFM DOHC I4 1.6L CamPro IAFM DOHC I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic

2010–2011 Proton Saga FL

On 30 November 2010, Proton unveiled the facelifted Proton Saga FL at the Thai International Motor Expo 2010.^[17] It received large exterior updates, but the technical specifications and interior remain mostly unchanged from the pre-facelift Saga.

The Saga FL was launched in Malaysia two weeks after its Thai unveil.^[18] It was sold in two trim lines and both were available with 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmissions. Every Proton Saga FL came standard with 4 power windows. Later in May 2011, a more powerful model called the Proton Saga FL 1.6 Executive was launched.^[19]

Proton Saga FLX (2011–2016)

Proton Saga FLX (BT, Mk3)
Overview
Production	2011–2016
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon
Powertrain
Engine	1.3L CamPro IAFM+ DOHC I4 1.6L CamPro IAFM+ DOHC I4
Transmission	5-speed manual CVT automatic

2011–2015 Proton Saga FLX SE

8 months after the launch of the Saga FL, Proton added to its line-up the Saga FLX in which 'X' stands for extra.^[20][21] The FLX is available in two trim lines which can be mated to a choice of either manual or CVT drivetrains. The fine-tuned CamPro IAFM+ engine is utilized and there are options for dual airbags and (ABS) with EBD). The handling has been vastly improved with a new suspension setup which strikes a balance between ride comfort and handling performance. The exterior of the Saga FLX is identical to the Saga FL.

The Proton Saga FLX SE was launched on 30 November 2011.^[22] It is powered by a 108 hp CamPro IAFM+ 1.6 litre engine, paired to a CVT. Driver and passenger airbags as well as ABS with EBD are standard. The FLX SE is equipped with sportier kit and is only available in two colours, white and red.

The Saga FLX entered the Australian market in June 2012, where it was renamed the S16 FLX. It replaces the old S16 in Proton Australia's fleet. The S16 FLX comes in two variants, the GX and GXR, each with manual and CVT drivetrain options respectively, with dual airbags, ABS and EBD standard across the range.^[23]

On 15 June 2013, Proton introduced a new sub-variant of the Saga FLX, called the Saga SV. SV is an acronym for Super Value, with prices starting from just RM33,438 for the manual transmission variant. Despite the reduction in price, the Saga SV offers improved safety standards with dual airbags and a reinforced frame with only minimal exterior changes when compared to the Saga FLX Standard.^[24] The Saga Plus is produced in five colours, namely Tranquility Black, Fire Red, Genetic Silver, Solid White and Elegant Brown. Despite the added cosmetic upgrades, prices for the Saga Plus remain unchanged from the Saga SV, ranging from RM33,242 for the manual with solid paint to RM36,577 for the CVT with metallic paint, all of which are on-the-road prices with insurance.^[25] A three-year or 100,000 km warranty is also offered.

Third generation (BT3; 2016– )

Proton Saga (BT, Mk4)
Overview
Production	September 2016–present
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact car (A)
Body style	4-door saloon
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L VVT S4PE DOHC I4
Transmission	5-speed manual CVT automatic

The third generation Proton Saga, codenamed P2-13A is an A-segment saloon engineered by Malaysian automobile manufacturer Proton. It was launched on 28 September 2016 as the successor to the second generation Proton Saga.^[5]

The third generation Saga is based on the outgoing Saga FLX platform, and is powered by the Iriz's 1.3-litre VVT engine.^[5] Proton has completely re-engineered the exterior design of the new Saga.^[26] Its interior has been revamped and refined with an emphasis on NVH reduction.^[26]

The third generation Saga is positioned as Proton's entry-level sedan, below the larger B-segment Persona. Safety standards have been improved with the introduction of electronic stability control (ESC) and a 20% stronger body structure.^[27] ASEAN NCAP has awarded a 4-star safety rating for the new Saga.^[27]

Awards

• 1991 What Car? – Best Value Car of the Year (Proton Saga 1.5E Aeroback) ^[28]
• 1992 Auto Express – Best Value Popular New Cars ^[28]
• 1993 What Car? – Best Buy Family Car up to £10,000 ^[28]
• 2008 Best Compact / People's car of the year – Asian Auto-VCA Auto Industry Awards ^[29]
• 2008 Entry Level Category Winner – NST / Maybank COTY Awards 2008 ^[30]
• 2009 Best Model of the Year (Malaysia) – Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific 2009 Automotive Awards ^[30]
• 2010 Best Passenger Car Model of the Year – Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Excellence Award 2010 ^[30]
• 2011 Best People's Car and Best Value for Money Family Car Awards – Asian Auto – Auto Industry Awards 2011 ^[31]
• 2012 Special Mention Award – Best Value Compact Sedan of the Year – NST / Maybank COTY Awards 2012 ^[32]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Proton Saga.

• Saga FLX microsite
• Proton Saga FLX / Saga SV