The Proton Saga is a series of

compact Compact as used in politics may refer broadly to a pact or treaty; in more specific cases it may refer to: * Interstate compact * Blood compact, an ancient ritual of the Philippines * Compact government, a type of colonial rule utilized in British ...

and

subcompact Subcompact car is a North American classification for cars smaller than a compact car. It is broadly equivalent to the B-segment (Europe), supermini (Great Britain) or A0-class (China) classifications. According to the U.S. Environmental Prote ...

cars produced by Malaysian automobile manufacturer

Proton A proton is a stable subatomic particle, symbol , H+, or 1H+ with a positive electric charge of +1 ''e'' elementary charge. Its mass is slightly less than that of a neutron and 1,836 times the mass of an electron (the proton–electron mass ...

. Introduced in 1985, the Proton Saga became the first Malaysian car and a major milestone in the Malaysian automotive industry. The Saga is Proton's longest-running and best-selling nameplate, with over 1.9 million units produced over 37 years. The first generation Saga was developed as the result of a joint venture between HICOM and

Mitsubishi Motors is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It is based on the second generation Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore, and was available in 4-door saloon and 5-door

hatchback A hatchback is a car body configuration with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to a cargo area. Hatchbacks may feature fold-down second row seating, where the interior can be reconfigured to prioritize passenger or cargo volume. ...

guises. The second generation Proton Saga was unveiled on 18 January 2008. It is based on a stretched

Proton Savvy The Proton Savvy is a supermini hatchback produced by Malaysian carmaker Proton. The car was introduced in June 2005, as an indirect successor to Proton Tiara. It was discontinued in 2011 due to slow sales compared to the Perodua Myvi. Hist ...

platform and was developed in-house by Proton. The third generation Proton Saga was launched on 28 September 2016. It is based on the outgoing Saga FLX platform, and is powered by the Iriz's 1.3-litre VVT engine. The name 'Saga' is an acronym for 'Safety, Achievement, Greatness, and Ability'. In Malay, 'Saga' refers to the hard red seed (''

abrus precatorius ''Abrus precatorius'', commonly known as jequirity bean or rosary pea, is a herbaceous flowering plant in the bean family Fabaceae. It is a slender, perennial climber with long, pinnate-leafleted leaves that twines around trees, shrubs, and hedge ...

'') of the ''Saga'' tree. The Proton Saga is also a well-known national symbol of

Malaysia Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...

First generation (C21A, C22A; 1985)

Proton Saga (1985–1992)

The Proton Saga saloon was launched on 9 July 1985. It is based on the second generation Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore platform, and powered by the 1.3-litre ''4G13'' Orion II engine. In January 1987, Proton introduced the 1.5-litre ''4G15''-powered Saga saloon. The Proton Saga Magma was introduced in mid-1987, offering mild mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. A new

variant called the Proton Saga Aeroback was launched in October 1987. On 16 March 1989, Proton launched the Saga in the United Kingdom. The saloon models were renamed Proton 1.3 and Proton 1.5, while the hatchback versions featured additional 'Aeroback' badging. Proton advertised their models with the slogan "Japanese Technology, Malaysian Style". Proton later set the record for the 'Fastest selling make of new car ever to enter the United Kingdom', exceeding their 12-month sales target within 6 months. In August 1990, the Proton Saga Megavalve was launched in Malaysia. It was fitted with a more powerful 12-valve engine, and the exterior design was altered slightly with a new grille, trim and rims along with the inclusion of rear seat belts and a third brake light as standard. Proton launched the Saga Megavalve in the United Kingdom in January 1991, where it was renamed Proton 12-Valve. There's also a modern rendition of the original Proton Saga Knight by local MIMOS design head, Saharudin Busri. File:1989 Proton Saga (Magma) 1.3S 4-door saloon (19638569848).jpg , 1987–1990 Proton Saga (Magma) saloon File:Proton Saga (Aeroback) (automatic) (first generation, first facelift) (front), Kuala Lumpur.jpg , 1990–1992 Proton Saga (Megavalve) Aeroback hatchback

Proton Saga Iswara (1992–2003)

On 15 August 1992, the Proton Saga Iswara (also known as the Proton Mpi or Proton Iswara in the United Kingdom) was launched. It was named after the great Helen butterfly (''Papilio iswara'') of

Sarawak Sarawak (; ) is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state of Malaysia. The largest among the 13 states, with an area almost equal to that of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak is located in northwest Borneo Island, and is bordered by the M ...

. It shared the platform found in the previous iteration, but received major exterior and interior changes. The Saga Iswara was available in four-door saloon and five-door hatchback guises and continued to be equipped with the 12-valve Mitsubishi Orion 1.3L and 1.5L engines. The saloon version of the Saga Iswara became Malaysia's preferred choice of taxi. It continued to be exported to Europe until 1996, having been sold alongside the Persona (Wira) there since 1993. 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 A manual transmission (MT), also known as manual gearbox, standard transmission (in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States), or stick shift (in the United States), is a multi-speed motor vehicle transmission (mechanics), transmission ...

and the 1.3 litre 4G13 engine. File:Proton Saga Iswara (saloon) (front), Serdang.jpg , 1992–2001 Proton Saga Iswara saloon File:Proton Saga Iswara (Aeroback) (front), Serdang.jpg , 1992–2001 Proton Saga Iswara Aeroback hatchback File:Proton Saga (re-release; first facelift) (front), Seri Kembangan.jpg , 2001–2003 Proton Iswara Aeroback Special Edition hatchback

Proton Saga LMST (2003–2008)

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 A carburetor (also spelled carburettor) is a device used by an internal combustion engine to control and mix air and fuel entering the engine. The primary method of adding fuel to the intake air is through the venturi tube in the main meterin ...

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. 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 ''Merdeka'' is a term in Indonesian and Malay which means "independent" or " free". It is derived from the Sanskrit ''maharddhika'' (महर्द्धिक) meaning "rich, prosperous, and powerful". In the Malay archipelago, this term ha ...

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.

Awards and accolades

* Best Value Car of the Year (Proton Saga 1.5E Aeroback) - ''

What Car? ''What Car?'' is a British monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Huntingford and published by Haymarket Consumer Media. Other team members include deputy editor Darren Moss and test editors Will Nightingale, Neil ...

'' 1991 * Best Value Popular New Cars - ''

Auto Express ''Auto Express'' is a weekly motoring magazine sold in the United Kingdom published by Autovia Limited. The editor-in-chief is Steve Fowler. History and profile Launched in September 1988, its 1,000th issue was published on 20 February 2008. ...

'' 1992 * Best Buy Family Car up to £10,000 - ''

'' 1993

Second generation (BT3, BT6; 2008)

Proton Saga (2008–2010)

The second generation Proton Saga, also called the Saga BLM (Base Line Model) launched on 18 January 2008. 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. 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

natural gas vehicle A natural gas vehicle (NGV) is an alternative fuel vehicle An alternative fuel vehicle is a motor vehicle that runs on alternative fuel rather than traditional petroleum fuels (petrol or diesel fuel, petrodiesel). The term also refers to an ...

s. 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. In that same month, Proton showcased the emission-free Saga EV Concept at

Universiti Putra Malaysia University of Putra Malaysia ( Malay: ''Universiti Putra Malaysia''), abbreviated as UPM, is a Malaysian public research university located in Serdang, Selangor. Formerly it was named Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (Agricultural University of ...

in Serdang. Powered by a 125 kW (168 hp)

DC motor A DC motor is any of a class of rotary electrical motors that converts direct current (DC) electrical energy into mechanical energy. The most common types rely on the forces produced by induced magnetic fields due to flowing current in the coil ...

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 24 December 2009, Proton launched the S16 in the Australian market. 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.

Proton Saga FL (2010–2012)

On 30 November 2010, Proton unveiled the facelifted Proton Saga FL at the Thai International Motor Expo 2010. 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 it was unveiled in Thailand. 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.

Proton Saga FLX (2011–2016)

8 months after the launch of the Saga FL, Proton added to its line-up the Saga FLX in which 'X' stands for extra. The FLX is available in two trim lines which can be mated to a choice of either manual or

continuously variable transmission A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is an automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios. This contrasts with other transmissions that provide a limited number of gear ratios in fixed steps. T ...

(CVT) drivetrains. The fine-tuned CamPro IAFM+ engine is utilized and there are options for dual

airbags An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system using a bag designed to inflate extremely quickly, then quickly deflate during a collision. It consists of the airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor. T ...

and anti lock braking (ABS) with

electronic brakeforce distribution Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD or EBFD) or electronic brakeforce limitation (EBL) is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's wheels, based on road conditions, speed, lo ...

(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. 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. 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. The Saga Plus was 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 remained 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 were on-the-road prices with insurance. A three-year or 100,000 km warranty was also offered.

Awards and accolades

* Best Compact / People's car of the Year – Asian Auto-VCA Auto Industry Awards 2008 * Entry Level Category Winner – NST /

Maybank Malayan Banking Berhad (doing business as Maybank) is a Malaysian universal bank, with key operating "home markets" of Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. According to the 2020 Brand Finance report, Maybank is Malaysia's most valuable bank b ...

COTY Awards 2008 * Best Model of the Year (

) –

Frost & Sullivan Frost & Sullivan is an American business consulting firm. It offers market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting, and corporate training. It has about 45 offices in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe; the principal office is in San ...

Asia Pacific 2009 Automotive Awards * Best Passenger Car Model of the Year –

Excellence Award 2010 * Best People's Car Award – Asian Auto–Auto Industry Awards 2011 * Best Value Compact Sedan of the Year ( NST/

COTY Awards 2012) *Proton Saga SV awarded ''Debut Model of the Year'' during Frost & Sullivan Awards 2014

Third generation (BT3; 2016)

The third generation Proton Saga, codenamed P2-13A is an

A-segment The A-segment is the 1st category in the passenger car classification system defined by the European Commission. It is used for city cars, the smallest category of passenger cars defined. A-segment sales represent approx. 7-8% of the market in ...

saloon engineered by Malaysian automobile manufacturer Proton. It was launched on 28 September 2016 as the successor to the

second generation Proton Saga The second generation Proton Saga is a 4-door subcompact sedan (automobile), sedan produced by Malaysian car manufacturer PROTON Holdings, Proton which launched on 18 January 2008. It succeeds the first generation Proton Saga as the company's fl ...

. The third generation Saga is based on the outgoing Saga FLX platform, and is powered by the Iriz's 1.3-litre VVT engine producing 94 Hp . Proton has completely re-engineered the exterior design of the new Saga. Its interior has been revamped and refined with an emphasis on

noise, vibration, and harshness Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), also known as noise and vibration (N&V), is the study and modification of the noise and vibration characteristics of vehicles, particularly cars and trucks. While noise and vibration can be readily measured, ...

reduction. The third generation Saga is positioned as Proton's entry-level sedan, below the larger B-segment

Persona A persona (plural personae or personas), depending on the context, is the public image of one's personality, the social role that one adopts, or simply a fictional Character (arts), character. The word derives from Latin, where it originally ref ...

. Safety standards have been improved with the introduction of electronic stability control (ESC) and a 20% stronger body structure.

ASEAN NCAP The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia, or known as ASEAN NCAP, is an automobile safety rating program jointly established by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Global New Car Assessment Program (Global NCAP ...

has awarded a 4-star safety rating for the new Saga. On 6 August 2019, an updated Proton Saga was launched at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. It's considered as minor change internally but as a facelift to the general public. The car now includes design cues from the Proton X70, Proton Iriz and the Proton Persona which includes the new "infinite weave," a pattern inspired by batik and Malaysian wood carvings. The naturally aspirated DOHC VVT engine is no longer paired to a CVT made by Punch Powertrain, but a four-speed torque converter automatic gearbox sourced from

Hyundai Hyundai is a South Korean industrial conglomerate ("chaebol"), which was restructured into the following groups: * Hyundai Group, parts of the former conglomerate which have not been divested ** Hyundai Mobis, Korean car parts company ** Hyundai ...

. The Executive variant was dropped with the range consisting of Standard MT, Standard AT and Premium AT. The 2019 Saga also saw the air conditioning vents moved down to allow space for 'floating' head units which included a head unit that runs a modified version of Android for the Premium variant. The Saga now starts at a lowered price of RM32,800 for the manual transmission variant and up to RM39,800 which is almost RM2,000 lower than the pre-facelift version. On 9 July 2020, the Saga Anniversary Edition was launched to celebrate Proton's 35th year in the automotive industry. It featured optional skirts around the car, darkened alloy wheels and yellow accents in and out. On 18 February 2021, the Saga R3 Limited Edition was launched alongside the Iriz R3 Limited Edition, Persona Black Edition and Exora Black Edition. It is only limited to 2,000 units. The looks are almost the same with the Anniversary edition with the exception of some R3 body stickers and windshield stickers. On 12 May 2022, Proton launched yet another revision of the updated Proton Saga. This time, it gains a new variant called the Premium S and that gets new kit like a keyless entry and start system, automatic folding mirrors, a black and red theme inside and leatherette-wrapped steering and seats. The latter in a semi leatherette and fabric upholstery combo.

Awards and accolades

* Rising Star Award Car -

Asean NCAP The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia, or known as ASEAN NCAP, is an automobile safety rating program jointly established by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Global New Car Assessment Program (Global NCAP ...

Grand Prix Award 2016 * Value-For-Money Car - Malaysia

Car of the Year Car of the Year (COTY) is a common abbreviation for numerous automotive awards. The "Car of the Year" phrase is considered to have been introduced by ''Motor Trend'' magazine in 1949 when the new publication named Cadillac as Motor Trend Car of th ...

2016 * Compact Sedan of the Year - DSF.my

Allianz Allianz ( , ) is a German multinational financial services company headquartered in Munich, Germany. Its core businesses are insurance and asset management. The company is one of the world's largest insurers and financial services groups. The ...

Vehicle of the Year (VOTY) 2017) * Best 3 City Cars of Malaysia‍‍‍ - Aurizn Awards 2018 ' Cars of Malaysia' * Budget Car (Bronze Winner) - Carlist.my People's

Choice A choice is the range of different things from which a being can choose. The arrival at a choice may incorporate motivators and models. For example, a traveler might choose a route for a journey based on the preference of arriving at a giv ...

Awards 2018 *Best Compact Sedan (below RM70K) - CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2019

References

External links

Saga FLX microsite

Proton Saga FLX / Saga SV
{{Proton vehicles

Saga is a series of science fantasy role-playing video games by Square Enix. The series originated on the Game Boy in 1989 as the creation of Akitoshi Kawazu at Square (video game company), Square. It has since continued across multiple platforms, ...

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