The Proton Saga: An Insight into Its Origin and Cost

The Proton Saga car was built using the Mitsubishi Lancer car base platform through a collaboration with Japan’s motor company, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Other models such as the Proton Wira and Proton Waja were also produced from this collaboration.

Although there was this strategic collaboration, there were some people who felt that Proton was simply imitating or rebadging Mitsubishi car models and changing them to Proton. It is not as we think it is.

In fact, for a developing country, it is difficult to develop an automotive industry without local technology resources and expertise. The strategic partnership with Mitsubishi was a wise move for Proton, as the transfer of automotive expertise to Proton has been actively taking place. As a result, Malaysia has the expertise to design cars 100% locally such as Proton Gen-2, Proton Savy, Proton Persona and Proton Iriz.

Many automotive experts have also been born in line with the rapid pace of the country’s automotive industry. Before the automotive industry, no Malaysians ever thought of making the automotive industry a career path.

Did you know that the Proton Saga car is the country’s first national car? You don’t know? Let’s find out more!

Proton Saga History: Origin of the Proton Car

The Proton Saga car is very synonymous with the Malaysian people. It can be said to be the best-selling model produced by Proton. The car, based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore model, is one of the most affordable cars.

The Proton Saga Name

Many people assume that the name of the Proton Saga car is named after the saga fruit which is easily found in Malaysia. In fact, the Proton Saga car was named after a competition, the National Car Naming Competition in 1985.

The competition is said to have received a very encouraging response from the public with more than 100,000 entries received. The entry from Sergeant Ismail Jaafar from Penang was chosen as the winner of the competition.

He named Malaysia’s first national car ‘Saga’ – an acronym for Safety, Achievement, Greatness, and Ability. The idea and inspiration to name Malaysia’s first car, the Proton Saga car, arose when he was playing Scrabble with his friends.

In addition, according to him, the name ‘Saga’ is also easy to pronounce in other languages and does not contain negative connotations in Malay or English, making it a good added value.

Sergeant Ismail Jaafar also received the same model as a prize for his victory.

Proton Saga Revolution

After 34 years, this people’s pride car is now synonymous with Malaysian quality such as wisdom, strength, and resilience because it also becomes part of our country’s history.

Proton Saga First Generation Car

The first generation Proton Saga is the first car produced by Proton car manufacturer. It was built based on the Mitsubishi Lancer platform resulting from the collaboration between the Malaysian government and Mitsubishi Motors Japan.

Proton Saga Car (1985-1992)

The first Saga generation was in 1985. In this generation, Saga was powered by a 4G13 Orion 1.3 liter engine coupled with a five-speed gearbox and a model with a 1.5 liter Magma engine that was introduced in 1987 along with the five-door version called the Saga Aeroback.

This model came with a two-bar front grille flanking the original Proton shield-shaped moon-star logo, flat front turn signal lights, and rim covers that only covered the rim nut section.

Proton Saga Iswara (1992-2003)

The Proton Saga Iswara is a facelift model launched on August 15, 1992. The name Iswara was taken from the name of a butterfly species found in the land of Kenyalang, Sarawak, namely Papilio Iswara. This Saga model only underwent external design changes for both sedan and hatchback models.

The model displayed today is the last model of the Saga Megavalve (1990-1992), powered by a choice of 4G13 1.3 liter and 4G15 1.5 liter Megavalve engines. These engines use a 12-valve engine head (compared to eight valves in Orion and Magma) and a more modern SU carburetor.

Externally, the last facelift model before being renamed Iswara had larger air intakes, smaller but more prominent front turn signal lights, and full covers on the standard iron rims.

However, in 2001, the Proton Saga Aeroback SE (Special Edition) was released, and it was the first model to use Lotus’ expertise and ride & handling technology.

Proton Saga LMST (2003-2008)

The Proton Saga LMST (2003-2008) is the last facelift model of the First Generation, which received changes not only from an external perspective but also from an internal perspective, with a new design inspired by the Lotus Elise car model with a digital panel. The Proton Saga LMST, launched in 2003, only offered a hatchback model with a 1.3L engine. However, its power was increased from 77 to 83Hp.

Proton Saga Second Generation

The Proton Savvy, Proton Saga Second Generation model was developed and launched on January 18, 2008. It uses designs and technology entirely from Proton engineers with the assistance of Lotus and LG CNS expertise.

Now, almost nine years later, this model will end in September 2016. The Proton Saga Second Generation model was only released in sedan version (the hatchback version is the Proton Savvy), and three stages of changes were made during the model’s production period, namely:

Proton Saga BLM (2008-2010)

The Saga BLM model uses the Campro IAFM 1.3L engine before the Saga BLM SE model appeared in July 2009, offering a choice of the CamPro 1.6L engine. It is categorized in the A-segment as a compact sedan, a downgrade from the B-segment in the First Generation.

Proton Saga FL (2010-2011)

The Proton Saga FL was launched on November 30, 2010, as a facelift with a sleeker design and added specifications. The significant changes were on the front and rear lights and bumpers. Saga FL also comes with dual airbags as standard safety features.

For the 1.6L variant, the Proton Saga FL Executive was launched in May 2011.

Proton Saga FLX (2011-2016)

The Proton Saga FLX (2011 – 2016) is the second facelift model, which was done only eight months after the FL model was released. In terms of design, there are no changes, but improvements have been made to the engine, transmission, and safety features.

In addition, the CamPro IAFM+ engine with Auto CVT transmission and 5-speed Getrag manual transmission were introduced. In terms of safety, there is now an additional option, which is the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) in addition to dual airbags.

The Proton Saga FLX SE 1.6L IAFM+ variant was launched later in November 2011. The cheaper Proton Saga FLX SV variant was launched on June 15, 2013. Finally, the Proton Saga FLX Plus variant was launched in August 2015.

Proton Saga Third Generation

The third generation Proton Saga model will be launched on September 28, 2016. The Proton Saga R (replacement) 2016 model has a new and modern design but still maintains the identity of the previous Proton Saga.

The 2016/2017 Proton Saga uses the same platform and engine as the previous model but with various improvements, upgrades, and significant changes to its specifications, design, size, and dimensions.

Its design is now more rounded than before, with increased size and space. The modern design still maintains the DNA or identity of the Saga, while comfort and safety remain a priority.

Furthermore, the ECU has been reset to improve the CVT response, and the three-point engine mount is used to provide better NVH value. The use of fuel is also more efficient and economical.

The Proton Saga also received an improved driving and control package, including the use of tires with lower rolling resistance to provide better grip on wet roads (2db quieter), ABS, EBD, and ESC. 

Price of Proton Saga 2023, Proton Saga Car Road Tax Price

Here are the prices for the Proton Saga 2023:

Proton Saga 2023 Monthly Installment

If you are interested in owning a Proton Saga car, below is an example of the monthly payment price for a car loan with a 9-year tenure and a bank interest rate of 2.22 percent.

Harga Roadtax Proton Saga 2023

Here are the road tax prices for Proton Saga for your reference:

So, are you interested in the Proton Saga car? If yes, don’t forget to get it! Once you have the car, don’t forget the car insurance. To find the best car insurance, get it from Qoala! Easy and fast.