2023 Proton Saga

Review 2023 Proton Saga

While the namesake may have a history that stretches quite nearly three decades, the Proton Saga as we see it now is, in principle, the same car that launched the Proton brand back in the 1980s. It represents economical motoring – the entry-level, the starter car – and is the cheapest vehicle in the Proton range.

This generation was launched just five years ago in 2016, but it has been through a couple of facelifts since (the most current being the Proton Saga MC2) – especially with the introduction of the Proton X70 and X50 shifting the styling of Proton models in drastic ways. While it may sit on the same platform as its predecessor, improvements in refinement and construction have made it a more sophisticated vehicle.

The range of variants for the Proton Saga is simple and straightforward to understand, with four on offer and a singular engine choice. In a way, the options have been streamlined from its predecessor, although with the Iriz and Persona available there’s a vehicle for everyone in the Proton range. The latest facelift for the Saga took place in May 2022-2023, being largely aesthetic changes inside and out.

Proton Saga 2023 Specifications

Some of you may be dismayed to find that the current generation Proton Saga on offer does not have a 1.6-litre VVT petrol engine option, whereas one generation ago it was provided (as a 1.6-litre Campro petrol engine) for both consumers and taxi usage. There is just the 1.3-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that has Variable Valve Timing and puts out 95 PS and 120 Nm of torque.

Thankfully, there is still a manual variant on offer in the form of the Standard MT. It also happens to be the cheapest on offer, which is a shame for those who want a manual transmission with more equipment. One step up is the Standard AT, followed by the Premium AT, finally topped off with a new variant the Premium S AT – all three coming with a four-speed conventional automatic transmission.

In terms of overall dimensions, the Saga may not seem like a much smaller car than the Persona, but the raw numbers paint a clearer picture. The wheelbase sits at 2,465 mm – about 90 mm shorter than the Persona, which naturally translates to a little less interior room. The overall length is also roughly 56 mm shorter, and the width is 33 mm narrower. The proportions may be similar, but the Saga is physically smaller.

Exterior 2023 Proton Saga

With the aforementioned 2022-2023 facelift came a few aesthetic changes. Keyless entry, auto-folding side mirrors, an updated round Proton emblem, the red trim on the Infinite Weave with Ethereal Bow grille and last but not last two-tone 15-inch wheels complete the changes on the 2022-2023 facelift. The overall base shape and styling of the Proton Saga have been interesting since its launch in 2016, with the roofline ever so slightly tapered at the rear – which in tandem with the slope of the boot makes it look almost like a four-door coupe.

The way the body narrows towards the rear lights as well adds to this illusion and gives the Saga a unique styling edge that isn’t commonly seen at this end of the market. As for the wheels, the entry-level Standard variants get 14-inch wheels – steel for the MT and alloy for the AT – while the Premium and Premium S gets larger 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

Proton Saga 2023 Interior

We’re not going to sugarcoat things and claim that the Proton Saga has a particularly luxurious interior – but it is wholeheartedly functional. No soft-touch materials here, though the 2022-2023 update provided a new instrument cluster redesign, adding a Leave Car Reminder through the infotainment unit, a push-start button, a new air-conditioning instrument panel as well as red trim across the air-conditioning vents, steering wheel, seats, instrument cluster and carpets.

 As for the rest of the interior, it is fairly flat across the range. The steering wheels are wrapped in urethane regardless of the material, and the Multi-Information Display is a segmented LCD unit too. All variants get fabric seats, and all three variants have folding rear benches for extending the boot space.

Safety Features of the 2023 Proton Saga

It’s hard to expect a lot for an entry-level model like the Proton Saga. All models get two airbags, ABS with ESC and Brake Assist, Traction Control and Hill Hold Assist as well as ISOFIX mounting points for secure baby seat mounting.

2023 Proton Saga Strengths and Weaknesses

The engineers at Proton are a proud bunch – especially in the ride and handling department – as they should be, because regardless of which Proton model you purchase you will enjoy excellent handling characteristics and ride comfort. This is a core Proton value and is partly derived from their experience in racing, as well as their long term partnership with Lotus.

Beyond this, the Premium S AT variant of the Saga does punch fairly hard for its weight, especially with the inclusion of passive safety systems and that touch screen head unit, together with its semi-leather seats.

Falling in love with the Proton Saga isn’t difficult to do, as is the case with many entry-level models. There’s a charm to them that transcends the materials chosen, the infotainment system provided, or the level of noise, vibrations, and harshness. It’s a car that suits those looking for economical transportation and may live happily in your garage for more years than you would expect.

The current generation Saga facelift is also a testament to how far Proton has come, beyond the headline-capturing X70 and X50 that Malaysians feel has reignited the brand – after all if they can’t get the simplest of things right, how can they perform with anything better?

Proton Saga 2023 Features

Simplicity is the essence of the Proton Saga – but it does now come with keyless entry and start here, no adaptive cruise control or active safety functionality. Once again, it’s the Premium S AT variant that steps up with automatic folding side mirrors, semi-leather seats, rearview camera, front parking sensors, two USB charging ports, and interior lights with auto dimming. These may seem like nondescript items for more expensive vehicles, but they are great additions at this price point.

Fuel Consumption of the 2023 Proton Saga

With the transmission being a four-speed automatic sourced from Hyundai, critics were sure that the facelift Proton Saga wouldn’t be as efficient as its predecessor. That being said, it still manages 6.7-litres per 100 kilometres, or 14.9 kilometres per litre of fuel. This varies depending on driving style, and Proton hasn’t provided an official fuel consumption rating for the Standard MT model.