A 40-Year Legacy Reborn
In 1985, Malaysia’s automotive story began with a single name, the Proton Saga. Four decades later, the nation’s first car has entered a new chapter, one that not only celebrates its history but redefines its future.
The fourth-generation Proton Saga (2025) arrives as a fully Malaysian-engineered creation, developed under the “Next-Gen Style” philosophy. This latest evolution took over 391,000 engineering hours and involved 337 newly developed parts, marking it as the most significant update the nameplate has ever received.
A Modern Design with Malaysian Soul
The new Saga has grown up, inside and out. Up front, it carries a distinctive Sulaman Songket-inspired grille that stretches across the front fascia, flanked by LED projector headlights with integrated daytime running lights (DRL).
At the rear, a full-width LED taillight adds a premium touch, with the illuminated strip exclusive to the top Premium variant. Complementing the sleek silhouette are subtle design cues like chrome door handles, a shark fin antenna, and stylish dual-tone 15-inch alloys.
Though it retains some proportions of its predecessor, Proton has given the sedan a sportier stance thanks to a reprofiled rear end that subtly mimics a ducktail spoiler effect.
A New Platform for the Future
Underneath, the new Saga rides on the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), a platform that Proton has proudly developed and now owns outright. While it traces its lineage back to earlier Proton models, the AMA has been heavily reengineered using Hot Press Forming (HPF) for improved rigidity and crash protection.
More importantly, this platform supports modern electronics and safety systems, opening the door to advanced driver assistance technologies and future smart connectivity. Proton also hints that AMA will serve as the foundation for upcoming global-ready models, strengthening Malaysia’s role as an engineering hub within the Geely ecosystem.
More Power, More Efficiency
One of the most exciting upgrades is found beneath the bonnet, the all-new 1.5-litre Intelligent Green Technology (i-GT) engine. Derived from the same family as the Proton X50’s motor (minus the turbo), it delivers 120 hp and 150 Nm, representing a 25% boost in power over the previous 1.3L unit.
Proton claims it’s now among the most powerful in its segment, and during an internal test, the new Saga even outpaced its perennial rival, the Perodua Bezza 1.3, in a sprint to 100 km/h.
Paired with either a CVT (Punch Powertrain) or 4-speed Aisin automatic, the powertrain also achieves a 14% improvement in fuel efficiency, returning up to 4.9L/100 km (MDC test cycle). Thanks to the use of an Atkinson cycle and improved components like a dual-mass flywheel, it’s also 25% quieter than before.
Inside the Cabin: Familiar Yet Revolutionary
Step inside, and you’ll quickly realise this is no longer a “basic” sedan. The cabin of the 2025 Saga has been completely reimagined with a 16-inch dual display setup, consisting of a 9-inch infotainment screen and 7-inch digital instrument cluster.
Both support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a first for Proton. The dashboard carries coastal-inspired 3D textures, oval Congkak-style air vents, and dual-tone leatherette seats in the Premium variant.
Small details also make daily driving easier, including repositioned gear lever with illuminated shift markers, teh tarik hook, side-by-side cupholders, and extra rear USB ports.
While the design feels upscale, Proton has kept physical air-cond knobs — a nod to practicality Malaysian drivers appreciate.
Safety and Smarts: ADAS Joins the Saga
For the first time ever, the Saga enters the modern safety league with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on the Premium variant. Using a monocular front camera and rear radar, it offers:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Lane Change Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Collision Warning
- Door Opening Warning
Supporting these are six airbags, a reinforced Reinforced Safety Structure (RESS) with HPF materials, and the shift to electric power steering for smoother control.
The model has already secured a provisional 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating under the latest 2021–2025 protocol, making it one of the safest entry-level sedans in its class.
Designed, Engineered, and Built by Malaysians
This fourth-generation Saga is more than just a facelift, it’s a statement. It represents Proton’s capability to design, engineer, and validate a complete vehicle using local expertise, supported by Geely’s global collaboration network.
As Proton Edar’s deputy CEO Zhang Qiang puts it, the new Saga “marks a new era of Malaysian automotive pride, crafted by Malaysians, for Malaysians.”
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L i-GT 4-cylinder NA |
| Power/Torque | 120 hp / 150 Nm |
| Transmission | CVT (Premium) / 4AT (Standard & Executive) |
| Fuel Efficiency | 4.9L/100 km (CVT) |
| Platform | Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) |
| Safety | 6 airbags, AEB, Lane Departure, BSM, RCTA |
| Infotainment | Dual 16-inch display, Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Variants | Standard, Executive, Premium |
