Proton has unveiled the long awaited iconic model that has been in the family since inception, the 2019 Proton Saga holds dearly to most Malaysians as much as the first Saga that rolled out of the factory floor in 1985.
Priced at RM32,800 for the manual, RM35,800 for the auto and a premium model at RM39,800 the updated version of the car has received styling revisions, a brand new four-speed automatic gearbox and some nifty smart features that are usually not found in a RM30k vehicle.
Positioned to grab your attention, the most noticeable change is the floating 7-inch touchscreen monitor found on the premium model. It is used to control the infotainment system and comes with Bluetooth connectivity, 16GB of internal storage and smartphone connectivity for Android phones. It also has a new centre panel, a new meter combination display with Eco Drive Assist and has up to 3 USB ports.
Convenience features new to the 2019 Saga include a remote trunk release, a sun visor with a ticket holder and mirror, LED map lamps and new assist grips to match the new headlining material.
Mechanically, the biggest change is the fitment of a new four-speed automatic in place of the CVT previously used. PROTON’s engineers then concentrated on improving braking performance, Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels and the ride and handling balance while adding a class-leading level of safety equipment.
The brakes for instance are now the same as those fitted to the bigger Proton Iriz and Persona while the use of a new four-speed automatic gearbox affords drivers better manual control of the gears during spirited driving.
Safety equipment consists of Antilock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) for all three variants together with twin front airbags, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX mounting points with top tethers. The Premium variant adds Hill Hold Assist, front parking sensors, a reversing camera and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with a Traction Control System (TCS). By fitting the last two items, the 2019 Saga becomes the only car priced below RM40,000 to be fitted with ESC and TCS.
With added features and accessories, the 2019 variant will be even cheaper than its predecessor, another winner for Proton.
