The 2026 Proton Saga MC3 may have been launched in Malaysia for almost a week now, but this is the first time we’re clapping eyes on the RM37,990 (after the RM1k early-bird rebate) Standard variant. Feast your eyes on this full showroom gallery as we take you on a tour.
But first, we must note that all showroom display cars in the Klang Valley are of the Premium and Executive variants only, so we intercepted this customer car before delivery, courtesy of the Proton Sianghin Auto showroom in Taman Melawati.
Let’s start with the exterior – you still get LED projector headlamps, but they’re not automatic (Executive and Premium only) and there’s no auto high beam (Premium only). Those L-shaped LEDs are still there, but they’re used as positioning lamps rather than DRLs (they’re not as bright and do not automatically come on when the engine is started).
However, we checked and found that the part number is the same as the Executive variant, so the difference is merely in the software – we’re sure the resourceful will find a way to reactivate them soon enough.
Moving on, there are no front parking sensors, and the Ethereal Bow (the thing that ‘cups’ the Proton logo in the grille) and door handle decorative strips are finished in silver instead of the chrome you get on the Executive and Premium. The Standard is also the only variant with 14-inch alloys, taken from the old MC2.
Unlike the Executive and Premium, there’s no keyless entry here (so there’s no button on the driver’s door handle) but there’s keyless start at least. All Saga variants use the same new key fob (no more flip key like before). On the Standard, you’ll have to first thumb the key fob to unlock the doors, then get in and press the engine start button.
Along the side, you’ll see body-coloured B-pillars (only the Premium gets them in black) and no side skirts (also Premium only), although the mirror caps are still black. Because the Executive doesn’t get full-width tail lamps and an outside boot release button, the Standard obviously doesn’t either. There isn’t even a reverse camera or a lamp inside the boot – you’d need at least the Executive to get these.
Inside, the steering wheel is polyurethane (only the Premium’s is leather-wrapped) but at least it contains all the same buttons as the other variants (the previous Saga Standard had no steering wheel buttons whatsoever). You also still get a digital instrument panel, when the similarly-priced Axia G has analogue gauges and not even a rev counter.
The one you most want to see is the head unit. Unlike the other variants’ nine-inch touch-screen, the Standard gets a basic radio with Bluetooth, although it uses more modern-looking capacitive-touch buttons instead of physical ones.
No screen, so no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the design of the thing (still connected to the digital instrument panel in one long piece) means fitting an aftermarket screen would not be a straightforward task. There are only two speakers here (the rear door speaker grilles are empty); the other variants get four.
The Standard’s upholstery is plain black fabric as opposed to the Executive’s wavy patterns. The driver’s seat uses the same rotary knob as on the Executive for height adjustment (only the Premium gets the new lever that raises or lowers the entire seat). Like the Executive, there’s no auto-down function for the driver’s window; you’d need the Premium for that. No Saga variant has auto-up windows.
Below the centre air vents sit two rows of buttons flanked by air-con control knobs – the top row is missing the parking sensor button (obviously, since it has no front parking sensors). The bottom row is all blank, but so it is even on the Premium.
Behind the handbrake, you’ll find no USB ports (Executive and Premium only). The front USB port is still there, but it’s for data transfer and charges slowly. Located right in front of the driver’s left knee, it’s an awkward place to stick a pendrive for music. Regarding the back seats, you’ll need to buy at least the Executive to get adjustable headrests and seat back pockets.
The Standard and Executive share the same powertrain and safety equipment – a 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre i-GT four-cylinder engine, an Aisin four-speed auto (Premium gets a Punch CVT), two airbags, stability control and no ADAS (Premium gets six airbags, ADAS and RSRS). The Saga Standard is the only sub-RM40k car in Malaysia with a 1.5 litre engine – give your RM40k to Perodua and you’ll get a 1.0 litre three-potter.
Now, with the exception of crucial safety features like airbags and ADAS, many of the Standard’s omissions can be retrofitted rather easily later on. It remains superb value at RM38k – arguably even more so than the RM44k Executive – but of course it’s best to go for the Premium if budget permits. What are your thoughts on the most affordable new Proton you can buy today?
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Even though this car is a minimalistic variant, it is spacious enough to serve as a basic family car. With good aircond & reasonable fuel consumption, this car will serve the needs of many families as a low maintenance and affordable transport. I am pretty sure some e-hailing drivers will switch to this car soon from the incumbent Bexxa.
i like my Saga FLX 1st batch !.. i still prefer the 3 box design with less front and slope and less rounding edge at the rear. i think this Saga dont need too much slopes and round just to have merz like rear. Saga by default is affordable or economy class car. dont need to ape Merz or any big brand cut lines. it should have it’s own just like what VW who dont ape korean or japanese design cues.
MC3 is still new. so let’s see how it goes after 6 month down the road. i believe there wont be much recall or major defects since it is based on matured components. unless there is something new unreported thus far… good luck Saga MC3.. ‘the Saga will lives on…’
A great super value car. Just wrap pvc seat and install a reverse camera good to go.
Replace rear view mirror to Dashcam with Rear View Camera, improve visibility during rain and night driving too.
Very soon,the Saga bookings will outstrip that of Bezzas.
Imagine a 1.3 Bezza on the road ,50 grand.Add 30% HP interests..the Bezza actually cost Rm65K.
PMX,time to cut ridiculous high car taxes,if u want a second term.Rakyat is waiting.
you forgot beza is a lot more fuel efficient. also PMX should instead raise car taxes on the M40 and T20, then used the money earned to give free money to the B40. like this confirm can rule until 2050 year
other than no physical key fob to atleast open the door in an emergency maybe when battery kong, this is actually a great choice for a first car or anyone that needs a new daily without needing the fancy stuff
Front position lamp macam more useful than the drl, front parking sensor no use at all. A whooping rm6k cheaper than the exec…mmm. The standard variant more worthy to buy if wanna upgrade aftermarket stuffs later.
Standard is always the best choice if you’re the type to do aftermarkets.
imho,saga shld remain 1.3l, just look on the road, many myvi,bezza, saga speeding, tailgating like they r driving a sport car. Even axia drive so fast! As i observe, many drive like racer lack patience and experience. I think the industry shld emphasize on safety, not power, especially for car market to first time car buyer. Even EV or ICE with below 6secs sprint shld need advance driving license. Too fast..
Now 1 car kill 3 bird.
This Saga is awesome.
Since this new Saga’s fuel consumption is almost similar to Bezza’s, does it gain an EEV status? I’m curious why no one speaks about it.
Got, from proton’s website
https://www.proton.com/models/all-new-saga
because the saga fuel consumption really isnt that great . the upcoming emas7 hybrid which weights half a ton more than saga , has more superior FC.
Yes, the salesman said it has EEV status
Compare to the Saga 1.5 I bought ini 1991 for ringgit 31K, this is way way better equipped and improved. Syabas Proton.
Proton give reverse camera also cannot? how expensive can it be?
camera and wiring – will cost 100-200 hundred ringgit, which is not a small amount
It is impressive they can come up with a decent car at 38K. Really impressive that at this price this car comes with ABS.
ADAS is just gimmick for me, I can see where the car is going.
Autonomous emergency breaking is useful, during the times where you play your handphone…
“although it uses more modern-looking capacitive-touch buttons instead of physical ones.”
There’s nothing modern about capacitive in automotive. Major brands are moving back to physical buttons. Capacitive is dangerous.
And yes yes. I know someone is going to mention Tesla to justify their action. It’s dangerous. Period.
Keluar2 showroom terus tukar SSR Type C 15 inci. Perghh..
Yg exec / premium drl lampu depan ada suis tutup ke? Macam standard punya lagi best.
Tak sure hopefully boleh, mcm s70 boleh off drl tu
Sudah angkat version standard. Best. The most cheapest car after Axia Rahmah. Memang berbaloi untuk versi standard.