Verdict
The MG 5 costs RM93,800 against the Proton Saga’s RM38,990, a RM54,810 jump that buys a much larger 4,675 mm body, 2,680 mm wheelbase, 17-inch wheels and a far broader safety suite. Its six airbags, autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and 360-degree camera are meaningful daily-use advantages. But the Saga counters with 118 hp to the MG’s 112 hp and a 420-litre boot, 19 litres more than the MG. For budget-led ownership, the Proton remains hard to ignore; the MG’s case rests on safety, cabin equipment and physical size.
Pick the MG 5 if you will pay RM54,810 more for six airbags, autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera and substantially larger exterior dimensions.
Pick the Proton Saga if a RM38,990 purchase price, 118 hp and a 420-litre boot matter more than advanced driver assistance and cabin equipment.
Key differences
- Price: MG 5 RM93,800; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Safety airbags: MG 5 has 6; Proton Saga has 2.
- Length: MG 5 4,675 mm; Proton Saga 4,390 mm.
- Wheelbase: MG 5 2,680 mm; Proton Saga 2,465 mm.
- Power: MG 5 112 hp; Proton Saga 118 hp.
- Boot space: MG 5 401 litres; Proton Saga 420 litres.
5
- Six airbags plus autonomous braking and blind-spot monitoring.
- 360-degree camera, 10.25-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- 285 mm longer wheelbase and 17-inch alloy wheels.
- Costs RM54,810 more.
- 401-litre boot is 19 litres smaller.
- 112 hp trails the Saga’s 118 hp.
Saga
- RM38,990 entry price.
- 118 hp and 150 Nm from the 1.5-litre petrol engine.
- 420-litre boot is larger than the MG’s.
- Only two airbags versus the MG’s six.
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or blind-spot information system.
- No rear air-con vents, cruise control or telescopic steering adjustment.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM93,800 | RM38,990✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 112 hp at 6,000 rpm | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 150 Nm at 4,500 rpm | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 75 mm × 84.8 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | iCVT | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 11.5 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,675 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,842 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,480 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,680 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 401 litres | 420 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/50R17 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Maxxis Primetra S | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 2 (Driver and Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | One-piece Folding | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vent | — |
| Sunroof | Yes | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | — |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 7 Years/Unlimited Mileage Warranty on Powertrain | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 5 & Saga for sale
5 vs Saga FAQ
Is the MG 5 or Proton Saga better?
The MG 5 is better equipped for safety and comfort, with six airbags, autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera and rear air-con vents. The Proton Saga is the stronger budget choice, costing RM54,810 less while producing 118 hp and carrying 420 litres in its boot.
What is the price difference?
The MG 5 costs RM54,810 more than the Proton Saga. The MG is RM93,800, while the Saga is RM38,990.
Which car has more boot space?
The Proton Saga has the larger boot at 420 litres. The MG 5 provides 401 litres, a 19-litre deficit despite its larger 4,675 mm exterior length.
