Verdict
At RM62,500, the Ativa costs RM23,510 more than the RM38,990 Saga, but it brings six airbags instead of two, autonomous braking with pedestrian detection and lane-keeping steering correction. The Saga answers with 118 hp and 150 Nm against the Ativa’s 97 hp and 140 Nm, plus a 420-litre boot to the SUV’s 369 litres. Buyers prioritising active safety and a 5.3 L/100 km rated figure have a clear Ativa case; those needing the larger boot and lower entry cost should start with the Saga.
Pick the Perodua Ativa if active safety matters most, with six airbags, pedestrian-detecting autonomous braking and lane-keeping steering correction.
Pick the Proton Saga if you want to spend RM23,510 less, carry 420 litres of luggage and have 118 hp on tap.
Key differences
- Price: Perodua Ativa RM62,500; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Power and torque: Ativa 97 hp and 140 Nm; Saga 118 hp and 150 Nm.
- Safety: Ativa has 6 airbags and autonomous braking with pedestrian detection; Saga has 2 airbags and no autonomous braking listed.
- Boot space: Ativa 369 litres; Saga 420 litres.
- Dimensions: Ativa is 4,065 mm long and 1,635 mm tall; Saga is 4,390 mm long and 1,525 mm tall.
- Road tax: Ativa RM20 per year; Saga RM90 per year.
Ativa
- Six airbags, versus two in the Saga.
- Autonomous braking with pedestrian detection and lane-keeping steering correction.
- 5.3 L/100 km rated economy and a full-size 16-inch alloy spare wheel.
- RM23,510 more expensive than the Saga.
- 369-litre boot is 51 litres smaller than the Saga’s 420 litres.
- 97 hp and 140 Nm trail the Saga’s 118 hp and 150 Nm.
Saga
- RM23,510 lower purchase price.
- 118 hp, 150 Nm and a 420-litre boot.
- Reverse camera, steering audio controls and a full LCD instrument monitor.
- Two airbags versus the Ativa’s six.
- No autonomous braking with pedestrian detection or lane-keeping steering correction.
- Two speakers, against the Ativa’s four-speaker audio system.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM62,500 | RM38,990✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM20✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged and Intercooled with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 996 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 97 hp at 6,000 rpm | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 140 Nm at 2,400 rpm | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 3 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 71 mm × 83.9 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | D-CVT | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Akashi Kikai | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 5.3 L/100 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,065 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,710 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,525 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 1,020 kg | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 36 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 369 litres | 420 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/60R16 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/60R16 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size 16" Alloy | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2 | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion | 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 | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Safety Notes | Front Departure Alert, Pedal Misoperation Control | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflectors with Automatic High Beam | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con (Digital Controls with Memory Function) | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Four Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up/Down | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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 Ativa & Saga for sale
Ativa vs Saga FAQ
Is the Perodua Ativa or Proton Saga better?
The Ativa is better for safety equipment, with six airbags, pedestrian-detecting autonomous braking and lane-keeping steering correction. The Saga is better for lower cost, output and luggage capacity: 118 hp, 150 Nm and a 420-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Perodua Ativa costs RM23,510 more than the Proton Saga. That gap buys six airbags instead of two, autonomous braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping steering correction and a 5.3 L/100 km rated fuel-consumption figure.
Which has the bigger boot?
The Proton Saga has the bigger boot at 420 litres, compared with 369 litres in the Perodua Ativa. The Ativa counters with a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, while the Saga lists a foldable rear backrest.
