Verdict
At RM38,600, the Perodua Axia undercuts the RM38,990 Proton Saga by just RM390, but the choice is not that close in use. The Saga’s 1.5 litre engine produces 118 hp and 150 Nm against the Axia’s 67 hp and 91 Nm, and its 420-litre boot is 155 litres larger. The Axia answers with RM20 annual road tax versus RM90, a 265-litre boot, five doors and a 2,525 mm wheelbase. Pick the Saga for performance and equipment; pick the Axia for the lower tax bill and shorter 3,760 mm footprint.
Pick the Perodua Axia if a RM20 annual road-tax bill, five-door access and a 3,760 mm body matter more than outright performance and boot capacity.
Pick the Proton Saga if you want 118 hp, 150 Nm, a 420-litre boot and standard LED projector headlamps, reverse camera and keyless push-button start.
Key differences
- Price: Perodua Axia RM38,600; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Engine output: Perodua Axia 67 hp and 91 Nm; Proton Saga 118 hp and 150 Nm.
- Boot space: Perodua Axia 265 litres; Proton Saga 420 litres.
- Length: Perodua Axia 3,760 mm; Proton Saga 4,390 mm.
- Annual road tax: Perodua Axia RM20; Proton Saga RM90.
- Wheelbase: Perodua Axia 2,525 mm; Proton Saga 2,465 mm.
Axia
- RM390 cheaper to buy and RM70 cheaper in annual road tax.
- Five doors in a 3,760 mm hatchback body.
- Full-size 14-inch steel spare tyre and seatbelt reminders for all seats.
- 67 hp and 91 Nm trail the Saga’s 118 hp and 150 Nm.
- 265-litre boot is 155 litres smaller than the Saga’s 420 litres.
- Manual key, halogen reflector headlamps and no reverse camera.
Saga
- 118 hp and 150 Nm from the 1.5 litre engine.
- 420-litre boot, LED projector headlamps and full LED tail lamps.
- Keyless push-button start, reverse camera, auto headlamps and steering audio controls.
- RM390 dearer to buy, with RM90 annual road tax versus the Axia’s RM20.
- 4,390 mm body is 630 mm longer than the Axia.
- Space-saver spare tyre instead of the Axia’s full-size spare.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM38,600✓ | RM38,990 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Segment | A-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM20✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 998 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 67 hp | 118 hp✓ |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 150 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 71 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | D-CVT | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 25.3 L/100 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,760 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,655 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,505 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,525 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 865 kg | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 36 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 265 litres | 420 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 175/65R14 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 175/65R14 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size 14" Steel | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Toyo Proxes CR1 | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 14" 8-spoke Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 14" 8-spoke Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | 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 |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Bulb | Full LED |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Foldable Backrest | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 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 Two Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| 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 Axia & Saga for sale
Axia vs Saga FAQ
Is the Perodua Axia or Proton Saga better?
The Proton Saga is better for performance, luggage space and equipment: it has 118 hp, 150 Nm and a 420-litre boot. The Perodua Axia suits buyers prioritising lower annual road tax, five doors and a shorter body.
What is the price difference?
The Perodua Axia costs RM38,600 and the Proton Saga costs RM38,990, so the Saga is RM390 more expensive. Annual road tax is RM20 for the Axia and RM90 for the Saga.
Which has the larger boot, the Perodua Axia or Proton Saga?
The Proton Saga has the larger boot at 420 litres, compared with 265 litres in the Perodua Axia. That is a 155-litre advantage for the Saga.
