Verdict
The Axia costs RM33,900, RM5,090 less than the Saga, and its RM20 annual road tax is RM70 lower. It is also 190 kg lighter and has a 60 mm longer 2,525 mm wheelbase, despite being 630 mm shorter. The Saga answers with far more muscle: 118 hp and 150 Nm versus 67 hp and 91 Nm. Its 420-litre boot, LED projector headlamps, reverse camera and keyless push-button start make it the more useful sedan, but the Axia is the lower-cost city car with a full-size spare.
Pick the Perodua Axia if lower upfront and annual costs, a shorter 3,760 mm hatchback body and a full-size spare matter more than power and boot volume.
Pick the Proton Saga if you need 118 hp, 150 Nm and a 420-litre boot, and will pay more for its sedan body and extra convenience equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Perodua Axia RM33,900; 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 and wheelbase: Perodua Axia 3,760 mm and 2,525 mm; Proton Saga 4,390 mm and 2,465 mm.
- Kerb weight and road tax: Perodua Axia 865 kg and RM20/year; Proton Saga 1,055 kg and RM90/year.
- Transmission: Perodua Axia Aisin D-CVT; Proton Saga Aisin four-speed conventional automatic.
Axia
- RM5,090 lower purchase price and RM70 lower annual road tax.
- 190 kg lighter, with a 2,525 mm wheelbase.
- Full-size 14-inch steel spare tyre.
- 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.
- No reverse camera, keyless push-button start or LED projector headlamps.
Saga
- 118 hp and 150 Nm from the 1.5-litre engine.
- 420-litre boot in a 4,390 mm sedan body.
- LED projector headlamps, reverse camera and keyless push-button start.
- RM5,090 more expensive, with RM90 annual road tax versus RM20.
- 1,055 kg kerb weight is 190 kg higher.
- Space-saver spare tyre instead of the Axia's full-size spare.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM33,900✓ | 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 at 6,000 rpm | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 91 Nm at 4,400 rpm | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 3 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 71 mm × 84 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 | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 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 |
| 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 Saga is better for power, luggage space and equipment, with 118 hp, a 420-litre boot and a reverse camera. The Axia is better for lower purchase and road-tax costs, a shorter hatchback body and a full-size spare.
What is the price difference?
The Proton Saga costs RM5,090 more than the Perodua Axia. Its annual road tax is also RM70 higher: RM90 versus RM20.
Which car has the bigger boot?
The Proton Saga has the bigger boot at 420 litres, compared with 265 litres in the Perodua Axia. That is a 155-litre advantage for the sedan.
