Verdict
At RM38,990, the Proton Saga costs RM67,810 less than the RM106,800 Proton X70, and that is a vast gap for a Malaysian buyer. The Saga is the easier-sized 4,390 mm sedan, 520 kg lighter and carries RM90 annual road tax, but its 118 hp and 150 Nm naturally aspirated 1.5 litre works through a four-speed automatic. The X70 brings 178 hp, 290 Nm, a seven-speed wet dual-clutch, 515-litre boot, multi-link rear suspension and far more cabin equipment. Buy the Saga for budget-led ownership; pay for the X70 only if its space, performance and hardware matter daily.
Pick the Proton Saga if RM38,990 pricing, a smaller 4,390 mm footprint and lower RM90 annual road tax matter more than power, cargo room and equipment.
Pick the Proton X70 if you need 178 hp and 290 Nm, a 515-litre boot, six airbags and a better-equipped five-seat SUV.
Key differences
- Price: Proton Saga RM38,990; Proton X70 RM106,800.
- Power and torque: Proton Saga 118 hp and 150 Nm; Proton X70 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- Transmission: Proton Saga four-speed conventional automatic; Proton X70 seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic with manual mode.
- Dimensions: Proton Saga 4,390 mm long and 1,690 mm wide; Proton X70 4,532 mm long and 1,831 mm wide.
- Boot space: Proton Saga 420 litres; Proton X70 515 litres.
- Airbags: Proton Saga driver and passenger airbags; Proton X70 driver, passenger, front side and front/rear curtain airbags.
Saga
- RM67,810 cheaper to buy.
- Smaller 4,390 mm sedan and 1,055 kg kerb weight.
- Lower RM90 annual road tax.
- 118 hp and 150 Nm trail the X70's 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- Four-speed automatic versus the X70's seven-speed wet dual-clutch.
- 420-litre boot and two airbags fall short of the X70's 515 litres and wider airbag coverage.
X70
- 178 hp, 290 Nm and a seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic.
- 515-litre boot, 60:40 split-folding rear seats and a 60-litre fuel tank.
- Dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, front-seat ventilation and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
- RM106,800 costs RM67,810 more than the Saga.
- 1,575 kg kerb weight is 520 kg heavier than the Saga.
- RM120 annual road tax is RM30 higher than the Saga's.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM38,990✓ | RM106,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | A-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90✓ | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 178 hp✓ |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 290 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 4-speed Automatic | 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission with Manual Mode |
| Gears | 4 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Geely |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,390 mm | 4,532 mm |
| Width | 1,690 mm | 1,831 mm |
| Height | 1,525 mm | 1,694 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,465 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Weight | 1,055 kg | 1,575 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 60 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 420 litres | 515 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 175/65R14 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 175/65R14 | 225/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Atlas AS380 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 14" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 14" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| 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 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat, Front Seat Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | Foldable Backrest | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Air Purifier System & Air Ionizer |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | 12.3" Touchscreen Atlas OS Infotainment System with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, eSIM, Voice Control and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button with Remote Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| 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 Saga & X70 for sale
Saga vs X70 FAQ
Is the Proton Saga or Proton X70 better?
The Proton X70 is better equipped and substantially stronger, with 178 hp, 290 Nm, six-airbag coverage and a 515-litre boot. The Proton Saga is the better choice when purchase cost, its smaller footprint and RM90 annual road tax are the priority.
What is the price difference?
The Proton X70 costs RM67,810 more than the Proton Saga.
Which has more boot space, the Proton Saga or Proton X70?
The Proton X70 has the larger boot at 515 litres, 95 litres more than the Proton Saga's 420 litres. It also has a 60:40 split-folding rear backrest, while the Saga has a foldable rear backrest.
