Verdict
At RM49,990, the pricier Proton Saga is RM5,000 above the RM44,990 version, but that gap buys a major safety step up: six airbags instead of two, plus autonomous braking, collision warning, blind spot information and lane-departure warning. It also swaps the named Aisin four-speed automatic for a CVT, adds automatic high beam and folding mirrors. Both retain the same 118 hp, 150 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine and 420-litre boot, so Malaysian buyers choosing the cheaper car are saving cash, not losing space or power. Safety-conscious families should pay the extra.
Pick the Proton Saga if RM44,990, a named Aisin four-speed automatic and the same 118 hp engine are enough for your needs.
Pick the Proton Saga if you can stretch RM5,000 for six airbags, autonomous braking, blind spot information and a CVT.
Key differences
- Price: RM44,990 vs RM49,990.
- Transmission: Aisin four-speed conventional automatic vs CVT automatic.
- Weight: 1,065 kg vs 1,085 kg.
- Airbags: 2 vs 6.
- Driver assistance: no autonomous braking, collision warning or blind spot information vs all three fitted.
- Wheels: 15-inch alloy wheels vs 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
Executive
- RM5,000 lower purchase price
- Named Aisin four-speed automatic
- 20 kg lighter
- Only two airbags versus six
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or blind spot information
- No automatic high beam or folding wing mirrors
Premium
- Six airbags
- Autonomous braking, collision warning and blind spot information
- CVT, automatic high beam and folding wing mirrors
- Costs RM5,000 more
- 20 kg heavier
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM44,990✓ | RM49,990 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | A-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 4-speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 4 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | — | 175 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,390 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,690 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,525 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,465 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 1,065 kg | 1,085 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 420 litres | 420 litres |
| Front Tyre | 185/55R15 | 185/55R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 185/55R15 | 185/55R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Atlas AS380 | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy | 15" Two-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy | 15" Two-tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| 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 |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Automatic High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Foldable Backrest | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 2 USB-A Rear | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 2 USB-A Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4 Spekers | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4 Spekers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | 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 cars for sale
Executive vs Premium FAQ
Is the Proton Saga or Proton Saga better?
The RM49,990 Proton Saga is the better-equipped choice because it has six airbags, autonomous braking, collision warning and blind spot information. The RM44,990 Proton Saga is the better buy if those safety additions are not essential.
What is the price difference?
The price difference is RM5,000: RM44,990 for the lower-priced Proton Saga and RM49,990 for the pricier one.
Does the pricier Proton Saga have more power?
No. Both use a 1,499 cc naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 118 hp at 6,100 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The transmission changes from a four-speed automatic to a CVT.
