Verdict
The Proton Saga P2-14A MC3 is the clear new-car choice if the RM6,875 gap fits the budget. Its 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 118 hp and 150 Nm against the BLM Facelift’s 94 hp and 120 Nm, while adding a four-speed automatic, ABS/EBD, stability control and a reverse camera. The older BLM Facelift remains the simpler, lighter proposition at 1,017 kg and has wider 185/60R14 tyres, but its manual-only drivetrain and absence of key safety aids make it better suited to a budget-led used purchase.
Pick the Proton Saga BLM Facelift if you want the lower-cost, 1,017-kg manual sedan and can accept fewer safety and convenience features.
Pick the Proton Saga P2-14A MC3 if you want 118 hp, a conventional automatic, stability control and a five-year/150,000-km warranty.
Key differences
- Price: Proton Saga BLM Facelift RM32,115; Proton Saga P2-14A MC3 RM38,990.
- Engine output: BLM Facelift 94 hp and 120 Nm; P2-14A MC3 118 hp and 150 Nm.
- Transmission: BLM Facelift five-speed manual; P2-14A MC3 four-speed conventional automatic.
- Safety: BLM Facelift has two airbags without ABS/EBD or stability control; P2-14A MC3 has two airbags, ABS/EBD and stability control.
- Size and boot: BLM Facelift is 4,278 mm long with a 413-litre boot; P2-14A MC3 is 4,390 mm long with a 420-litre boot.
- Warranty: BLM Facelift has three years/100,000 km; P2-14A MC3 has five years/150,000 km.
BLM Facelift
- 38 kg lighter at 1,017 kg
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Wider 185/60R14 tyres
- Less power and torque: 94 hp/120 Nm versus 118 hp/150 Nm
- No ABS/EBD, stability control, ISOFIX or reverse camera
- Shorter three-year/100,000-km warranty
P2-14A MC3
- 118 hp and 150 Nm 1.5-litre engine
- ABS/EBD, stability control and rear ISOFIX
- Reverse camera, Bluetooth and keyless push-button start
- Costs RM6,875 more
- 38 kg heavier at 1,055 kg
- Narrower 175/65R14 tyres
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM32,115✓ | RM38,990 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | A-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 1,332 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 94 hp at 5,750 rpm | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 76 mm × 73.4 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 5MT | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 5 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 13 seconds | — |
| Rated Economy | 5.7 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,278 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,680 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,520 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,465 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 1,017 kg | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 413 litres | 420 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 185/60R14 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 185/60R14 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 14" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 14" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | 3 stars — Proton S16 with 2 airbag and no stability control | — |
| ASEAN NCAP | 3 stars — With 2 airbags and no stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 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 |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | 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, 1 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | Radio CD Player | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows | 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 |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 km✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | Power Window Lifetime Warranty. Free labour for 1,000 km, 10,000 km and 20,000 km intervals | — |
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
BLM Facelift vs P2-14A MC3 FAQ
Is the Proton Saga BLM Facelift or Proton Saga P2-14A MC3 better?
The Proton Saga P2-14A MC3 is better for most buyers. It has 24 hp and 30 Nm more, an automatic transmission, ABS/EBD, stability control, ISOFIX and a longer five-year/150,000-km warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Proton Saga P2-14A MC3 costs RM6,875 more than the Proton Saga BLM Facelift.
Which Saga has better safety equipment?
The Proton Saga P2-14A MC3 has the stronger safety kit: two airbags plus ABS/EBD, stability control, front-seat belt reminders and ISOFIX on the two outer rear seats. The BLM Facelift has two airbags but lacks ABS/EBD and stability control.
