Subcompact cars are popular because of their affordability and ease of maintenance. The Proton Saga is one such option. It offers ample power under the hood to tackle city and highway roads. Its interiors are also quite comfortable, being equipped with modern technology. Additionally, the Proton Saga comes in different trims to meet the diverse needs of buyers. That said, if considering buying this car, it is important to know its variants and key features.

Variants and price
The 2024 Proton Saga sedan comes in a few affordable trims. For instance, the base trim is available in the country at a starting price of RM 34,800, while the Premium S AT sells for RM 44,800. Of course, these are not the only options one has. One can also consider other variants like the Standard Lite AT priced at RM 38,300, the Standard AT priced at RM 38,800, and the Premium AT priced at RM 41,800. The overall upfront price can go up if one opts for additional features.

Key features

1. Engine, transmission, and tank capacity
The Proton Saga has a straightforward yet capable under-the-hood setup, with a 1.3-litre petrol engine paired with a four-cylinder, DOHC variable-valve transmission. The engine can generate up to 70 kW and a maximum torque of 120 Nm. One can also get the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission with certain Proton Saga trims. One can expect a 40-litre tank capacity and a decent fuel economy, between 5.9 litre/100km to 7.0 litre/km. That said, the exact numbers can differ based on the driving style and road conditions.

2. Steering and handling
The Proton Saga offers exceptional steering and handling dynamics compared to its competitors in the segment. All trims come with hydraulic power steering, which makes it easy for the driver to manoeuvre the sedan on most terrains. The rear brakes feature a drum design, which, combined with the ventilated front discs, offers a balanced braking nature that is neither too stiff nor soft. The base variant comes with the 175/65 R14 steel wheels, while the higher trim levels, like the 1.3L Standard Lite AT and 1.3L Standard AT, come with a 175/65 R14 alloy wheels setup. If one wants to get the 185/55 R15 alloy wheels, they would have to opt for the Proton Saga 1.3L Premium AT or the 1.3L Premium S AT.

3. Exterior
Proton ensures that the exterior design, like the rest of the Saga, is as straightforward as it gets. The headlamps of the sedan come with halogen bulbs. One could get daytime running lamps on the higher trims. Door mirrors with turn signal lamps may come with manual or automatic controls depending on the variant one chooses. Additionally, while side skirtings, a trunk spoiler, and remote trunk release are standard on all trims, the front skirtings are limited to the top model.

4. Interior
The 2024 Proton Saga does not compromise on its interiors. For instance, the steering wheel in the car (except for the top model) is made from urethane and has a leatherette finish. This construction makes the steering easy to grip. Other standard features inside the cabin include a steering tilt adjuster, an LCD segmented multi-info display, an ECO drive assist, and keyless entry via the included remote. Select trims come with steering switches for audio and hands-free telephone access. The 2024 Proton Saga 1.3L Premium S AT has an intelligent entry with a push-start system to ease access and use of the car. Power windows, driver seat height adjusters, air-conditioning with N95 cabin filter, and a 12V power socket are a few standard features one can find in each trim of the sedan.

5. Infotainment
Proton has equipped the Saga with a standard set of key infotainment features so that the driver and occupants are entertained throughout the journey, especially on long drives. For instance, the car has a standard audio unit with tactile buttons on most trims and two standard speakers. Bluetooth connectivity is also standard in each variant. What’s different about the trims 1.3L Premium AT and 1.3L Premium S AT is that they get a 7-inch touchscreen monitor with Android connectivity and four speakers for an enhanced auditory experience. The top trim’s entertainment unit also offers iOS compatibility. Other features are a single USB port on each model and two charging ports standard on all trims except the base variant.

6. Safety and security
Various safety and security features come standard on the Proton Saga lineup. For instance, all trims have two SRS airbags in the front to protect passengers during a collision. Other standard features are a rear seat ISOFIX and top tether anchorage points (for securing child car seats), anti-lock braking, electronic brake distribution, rear parking sensors, and brake assist. One may have to choose the higher priced variants for safety features like electronic stability control, traction control system, hill hold assist, and a reverse camera. The top two trims also come with two front parking sensors to make docking the vehicle in tight spaces easier.

To choose the right Proton Saga variant, it is important to compare available trims and schedule a test drive. This will help one choose a model that meets most requirements.