Proton Saga

No major changes were given for the 2022 Proton Saga MC2 facelift, with the main update being a new highest variant that keeps the Proton Saga competitive against its chief rival, the Perodua Bezza. This means that there are now 4 variants of the Proton Saga currently on sale today, and each of them is powered by a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder NA engine that is mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission of a 4-speed automatic ‘box. Every variant is priced a few thousand ringgit more than the pre-facelift models.

Proton Saga Standard MT : RM34,400
Proton Saga Standard AT : RM38,300
Proton Saga Premium AT : RM41,300
Proton Saga Premium S : RM44,300

The exterior changes to the 2022 Proton Saga MC2 are trifling. It has the same bumpers and lights at both ends, which means there is still no LED technology on the car, while only the grille is slightly different with Proton’s new round logo making an appearance.

Most significant exterior updates are found on the Proton Saga Premium S variant. There is a red strip across the front of the car, a front bumper skirt, side skirts, black number plate ornamentation, and black-painted wing mirror caps. Again, only the Proton Saga Premium S gets a two-tone 15-inch rim – the rest have the same rim in a single solid silver colour.

The updates to the interior are more significant that the exterior for the Proton Saga MC2. The centre console has been redesigned, and a larger cubby has replaced the tiny phone slot of the previous iteration. Next to the cupholders is a new storage pad, which is again, a better use of space in this area.

Just like the exterior, the Proton Saga Premium S’s interior is not like its siblings. There are prominent red highlights everywhere, and its steering wheel is wrap in leather, while its seats are semi-leather units. All other variants get fabric seats, and on the Proton Saga Premium they get a restrained quilted pattern.

The 7.0-inch touchscreen makes a return in the Proton Saga Premium, with only Andoird connectivity. On the Proton Saga Premium S, the same touchscreen is used, but here it is a new OS with updated graphics that supports iOS and Android through screen mirroring.

Besides this, the Proton Saga Premium S gets keyless entry with push-start, auto-down power window, auto-folding wing mirrors, and an exterior boot-release button. Other variants have to open the boot from the inside, or via the key fob.

Standard across the variants are two airbags, ABS/EBD/BA, rear seat ISOFIX mounts, while ESC and Hill Hold Assist are available for every variant except the Proton Saga Standard MT.

The engine and tranmissions are the same as the previous iteration of the car. Powering the Proton Saga MC2 is a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder NA DOHC VVT engine that can be paired to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, and this unit is good for 95 PS (94 hp) at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

We think the previous 2020 Proton Saga has the best-in-class ride and handling, and since no changes has been made to the setup of the new Proton Saga MC2, it looks to take over the title as well.

Good body control does not come at the expense of ride comfort, as the suspension does an admirable job of ironing out bumps and smoothening out potholes.

The Proton Saga MC2, in either the manual and automatic transmission variant, posts the same fuel consumption figure of 6.7 l/100km (14.9 km/l).

Even at its most expensive price point, the Proton Saga MC2 is a great budget A-segment sedan that is anchored by excellent engineering fundamentals that make it the car with the best-in-class ride and handling. However, it is still lacking behind its chief rival in terms of features – the range-topping Perodua Bezza has everything and the kitchen sink, and is only priced at RM48k, which is just a few thousand ringgit more.