Despite an increasing number of buyers flocking towards SUVs in recent years, it’s refreshing to see manufacturers continue to offer the traditional three-box sedan for those who do not want an SUV.

Come 2022, there are roughly 5 new sedans earmarked for Malaysia, ranging from the humble Proton Saga to the electrifying BMW i4. Strap in.

2022 Proton Saga – Improving upon a proven formula?

Two years ago when Proton revamped the Proton Saga, they replaced the Punch-sourced CVT transmission with a Hyundai-sourced 4-speed automatic, as well as refreshing the A-segment sedan’s exterior and interior.

Also Read: See the evolution of Proton’s logo from 1985 till today

But Proton didn’t stop there; back in November, a white Proton Saga was spotted, hiding some updates that Proton is cooking up for its sedan.

Also Read: Spied: Proton Saga now with new round Proton logo, bodykit and wheels, launching in 2022?

First amongst which is the new circular Proton emblem, new wheels, as well as front and side skirts. Even the mirror caps are finished in black – something that’s not found on regular variants of the Saga.

Also Read: A Step Backwards? Here’s Why The Proton Saga 1.3L Facelift Uses A 4AT

That said, the upcoming 2022 Proton Saga is expected to remain unchanged mechanically. A naturally-aspirated 1.3-litre petrol engine is expected to soldier on, outputting 95 PS and 120 Nm.

Also Read: Export-spec Proton Saga launched in Pakistan, R3 variant gets a manual!

2022 FE Honda Civic – The long-awaited successor to the throne

It felt like it was yesterday when Honda Malaysia debuted the FC-generation Honda Civic, but in reality, it was almost 6 years ago. How time flies, eh?

As the FC-generation Civic nears the end of its lifecycle, Honda Malaysia has begun teasing its replacement model, the FE-generation Civic. They even organized a media-only event for us to sample the new sedan at the Sepang International Circuit.

Also Read: All-new 2022 Honda Civic FE says Hello Malaysia, bookings opened

Needless to say, after that preview drive, the FE-generation Civic has smitten quite a few of us in the office, so much so that one of our writers, Arvind, went as far as to compare it against the BMW 3 Series.

Also Read: Review: 2022 Honda Civic FE – Forget baby Accord, it’s on par with the 3 Series

Definitely one to watch out for next year.

2022 Toyota Camry facelift – Dynamic Force will change the Camry

The XV70-generation Toyota Camry is a massive step-up from the model it replaces. But, as impressive as the model is, its dated 2.5-litre 2AR-FE engine definitely feels several generations behind the competition.

With the introduction of the facelifted Toyota Camry next year, it’s almost definite that the D-segment sedan will be getting the more advanced Dynamic Force engine.

Also Read: Malaysia to launch 2022 Toyota Camry facelift soon, Dynamic Force engine confirmed?

But that’s not all – the 6-speed automatic will also make way for an 8-speed automatic.

Just don’t expect the Camry facelift to be cheap. When Toyota Australia launched the facelifted Camry earlier this year (Aussies also had the 2AR-FE-powered Camry like us), prices went up by roughly AUD 2,000 (~RM 6,249).

Being an imported-from-Thailand model, local taxes in Malaysia will amplify whatever price premium the Dynamic Force engine brings with it.

Subaru WRX – Rally-bred performance for the keen drivers

Volume seller it is not, but the Subaru WRX returns for another generation – something which the old rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution couldn’t gloat about.

During the debut of the facelifted Subaru XV, TC Subaru has confirmed that the all-new Subaru WRX will launch in Malaysia next year, complemented by the equally-new Subaru BRZ, Subaru Outback, and Subaru WRX Wagon – the latter is essentially the second-generation Subaru Levorg, but with a new name.

Also Read: Sales down 30% in 2021, TC Subaru aims for 3,000 units in 2022. BRZ, Outback, WRX, all coming, no Solterra

Codenamed VB, the all-new Subaru WRX gets a turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four FA24 engine that does 275 PS and 375 Nm. Power is deployed to all four wheels via Subaru’s proven Symmetrical AWD system, while transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.

BMW i4 – BMW’s EV offensive continues to expand

Following the debut of the BMW iX in Malaysia, BMW Malaysia has a few more electric vehicle (EV) launches up their sleeves – the BMW i4 is just one of them.

Thanks to its massive 84-kWh battery pack, BMW says that the i4 offers a 590 km driving range under the WLTP cycle – enough for you to drive from Johor to Ipoh with one charge.

Also Read: BMW i4 launching in Malaysia soon; Johor to Ipoh in one charge

On top of that, the BMW i4 offers 340 PS and 430 Nm, dispatching the century sprint in just 5.7 seconds.

Registration of interest for the BMW i4 was opened a few months ago, with the launch set to happen some time in 2022.

Also Read: BMW Malaysia drops 2021 BMW i4 teaser, 530 PS sedan launching in Q4

W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class – Should the 3 Series be worried?

Mercedes-Benz debuted the all-new W206 C-Class back in February, and the compact executive sedan reached European dealerships a month later.

Almost every bit you see on the W206 C-Class has its inspiration drawn from the larger W223 S-Class, including its styling cues. Even its massive 11.9 inches infotainment display is inspired by the S-Class (S-Class’ display is 12.8 inches).

Also Read: All-new 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206) debuts; no more hood ornament, rear-wheel steering

The W206 C-Class can also be had with rear-wheel steering, though chances of this feature finding its way to Malaysian-units are slim; even the pricier S-Class makes do without this feature.

Also Read: Old vs New: 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206), like the new design better?

Just don’t expect the W206 C-Class to be cheap, as starting prices for the new-generation model could start from the RM 300k mark.

Also Read: W206 Mercedes C200 to hit RM 300k price tag in Malaysia

Wapcar’s comment:

Although new sedan launches in 2022 will be rather limited, compared to SUVs, each and every model in this list has its merit: there's no doubt that the FE Civic will be a crowd-favourite, while those shopping for a large D-segment sedan cannot ignore the Camry. 

On the other end of the scale, the humble little Proton Saga accomplishes what its supposed to do really well, receiving praises from owners and the media alike. Here's to hoping that the updated model improves upon its proven formula. 

Remember, our crystal ball isn't all-knowing by any means, as there could be launches that we may not be aware of. For what it's worth, these six sedans are almost certainly going on sale in 2022. Which one is your pick?