New 2022 Proton Saga to launch in May – improved specs to match Perodua Bezza
Hans · Mar 24, 2022 12:43 PM
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Launched in September 2016, the P2-13A generation Proton Saga - itself a heavily revised version of the 2008 BLM generation Saga – will soon enter the 6th year of its model life. This also means that the Proton Saga needs another round of updates for it to still meet expectations of today’s customers.
Sources familiar with Proton’s product plans say that a new 2022 Proton Saga will be launched in May.
Details are scarce but typical of mid-lifecycle updates, buyers can be expect minor styling updates and a slight bump in the features list.
Keyless smart entry, a feature that is already available on the Perodua Bezza, is also likely to be included in the new 2022 Proton Saga.
However, LED headlamps - a selling point for the Bezza - will continue to be omitted to keep prices low, which is the most important part of the Saga’s appeal as the Saga is Malaysia’s cheapest sedan, undercutting the Bezza by a wide margin.
The outgoing Saga 1.3L Standard AT starts at RM 35,800, while the cheapest automatic transmission, similar engine capacity Perodua Bezza 1.3X starts at RM 42,551.
Inside, the new 2022 Proton Saga could also gain a centre arm rest, as that feature is already available in Pakistani specs Saga.
The new 2022 Proton Saga will also likely to receive new alloy wheels. Sizes are expected to remain the same – 14-inch for Standard variants and 15-inch for the Premium variant.
There are also rumours that the new 2022 Proton Saga will use a slightly smaller – 34 cc less – engine capacity, but it will still remain a 1.3-litre.
The reduction is inconsequential to users but necessary to improve the Saga’s competitiveness in export markets like Pakistan, which imposes higher taxes on cars above 1,300 cc.
The new 1,299 cc engine still makes the same power as before -95 PS at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm at 4,000 rpm, so this detail is at best, an irrelevant academic side note.
Also maintained is the Hyundai-sourced 4-speed automatic transmission.
Over 15 years of experience in automotive, from product planning, to market research, to print and digital media. Garages a 6-cylinder manual RWD but buses to work.