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FEATURE: Choose Right For A Better Ride

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*This feature article is brought to you by PROTON

Car shopping is fun when there is a growing number of competitively-priced car models that feature superior aesthetics, cutting-edge infotainment, safety, and improved ride and handling performance. Whether you are buying your first car, or your disposable income has increased since you bought your current car, you may find yourself interested in more premium and chic options.

What influences a buyer when choosing a new car? There are many aspects to car shopping and they can affect purchase decisions. Do car reviews really matter? Simply put – yes, they matter. However, it is also important for a buyer to make their own comparisons and form independent conclusions. Let’s take the 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona cars as an example for this evaluation. Recently introduced by PROTON, the facelifted 2022 Iriz hatchback and Persona sedan offer updated design elements plus enhanced features, along with the new Iriz Active variant. Since the launch of these models earlier in August this year, drivers have broadly given them the thumbs up, so what can we learn about buyer preferences from these reactions?

Aesthetics that Appeal

But what makes a car a hit among drivers while others don’t quite hit the spot? Fundamentally, buying and driving a new car offers an emotional boost. Our cars make a statement about our identities and can act as an extension of our homes and comfort zones. They are – in short, not just a box on wheels to take us from Point A to Point B. Much like our clothing choices, our cars can tell others who we are and what we value most. Through the very simple choice of the car we drive, we can announce our self-identity to the world.

With both the 2022 Iriz and Persona being new iterations of long-beloved favourites, their existing identity can be a help in capturing consumer attention, not forgetting their good looks. Making a handsome comeback with new cosmetic features and refreshed styling with new colour options, the new Citric Orange and Passion Red for the Iriz and Space Grey for the Persona have certainly commanded attention. Notable exterior enhancements that further catch the eye are the newly-designed Infinite Weave with Ethereal Bow grille in sporty red on the Iriz while the Persona boasts additional chrome to offer a more premium feel and to better frame the new PROTON logo.

The introduction of the Active variant takes the Iriz down a more rugged lifestyle path. The exterior of the car sports a different front bumper design with new distinctive all-round body mouldings that run from the front bumper, across the wheel arches and side sills before ending at the rear bumper. A black roof with roof rails completes the look. It is certainly easy to see why it was dubbed the ‘baby X50’. On the interior, the ambience is further amped up by red highlights. The word ‘Active’ is embroidered on the front seats, door trims and carpet mats, with red stitching on the steering wheel and red seat belts rounding up the colour accents. It also comes with aluminium sport pedals that add a subtle sporty touch.

The Proton Persona Premium meanwhile has seats and door trims covered in brown leatherette (in the same shade that debuted on the Proton X70) to complement the new interior design and adding to its premium aesthetic.

A Smarter, Safer and Improved Driving Experience

Unlike styling or physical features, a car’s ride and handling are unseen qualities, but they are most certainly felt by the driver. You don’t have to be a ‘car person’ or professional test driver to know the difference, but every driver can recognise safety when navigating a corner, and feel the increased stability at highway-cruising speeds or the smoothness when going over our kampung roads.

PROTON cars are renowned and universally praised for their strength in this department, and the Iriz and Persona are no different, having received widespread recognition – from the public and experts alike, for being safe, fun to drive and comfortable, even when measured against international rivals. Both models have received a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and come with safety features such as 6 SRS airbags, a reinforced body structure using Hot Press Formed (HPF) steel, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Hold Assist (HHA).

Convenience, comfort and savings are also prioritised. Both models offer new fuel-saving functions, namely the Neutral Idle Control (NIC) and ECO modes. The ECO mode enables more efficient driving, resulting in even better fuel consumption standards – achieving approximately 10% reduction on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standard, while it further improves the result by 8-10%.

A reverse camera and parking sensors provide visual and audible parking assistance, while the Premium and Active variants now get a larger 8-inch floating infotainment head unit with voice command functions updated to control the air-conditioning and driver’s window. On top of that, all the new models come with a N95 cabin filter as a standard feature to enhance the air quality in your car. We spend a lot of time in our cars, so naturally, the air quality in the car matters. 

With a total of six USB ports – three at the front, two at the rear and one behind the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam, both models have ample power outlets to suit the demands of a digital lifestyle. The Persona also offers 510 litres of boot space that can be expanded by folding the rear seats.

For those driving alone, you will be pleased to know that the updated LED headlamps support auto on/off and follow me home functions. Little details like this can be immensely helpful, such as providing a lit track to help you navigate your way on foot to your destination after you step out of your car.

Accessibility for More Drivers

Pricing is undeniably a key attraction for the 2022 Iriz and Persona – acknowledged by potential buyers. With three variants each, the Iriz is priced from RM40,300 while the Persona starts from RM45,200 (OTR without insurance and minus SST). Along with the purchase price comes other not-so-obvious costs of ownership. When comparing costs, one must also take into account the total cost of ownership over the duration you intend to keep the car. The Iriz and Persona are not only priced lower than competitors, but also enjoy lower insurance premiums, better fuel economy and very affordable, best in class, maintenance costs. Combined, both cars are more economical and affordable to run in the long term.

The Iriz Active is a bona fide comfortable, practical and grown-up-feeling small car. For its price point and the features offered, there is no other pseudo-SUV that compares. Meanwhile, the classy-looking Persona is the most affordable premium B-segment sedan. Estimated to be 30-40% cheaper than other models in the same segment, the Persona is truly in a class of its own and better value for money than ever. 

The continuing evolution of the Iriz and Persona models aim to deliver greater stability, predictability and precise handling characteristics, making them capable of rivalling many of today’s vehicles that are priced much higher. For further information, please visit https://www.proton.com/en/find-a-car/iriz / and https://www.proton.com/en/find-a-car/persona

2020 PROTON X50 Announced: 4 Variants, 2 Power Outputs, October Launch?

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After much anticipation, PROTON has finally confirmed the new X50 compact SUV as part of its lineup, after what feels like an eternity of spotting the car on test camouflaged from here to yonder. At a closed-door preview event in Tg. Malim, members of the media were given an opportunity to get up-close and personal with the new baby PROTON SUV and get more specifics around the new model.

The PROTON X50 will be made available in four variants, named Standard, Executive, Premium and Flagship. What’s shared across all cars is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 7-speed DCT automatic, which has been confirmed to produce a maximum of 174PS & 265Nm in the Flagship model. What will also be standard is the infotainment system – all new cars will run a fully-connected GKUI system, replete with the latest ’19’ software. Screen sizes will differ though, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen for Premium & Flagship models, while the Standard & Executive models will make do with an 8-inch unit. 

The X50 will also be available with 6 colour options – Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Ocean Blue, Citric Orange, and Passion Red, with the Flagship models gaining a contrasting black roof. 

STANDARD

  • 1.5-litre turbocharged engine (110hp)
  • 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission
  • 4 SRS airbags
  • Full-LED headlights
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Fabric interior upholstery
  • Rear A/C vents
  • 8-inch infotainment display
  • Reversing camera

EXECUTIVE (over Standard)

  • 6 SRS airbags
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Automatic headlights
  • Front foglight 
  • Leatherette upholstery

PREMIUM (over Executive)

  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • 18-inch alloy wheels in dual-tone finish
  • Powered drivers’ seat
  • 10-inch infotainment system
  • 360º camera

FLAGSHIP (over Premium)

  • 1.5-litre Turbocharged Gasoline Direct-Injection (High Output, 174PS & 265Nm)
  • Advanced Driver Assist Features (claimed to be “Level 2 autonomous”)
  • Dual-tone exterior finish
  • Panoramic sunroof

At the moment, PROTON has not been forthcoming about pricing of the new model – when asked, PROTONs top-management gave us hazy answers saying that the X50 ‘breaks segment barriers’ and will appeal to a ‘wider audience’ than some of its competitors, suggesting either a huge price range or a more suggestive positioning in the market. 

What we can confirm from one of our sources is that the new X50 is set to be launched sometime in October, with production already commenced at the Tg. Malim plant. PROTON has planned a whole series of events to properly introduce the car to the market, with order books open on Malaysia Day (Sept 16th) and roadshows beginning on the 19th throughout the country. 

Regardless, stay locked onto MalaysianMotoring as we bring you more updates as they come.

GALLERY: 2020 PROTON X50

2021 PROTON Perdana Render Proves The Relevance Of D-Segment Saloons

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With the meteoric rise of SUVs, it seems like every other category of passenger car out there has been left by the wayside. Saloons especially have been heavily hit as SUVs become more and more prevalent, with buyers keen to associate with the more active and engaging image that comes with buying and driving a sport-utility vehicle.

Earlier this week however, Chinese carmaker Geely unveiled the production-ready version of its Preface saloon, a large D-segment three-box machine that would sit where the PROTON Perdana once was. With its bold design and assertive stance, the Geely Preface is a solid indicator of where the company intends to head design-wise for its saloons – and that’s important for the local market too.

Where SUVs have become the de rigeur accessory for up-and-coming families, the large saloon car still has its place, as shown expertly in these renders by image-manipulation whiz Theophilus Chin. The ‘2021 Perdana’ seen here is based on the Preface and incorporates various current PROTON design elements like the Ethereal Bow grille and Infinite Weave pattern into the overall car, and shows exactly why models like these remain appealing. 

The Geely Preface is based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, which was primarily engineered by Swedish marque (and Geely subsidiary) Volvo. CMA has since been employed notably on the Volvo XC40, and is designed to accommodate internal-combustion, petrol-electric hybrid, and full-electric powertrains.

GALLERY: ‘2021 PROTON PERDANA’ by Theophilus Chin

2020 PROTON Saga Anniversary Edition – Only 1,100 Units, RM39,300

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National automotive flagbearer PROTON has today marked the 35th birthday of their inaugural Saga, the model that started it all, with a commemorative limited edition version of its compact saloon. With a production run of just 1,100 units, the 35th anniversary model will surely be a hot commodity – especially since its RM39,300 price means it asks no more than the model upon which it’s based.

On that subject, there are no major mechanical or specification changes, aside from the aesthetics. So under the bonnet still lies a 1.3L VVT engine producing 95PS and 120Nm, sending power to the front wheels via a Hyundai 4AT transmission. There are still things like electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution with brake assist, anti-lock brakes, hill-hold assist, and two airbags, as well as the LED daytime running lights that came as part of the facelift last year. The interior specification remains the same too – touchscreen infotainment unit, a smarter-designed meter cluster, and plusher fabrics used for the headlining and seat upholstery.

Now, onto the special bits. The 35th anniversary Saga marries a unique black paintjob with yellow accents, namely on the upper grille, the rear bumper garnish, and the wing mirrors. Not to be overlooked are the alloys – while they’re the same 15-inch units as before, they’ve now been given a matte-grey finish with a high-gloss silver lip, making them stand out quite a bit (and no doubt giving current owners ideas).

Inside, the air-conditioning surrounds on either side are done in gloss black, while the vent sliders are finished in the same matching yellow hue. Not to end there, the same colour is applied to the meter cluster surrounds, as well as to the little ‘tray’ that sits beneath the ‘PROTON’ script in the centre stack.

Unfortunately however, the snazzy bodykit you see here (door visors, front lip & side skirts) are an option, along with some new items like a boot tray, bonnet NVH insulator (called ‘NVH Guard’), and boot NVH insulator (also called ‘NVH Guard’). For the time being, these items can be bundled together on the Anniversary Edition or any facelifted PROTON Saga for RM2,035 – which represents a major savings given that individually-optioned they’d come up to RM2,350.

PROTON also took the opportunity to announce that the new Saga Anniversary Edition will come fitted with an N95-grade cabin air filter, which will now be offered on all new PROTON cars and be available for retrofitment on existing models. Retailing at RM59, these N95 filters will come in very handy to filter out smoke particulates, certain bacteria, and other harmful elements in the air. And between now and the 9th of October 2020, the N95 filter retrofit will be offered at a promotional price of just under RM52.

The Saga is an important model for PROTON, being the entry-level model into the lineup. Of the cars that were introduced through the course of 2019, the Saga was given the most attention by DRB-Hicom & Geely in its refresh. The new PROTON team made major upgrades to the Saga’s refinement, poise, and even its driving characteristics, enhancing a car that has was always impressive at its core but disappointed in the details.

With a more refined finish than ever before, plus the added emphasis by PROTON to keep customers excited and engaged, we’ve no doubt that there are many, many chapters to go in the story of the PROTON Saga.

What’s your Saga story? Let us know in the comments below!

PROTON Brings N95 Filtration To X70 SUV – Standard On New Models, RM79 Retrofit

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As the nation continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic as we enter what hopes to be the final phase of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), the boffins at PROTON continue to innovate, with their customers remaining at the heart of all that they do. With many concerned regarding air quality and particulate filtration, it comes to no surprise that PROTON has met the challenge and has begun fitting all new X70 SUVs with N95-grade cabin air filters as standard.

The new system, called the PROTON Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) will be applied only to new X70s coming out of Tanjung Malim. However, existing X70 owners (CBU & CKD) can have the N95 cabin filters fitted at a PROTON service centre of choice as part of scheduled servicing, with the filter itself costing RM79 before labour & fitment charges.

“PROTON is constantly looking at ways to improve our offerings. The introduction of the N95 cabin filter is particularly relevant in today’s global environment and by improving the quality of air in the cabin, we hope to deliver a comfortable contaminant-free experience to our customers.”

Dr. Li Chunron, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON

The N95 cabin filters are technically capable of dealing with 95% of particles that measure more than 0.3-microns, and 98% of PM2.5 dust particulates. That means that smoke particles, dust, bacteria, and various other pollutants can be dealt with efficiently & quickly. Additionally, this filtration level is active regardless of the settings of your air-conditioning, so those who prefer fresh air intake and those who prefer recirculated air are equally well protected.

The P-IAPS system is more than just the cabin filter, however. The X70 has been available from launch with a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter as standard, which is capable of dealing with 99.97% of all particulates that measure more than 0.3-microns. This also doubles up as an ioniser, discharging negative ions in the air and attracting positive ions into the filter, where activated carbon elements will remove odours, smoke, and formaldehyde.

For those looking to have the new N95 cabin filter fitted to their X70, PROTON will be offering a 15% discount (RM67.15 after discount, excluding labour & fitment charges) beginning from May 18th all the way to August 18th 2020. Service appointments can be made starting from May the 13th.

At the moment, P-IAPS is only available on the X70 SUV. However, the CEO did say that this may not continue to be the case for long:

“For now, P-IAPS will only be offered on the Proton X70 but our designers and engineers are working to fit the N95 cabin filter in our other models too.”

Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON

As always, MalaysianMotoring would like to remind its readers to be safe out there, both on the road and off it. Our success depends on our responsibility to ourselves and each other – our nation depends on it.We thank you for staying home, and staying safe.

#KitaJagaKita

PROTON Shares Cabin Safety Tips To Observe During COVID-19

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​This is a message from PROTON Holdings.

In view of the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has implemented an extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of the virus. During this period, we are advised to practise precautionary measures like social distancing, maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding mass assemblies and to stay at home at all times.

However, there will be times when going out is still necessary, to replenish groceries or to tend to emergency situations. Besides that, for those who are working in essential services, work carries on as per usual. This is when maintaining the cleanliness of your vehicle is crucial for the sake of yourself and your passengers. Here are some tips from PROTON on how to turn your vehicle into a clean and healthy space, not only during the two-week MCO period but also for the long run. 

To protect, disinfect

First and foremost, surfaces you touch on a regular basis should be frequently disinfected. So this would be items such as the steering wheel, gear knob, door handles (both inside and outside), as well as the engine ‘push start’ button and your car keys.

Recent studies show virus can survive for up to 2-3 days on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces[1]. This suggests that the virus might be lingering on any surface of your vehicle if not disinfected properly after human contact. Thus, it is important to wipe down all surfaces regularly, after purchasing your necessities.

The cleaning process does not end there though, as there are other areas within the vehicle that should also be thoroughly cleaned. For instance, if the audio system of your vehicle comes with a touchscreen, just like the Infotainment Head Unit (IHU) of the 2020 PROTON X70, the screen will be one area that needs regular cleaning. You can do so by using a soft cloth that has been lightly misted with anti-bacterial spray. Don’t overdo it though.

Apart from that, you should also periodically clean your vehicle’s seats. However, take note that leather seats might not be suitable to be cleaned with disinfectants. The harsh chemicals might ruin the material causing discoloration and breakage. Hence, you should look for appropriate cleaning solutions that are designed for cleaning leather seats, and make sure that your seats are completely wiped dry to avoid stains and cracks on the leather.

Hands-free, worry-free

At this point of time, everyone should already be familiar with the most basic advice on personal hygiene, which is to wash your hands regularly and minimise contact through gestures like handshaking and touching your face. This is because our hands are involved in most of the work throughout our day, from holding items to interacting with objects and people.

One way to minimise unnecessary hand-contact within your vehicle is to fully utilise the available hands-free functions such as voice command that allows you to control multiple things in the SUV, including what’s being played on the radio, stream music and the ability to navigate around town as well as utilising the power tailgate with foot sensor – all you have to do is to wave your foot under the rear bumper and it’ll automatically open as long as your key fob is in your pocket.

Clear the air and clear your mind

With an air purifier, harmful gases, bad odour and airborne bacteria are eliminated so that the air within your cabin remains fresh. Some vehicles, like the PROTON X70, have this built-in into the air-conditioning system. It is also wise to clear out any and all trash in the vehicle by giving it a thorough vacuum. This helps to remove dirt and bits of food that may attract pests.

As we face an extended MCO period, PROTON hopes that everyone practices good hygiene and most importantly, stays at home. However, should you be required to leave home, please take note of these tips above and drive safe! In these trying times, we have to stay safe and strong, Malaysia!

[1] “Covid-19: How long does the coronavirus last on surfaces?”, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200317-covid-19-how-long-does-the-coronavirus-last-on-surfaces

VIDEO: 2020 Perodua Bezza Driven – Small Changes, Big Differences

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Malaysian automotive heavyweight Perodua may have enjoyed market leadership for a good 16 years now, but perhaps now more than ever, there’s a fire under its ass to ensure that its lead isn’t compromised.

I don’t believe I have to go into detail here, but for the uninitiated, I’m talking about the challenges that fellow national carmaker PROTON has levelled at it throughout 2019. With every model in its lineup updated, purchase prices reduced, kit levels enhanced and aftersales service given a thorough going-over, PROTON has mounted an aggressive attack on the Malaysian market that threatens Perodua’s marketshare, which accounts for over 40% of the total number of cars sold in the last year. While models like the Myvi and Axia are beyond reproach, with the former accounting for almost half of all Perodua sales, the Bezza is in a far more precarious position.

With prices starting at RM34,580 for the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Bezza G (M/T) and rising up to RM49,580 for the top-flight Bezza 1.3 AV with Advanced Safety Assist, there’s a clear price-gulf between the models. Saga Premium vs. Bezza AV the price difference is enough to account for more than 4,700L of fuel, which could certainly power the lesser vehicle for quite a while, given that the one we own manages less than 6L/100km with daily use.

But with things like active driver assistance features, better modern conveniences, and tried-and-tested reliability, many argue that the Bezza can very easily justify its price premium. Couple that with the improved driveability, interior quality, and reduced NVH levels, the Perodua Bezza feels like a car that’s worth more than it is.

Don’t believe us? Check out our video review and see for yourself.

PROTON X70 CKD Coming “Very Soon,” X50 Due Before Year-End

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At a luncheon event with the media today, CEO of Proton Cars Dr. Li Chunrong said that while 2019 has been an excellent year for the national flagbearer, the company has no intentions of slowing down.

Remarking that the company has successfully sold in excess of 100,000 cars in 2019 (an increase of over 55% over the preceding year), Dr. Li says the company is targeting a number over 130,000 this year, in an attempt to push its marketshare even further. PROTON successfully claimed the #2 spot in overall passenger car sales last year, and this year Dr. Li is insistent that they do even better.

To do this, Dr. Li says that the locally-assembled version of the highly-successful X70 will be coming “very soon,” packing updated and refreshed features better suited to the local market. These are, according to sources, inclusive of features like updated upholstery options, ventilated seats, and a power boot. There is also some talk of improved ADAS systems, though this remains speculative.

What is more concrete is the updated powertrain, with the 1.8 TGDI engine massaged to produce more power and torque, sent to the wheels via a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. That should see improvements in fuel economy, a major issue with the current car, of up to 15%.

Another contributor to PROTON’s bold sales figures is the long-awaited introduction of the X50 compact SUV, which will arrive in our market packing a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, the same 7-speed DCT, and full local assembly.


Between these two models and the continued improvement of PROTON’s perception in the eyes of the buying public, the company is well on its way to improving its overall marketshare here. But one of the big factors in PROTON’s overall growth through 2020 will be its export activities, with Dr. Li hoping that the company will export to “more than 10 countries” by the end of the year.

PROTON appears to finally be on the right track with Geely, with our talented team of local engineers, supported by its vendors and suppliers, finally able to produce globally-competitive vehicles. Should they be able to maintain the momentum, it would not be without reason to believe that the Tiger will roar louder soon than it has ever been.

2019 PROTON SAGA LAUNCHED – RM33K-RM40K

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After a long wait and numerous leaks, the latest baby from PROTON’s stables has finally joined in the fun. The PROTON Saga is a critical model for the company, being one of the marque’s fastest sellers and marking the entry point into the PROTON lineup. With these latest updates, the Saga is now set to put up an even greater fight than ever before, particularly against its arch rival, the Perodua Bezza.

The 2019 PROTON Saga lineup has been cleaned up, with the removal of the ‘Executive’ variant for this iteration. Instead, the Saga will be available as a Standard in Manual (RM32,800) or Automatic (RM35,800), as well as an automatic-only Premium model (RM39,800). These new prices are a slight reduction over the outgoing model, and PROTON is keen to point out that when combined with the added value that comes with it, the price reductions are rather significant.

Style-wise the Saga has only been given a small nip and tuck. The front sees the incorporation of the Infinite Weave grille pattern that is now part-and-parcel of every new PROTON model, as well as a revised front bumper with a more pronounced air intake. The Premium model loses its front foglights though, with PROTON offering up LED daytime running lights, a first for an A-segment saloon.

Down the sides there are new-design alloy wheels (14-inch for Standard models and 15-inch for Premium cars), while the rear sees the logo deletion in favour of the wide PROTON script we’ve seen on their newer cars, as well as a new boot-lip spoiler and more sophisticated rear bumper design.

Inside there are more significant changes, starting with the seats. They remain a fabric-only affair, but they’re now wrapped in a higher-quality and softer cloth that should serve families quite well. There’s also new headlining and soft-operation roof-mounted grab handles for passengers, as well as a new LED-lit cabin dome light that sits just above the driver’s central mirror.

But up front is where the biggest changes have taken place. The top-half of the centre stack is now completely new, housing a free-standing 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the aircond vents moved below (Standard models get a non-touchscreen radio instead). Between the two sits a plastic panel with ‘PROTON’ lettering across it, which looks rather swish. The 7-inch touchscreen isn’t the fully-fledged GKUI infotainment system like in other PROTONs, so no 4G connectivity and ‘Hi PROTON’ voice command here, but it does offer Android smartphone mirroring. Standard across the range is Bluetooth connectivity, while the Premium model gets things like a reversing camera and four speakers thrown in as well.

There’s also a new instrument cluster sitting ahead of the driver, with two new white-backlit dials flanking an information display that’s now capable of displaying average fuel consumption, opened doors, distance to empty, and others. It’s not a full-colour screen like you get in say an Iriz or a Persona, but it’s not half bad, and is a marked improvement over the outgoing car. You still get a multifunction steering wheel with rake adjustment, though reach adjustment remains a luxury the Saga does not afford.

Under the bonnet there have been some updates, but not to the engine itself. The Saga continues to offer a 1.3-litre VVT petrol engine with 95PS at 5,750rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is now paired to either a 5-speed manual in the base-model as before, or a 4-speed automatic gearbox sourced from Hyundai. This is a significant change for the Saga, addressing some of the biggest bugbears with this model. The 4-speed automatic promises improved noise, vibration & harshness (NVH) levels and responsiveness – there’s even a Sport mode, should the mood take you.

The new Saga has also been treated to a brake upgrade, with larger discs in the front and bigger drums in the rear, taken off the PROTON Iriz. Critically, all cars now benefit from anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, and brake assist, previously unavailable in Standard models. The Premium offers additional front parking sensors, TCS, ESC, and Hill-Hold Assist, though all models continue to offer two airbags.

The 2019 PROTON Saga is now available in five colours, namely Snow White, Jet Grey, Armour Silver, Ruby Red (the ‘hero’ colour), and Rosewood Maroon.

Although PROTON has chucked a whole bunch of new kit into the Saga, the value proposition has gone up significantly. The new Saga is available with very attractive packages, like the free 1st year (or 3-time) servicing, attractive financing rates (from 2.98%p.a.), and a comprehensive insurance package (betterment cost waiver for up to 10-years, agreed value coverage for up to 12-years, key-care coverage of RM1,000 value, flood relief allowance of up to RM1,000, and even personal-accident coverage for the policy-holder for up to RM15,000.

Not bad eh for an entry-level car?

We absolutely cannot wait to sample the 2019 PROTON Saga, and pit it head-to-head with the Perodua Bezza in the near future. We commend PROTON on these massive improvements for their most affordable model, in keeping with the same goals to mobilise the masses and offer the best bang-for-buck, just like the original Saga did back in 1985.

For the best deals on a new car, be sure to hit up our Facebook page, and we’ll put you in touch with one of our verified dealers to ensure that you get the best deal at the best price on your brand-new ride.

2019 PROTON SAGA SPECS CONFIRMED – 3 Variants, 4AT & 5MT, Prices TBC

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With just hours to go before the wraps are pulled off, it seems that netizens are beside themselves with excitement as PROTON prepares to launch its updated entry-level Saga.

The spec sheet, leaked to us from an avid #MalaysianMotorist

Preliminary specsheets have been sent to us via one of our readers who sought to remain anonymous, and it’s helped to confirm a few things. First, we can now confirm that the 2019 PROTON Saga will replace its problematic CVT automatic gearbox with a 4-speed automatic slushbox from Hyundai, while the 5-speed manual will soldier on. We can also confirm that the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment headunit, LED daytime running lights, and 15-inch wheels will remain exclusive to the Premium model; Standard variants will make do with a “Standard” infotainment unit, two speakers, and 14-inch wheels, but all cars now get a remote trunk release and a flip-type key fob.

We can also confirm that there will be 5 colours available for the new Saga, namely Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Rosewood Maroon, and Ruby Red.

UPDATE: The 2019 PROTON Saga has been launched in full, with prices starting at RM32,800 for the Standard M/T and rising up to RM39,800 for the Premium A/T. Details on our latest post.