Leading Malaysian automotive manufacturer Proton has unveiled its latest offering, the entry-level Saga sedan, now available for sale in South Africa. With a competitive starting price of just R199,900, the Saga is set to shake up the affordable car market. The new sedan is only the second-cheapest new vehicle available in the South African market, coming in behind the Suzuki Celerio, which retails for R178,900.
- Proton, a Malaysian carmaker, has launched its entry-level Saga sedan in South Africa, with a competitive starting price of R199,900, making it the second-cheapest new vehicle in the market.
- The Saga is available in two trim levels – Standard and Premium – both featuring a 1.3-litre petrol engine, and offers a range of standard and optional features, including a 4-star Asean NCAP safety rating.
- The new Proton Saga is now available for purchase at all 25 Proton dealerships across South Africa, with prices including a 5-year/150,000km warranty and optional service plans.
The Saga is the first of two sedans that Proton plans to launch in South Africa, with the second sedan, the Proton Persona, yet to have its launch date confirmed. Since re-entering the South African market in May 2022, Proton has already introduced two SUV models, the X50 and X70.
Introducing the Saga: Key Specifications and Features
TopAuto reports that the new Proton Saga is available in two trim levels – Standard and Premium – both powered by the same 1.3-litre petrol engine. This engine delivers an output of 70kW and 120Nm and can be paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission in the entry-level Standard model. In contrast, the top-tier Premium model is exclusively available with an automatic gearbox.
Standard features across both trim levels include a multi-information driver’s display, central locking, electric windows, fabric seats, manual air conditioning, an ECO assist drive mode, rear parking sensors, and a radio with Bluetooth connectivity and two speakers, according to TopAuto.
The Saga boasts a 4-star Asean NCAP safety rating, thanks to the inclusion of two front airbags and ABS with brake assist. Choosing the Standard model with an automatic transmission will also grant the vehicle hill-hold assist, electronic stability and traction control, and 14-inch alloy wheels in place of the base model’s steel wheels with plastic covers.
Upgrading to the Premium trim adds LED daytime running lights, a multifunction steering wheel, a reverse camera, front parking sensors, and a 7-inch central touchscreen accompanied by an additional two speakers, bringing the total to four.
Proton Saga Pricing and Model Line-Up for South Africa
The pricing and model line-up for the new Proton Saga in South Africa is as follows:
Proton Saga Standard – R199,900
Proton Saga Standard Auto – R219,900
Proton Saga Premium Auto – R239,900
These prices include a 5-year/150,000km warranty with roadside assistance. Customers can also opt to purchase service plans for an additional fee.
Marius Smal, Managing Director of Proton South Africa, confirmed that the Proton Saga is now available for purchase at all 25 Proton dealerships across the country. With its competitive pricing and attractive features, the Saga is well-positioned to appeal to South African consumers seeking a budget-friendly, reliable, and feature-packed sedan.