2026 Proton Saga MC3 launched has received 30,000 orders so far

【PCauto】At the Proton Tech Showcase event, Proton officially announced the sales figures for the fourth-generation Proton Saga. Since its launch, the Saga MC3 has received over 30,000 orders.

To be honest, this figure is particularly impressive for an A-segment entry-level sedan, which has managed to secure such a high volume of orders in a short timeframe-a notable achievement in this competitive segment.

What improvements does the Saga MC3 have compared to the old model?

The all-new Proton Saga, while maintaining its position as a national car, has made significant upgrades in terms of power, platform, features, and safety compared to the previous generation. This makes it not just an entry-level commuter car but also a modern, practical, and safe family vehicle.

In terms of pricing and trim options, the Saga MC3 is available in three versions: Standard, Executive, and Premium. The starting price is approximately RM37,990, with the top-spec Premium priced at RM48,990.

While the starting price remains close to that of the outgoing model, the high-end variant receives substantial upgrades in features and technology, giving the new Saga better value for money.

The powertrain is also a major highlight of the new model

The Saga MC3 now features a 1.5L i-GT naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 120 PS and 150 Nm—a noticeable improvement over the previous 1.3L and 1.5L units, which delivered between 95 and 105 PS.

Additionally, the Premium version's transmission has been upgraded to a CVT, providing smoother driving and improved fuel efficiency.

Improved new exterior and interior design

In terms of exterior and interior, all Saga MC3 models come equipped with LED projector headlights, while higher-end models also feature LED taillights, giving the car a more modern overall appearance.

The in-car technology has also been significantly upgraded. The high-end version features a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, multiple USB ports, and supports keyless entry and one-button start.

Compared to the old model, the low-end model still mainly features an LCD instrument panel and a basic central control screen, while the high-end model also lacked wireless smartphone projection and convenience features previously. In terms of space, the new model’s rear seats can be fully folded and are equipped with height-adjustable headrests, whereas the old model's seat folding flexibility was limited, and the headrests were non-adjustable.

Safety features are another major upgrade of the Saga MC3

The flagship Premium model is equipped with six airbags and introduces the ADAS active safety system, which includes features such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Unlike the old model, which was limited to passive safety features, the new Saga introduces active safety technology. Together with its new platform and reinforced body structure, it offers significantly better handling stability and collision protection.

Why is the Saga MC3 able to achieve such significant improvements?

When the all-new Proton Saga MC3 was first opened for pre-order, the market response was overwhelmingly positive. In just five days, approximately 10,000 orders were accumulated, which translates to nearly one car being pre-ordered every 43 seconds.

It is worth noting that the new powertrain of the Saga MC3 does not continue using the old in-house CamPro engine but instead sources a 1.5 L i‑GT (BHE15) engine from Horse Powertrain, which is associated with the Geely group.

Meanwhile, although the Saga MC3 uses the brand new AMA platform, Proton emphasizes that it is an independently developed platform with intellectual property rights. However, the company remains open to potentially sharing resources internally with the Geely group in the future, paving the way for long-term development and upgrades of the Saga.

Additionally, some components-including the front corner module, subframe, rear axle, and seats-are produced in collaboration with Chinese suppliers connected to the Geely supply chain. This indicates that the manufacturing efficiency and cost control of the new Saga differ from those of traditional domestic cars.

In summary, the collaborative approach between Proton and Geely has enabled the Saga MC3 to achieve rapid technological upgrades while maintaining a competitive balance between price and features.