2025 Halfway Mark: All-New Proton Saga Coming Soon!

【PCauto】Proton Saga will undergo its fifth full model change this year. With the official information being gradually revealed, this people’s car that once set sales records in the Southeast Asian automotive market has attracted widespread attention.

The all-new Saga is scheduled to make its official debut in the third quarter of 2025. It has been confirmed that the model will feature triple innovations in platform architecture, safety configurations, and powertrain systems.

Ethereal Bow New Front Design: Lowered by 20mm for Optimizing Drag Coefficient

Its exterior adopts the latest design language shared with the Proton S70. The front fascia features a combination of the "Ethereal Bow" curved grille and diamond-cut LED headlights, replacing the boxy styling that has been used for years in the current model.

The four pronounced creases on the hood match the dual character lines along the sides, while the overall height has been reduced by 20mm compared to the current model to optimize drag coefficient. Notably, these visual adjustments don't compromise interior space—the 2,465mm wheelbase still ensures spacious rear legroom.

Songket-Woven Cabin Honors Malaysian Heritage

The interior upgrades focus on blending practicality with local elements. The center console features a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen while retaining physical air-conditioning knobs - a design that better aligns with user’s operating habit.

The cabin introduces "songket" woven texture panels for the first time, incorporating this traditional Malaysian textile craftsmanship to give the interior distinctive regional character. With the adoption of 11 new practical storage solutions - including seat back storage bags and adjustable cup holders - the design demonstrates the vehicle’s particular attention to family users' needs.

1.5L Engine Delivers 125HP with 12% Fuel Efficiency Improvement

The powertrain overhaul is the core of this model update. The current third-generation CamPro 1.3L engine will be phased out, replaced by an all-new naturally aspirated 1.5L engine.

This new engine adopts dual injection system and VVT technology to deliver 125PS maximum horsepower at 4,500rpm - a 22.5% improvement over the current model. When paired with the upgraded Punch CVT transmission, the projected combined urban fuel consumption drops to 5.1L/100km, marking a 12% reduction compared to the current version.

Local-Tuned Suspension: 18% Better on Rough Roads

From a technical perspective, Proton engineers have implemented localized adaptations based on the CMA platform architecture. The steering system retains hydraulic power assistance for cost saving, and achieves a 15% improvement in steering response through enhanced gear ratio precision. While maintaining the front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension configuration, the damping value of shock absorber has been recalibrated to deliver approximately 18% better vibration filtration efficiency on Malaysia's typical rough road surfaces.

iFC2.0-P Driver Aids Target 4-Star Safety

Saga’s breakthrough advancement in safety performance shows great significance. Supported by the AMA platform's electronic architecture, the new model will debut with iMotion Technology's iFC2.0-P intelligent assistance system.

This ADAS system includes three core functions: full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist - with sensor configurations specifically calibrated for Southeast Asia's complex road conditions. Saga’s body structure now incorporates 37% 590MPa-grade high-strength steel (up from previous models), with projected four-star safety ratings in Malaysia's New Car Assessment Program.

Saga Will Offer Four Variant Options

Proton plans to offer four variant options. The flagship variant will be equipped with a 360-degree panoramic camera and wireless charging module, while the base model retains the traditional mechanical ignition key.

Notably, the Premium Tech optional package makes its debut in the lineup, allowing customers to add features like an electronic parking brake and heated front seats—a strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of entry-level models.

The practical optimization of the smart connectivity system reflects Proton's new R&D approach. The GKUI Lite system supports Malaysia-specific navigation data, with offline mode capable of handling 80% of basic functions.

As Proton's iconic model, the cumulative sales of Saga has surpassed 4.4 million since its 1985 debut. According to Dr. Li Chunrong, Proton CEO, this upgrades aims to strengthen Saga’s competitiveness in the compact sedan segment—enhancing its tech features and driving experience while maintaining its price advantage.