2022 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium AT Review

In the Malaysian A-segment car market, consumers always value the balance between "practicality" and "affordability"—it needs to meet the basic needs of daily commuting and short family trips while showing sincerity in terms of configuration and cost-performance ratio. As the entry-level mainstay of the local brand, the Proton Saga 2022 1.3 Premium AT version directly highlights "highly configured entry-level car" as its core selling point. This test drive focuses on whether its upgrades allow budget-conscious users to avoid compromising too much on the experience.

At first glance, the 2022 Saga 1.3 Premium AT looks sharper compared to the old model. The front features a large black honeycomb grille, paired with Proton's signature wing-style chrome trim, integrated with the halogen headlights on both sides, giving it a much higher recognition factor than many cars in the same segment. The side profile maintains simple lines, with a contour running from the front to the rear, and the 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, while not large, fit well with the 4331mm length and 1689mm width of the car. At the rear, the taillights are smoked, with a thin chrome trim connecting them in the middle. The lower part of the rear bumper features a diffuser-like design, which makes it sportier than the previous model. The lighting system consists entirely of halogen lights, but the brightness is adequate and sufficient for night driving.

Sitting inside, the interior adopts a practical style. The dashboard features a two-tone color scheme with a silver trim in the middle, adding a touch of variety. In terms of materials, most of it is hard plastic, but the workmanship is decent, with no noticeable gaps. Among the key features, the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display stands out, supporting Bluetooth connection and USB input, with a smooth operation suitable for daily music and calls. A multifunctional steering wheel comes standard, with the left side controlling volume and track changes, and the right side operating the trip computer, making it highly convenient without the need to look down. The instrument panel consists of backlit analog dials, with clearly marked tachometer and speedometer, along with a small center screen displaying fuel consumption, mileage, and other data in an intuitive manner. The seats are made from fabric material, with manually adjustable front seats. Both the seat cushions and backrests provide adequate support, ensuring comfort even on long rides. The rear seats can be folded down in a split configuration, and the trunk space is 420L, enough for two 20-inch suitcases, making it convenient for carrying larger items. In addition, the rear row features air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet, which are rare configurations for the A-segment, significantly enhancing the experience for rear-seat passengers.

In terms of space, it is considered above average for the A-segment. With a 2465mm wheelbase, the front row can be adjusted to a suitable seating position, leaving about a fist-length of legroom for a 175cm passenger in the rear, along with three fingers of headroom, which does not feel cramped. For storage, the door compartments can hold two bottles of water, there is a small storage slot below the center console for a phone, and the front center armrest box also provides adequate space.

Regarding the engine, it is equipped with a 1.3L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum power output of 95PS and a peak torque of 120N·m, coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission. In daily driving, it accelerates relatively smoothly, with throttle response being not particularly quick. However, by pressing the pedal harder to reach approximately 4000rpm, the torque is released, allowing for overtaking with some anticipation. The transmission focuses on smooth gear changes and does not exhibit significant jerking sensations, making it suitable for daily commutes. It only has a normal driving mode, without a sport mode, but this suffices for typical family use. As for fuel consumption, the official combined figure is 6.7L/100km. In actual test drives, urban congested conditions result in around 8L, while highway driving lowers it to about 6L. This fuel efficiency is quite decent for a family car.

In terms of handling and chassis, the front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension. The steering wheel's feedback is moderate, and the steering precision is decent, making daily turning very agile. The chassis tuning leans towards comfort, and when passing through speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, so it doesn’t feel too bumpy. At high speeds, the vehicle's stability is good, and it doesn’t feel floaty. The braking system consists of front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes, with linear braking force, providing a sense of confidence during daily driving.

In terms of driving comfort, noise control is average for the A-segment. At speeds below 60 km/h, wind and tire noise are not noticeable, but once it exceeds 80 km/h, the wind noise becomes more pronounced, especially around the A-pillar, and tire noise gradually increases as well, though it remains within acceptable limits. The seat comfort is good, with breathable fabric material that does not feel too stuffy in summer.

To summarize, the core highlights of the 2022 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium AT are clear: high configuration (rear air conditioning vents, 220V power outlet, touch screen infotainment system), adequate space, fuel efficiency, and a price of only RM 41,800, giving it an almost unmatched value in its segment. Compared to the Perodua Bezza in the same class, it has an advantage in rear-row configurations and trunk space; compared to the Honda Brio Amaze, its price is more affordable.

In terms of overall performance, this car is very suitable for families with a limited budget or young people who have just started working. It can meet the needs of daily commuting and short family trips, and its configuration highlights significantly enhance the user experience. Additionally, as a local brand, it has many service centers, making maintenance and repairs convenient.

All in all, the 2022 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium AT is an "entry-level sedan with no significant shortcomings." With its high configuration and affordable price, it addresses the most crucial needs of A-segment users, making it a worthy choice in this category.