2025 Proton Saga 1.5 Executive AT Review

In Malaysia's entry-level sedan market, the A-Segment has always been the main battleground for essential users — needing to meet the economy requirements of daily commuting, while also taking into account the practicality for family outings, all at an affordable price. The 2025 Proton Saga 1.5 Executive AT, as the brand's flagship entry-level sedan, returns this time with upgraded standard configurations such as LED lights and a 9-inch infotainment screen, with its core selling point being "high cost-performance." The main focus of our test drive is to verify whether it can maintain price competitiveness while meeting the basic needs of modern users for features and driving experience.

From a distance, the overall style of the 2025 Saga Executive looks younger than the previous model. The front face has been upgraded with a blackened vertical slat grille, paired with newly designed LED headlights on both sides, which integrate daytime running lights for high recognizability when illuminated; the trapezoidal air intake below the front bumper and the black trim pieces on both sides also reduce the "cheap" feeling of the front end. The side profile of the car remains simple, with 15-inch multi-spoke wheels that, although not large, paired with 185/55 R15 tires, provide just the right visual proportion. Changes at the rear are centered around the taillights, with new horizontally arranged LED taillights that correspond with the body-colored rear bumper, making the overall look more cohesive.

Sitting inside, the interior layout remains the familiar T-shaped center console, but the materials and features have been significantly improved. The top of the console is wrapped in soft-touch plastic, which feels noticeably more refined than the older model; a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display takes center stage, featuring a simple interface and supporting Bluetooth and USB connections with smooth operation. A multifunction steering wheel comes as standard, with volume and track control on the left and instrument cluster info adjustment on the right, making daily use very convenient. The instrument cluster adopts an electronic illuminated analog design, clearly displaying information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level.

In terms of features, keyless entry and engine start are highlights of the Executive edition, allowing you to open doors and start the car without taking out the key, scoring full marks for practicality; the front seats include a 220V power outlet, making it very convenient for charging laptops or small appliances; all seats are manually adjustable but offer good support, ensuring comfort over long periods; the rear seats can be folded down in a split ratio to expand the trunk space for longer items when needed.

The car has a length of 4,390mm, a width of 1,690mm, and a height of 1,525mm, with a wheelbase of 2,465mm, placing it on the higher side of the mid-range in the A-Segment. The front row offers ample space, with more than a fist's worth of headroom for a 175cm-tall passenger; the rear row can fit three adults tightly, but two adults and one child would be comfortable, leaving about two fists of legroom, which is sufficient for daily family use. The trunk has a capacity of 420 liters, enough to fit two 20-inch suitcases along with some miscellaneous items, meeting the needs for short trips.

In terms of performance, it is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum power of 88kW (120PS) and a maximum torque of 150N·m, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The power response at startup is quite brisk; pressing down the accelerator provides a noticeable thrust, making it suitable for city driving or overtaking. During low-to-medium-speed driving, the transmission shifts smoothly with almost no sense of jerking; however, when driving at speeds above 100km/h on highways, the power may feel somewhat weak, requiring a firmer press on the accelerator to gain sufficient thrust. There is only a standard driving mode, but it is perfectly adequate for daily commuting.

The handling performance is decent, with a steering wheel that is moderately weighted and offers precise directionality. It is very agile when making U-turns or parking in the city. The suspension system consists of a front MacPherson strut and a rear torsion beam, tuned towards comfort. When going over speed bumps or minor bumps, the suspension absorbs most of the vibration, so it doesn’t feel too bumpy; however, when encountering large potholes, the rear seats do experience noticeable jolts. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, without any sense of swaying, instilling enough confidence in the driver.

Fuel efficiency is a key concern for family users. We test drove the car for a week with city driving and highway driving accounted equally, and the fuel consumption was approximately 6.8L per 100 kilometers, almost identical to the official figure of 6.7L, which showcases strong fuel economy. The fuel tank capacity is 40L, allowing the car to run about 580 kilometers on a full tank, so there's no need for frequent refueling. The braking performance is stable, with a linear braking force when pressing the pedal, and the braking distance is moderate, making daily driving very safe.

The sound insulation has improved compared to the previous model. When driving below 60km/h in the city, wind noise and tire noise are minimal; when driving at 100km/h on the highway, the wind noise becomes slightly noticeable but still within an acceptable range. The seats offer good support, with filling that is moderately firm and comfortable, ensuring no fatigue even during long drives. The 4AT automatic transmission does not feature energy recovery, but the gear shifting is smooth and does not affect the driving experience.

Overall, the 2025 Proton Saga 1.5 Executive AT has some prominent core advantages: it is affordably priced (RM43,990), offers more features compared to its competitor Perodua Bezza 1.3 X (such as LED lights and keyless entry/start), is fuel-efficient, and provides ample space. In comparison, it includes LED headlights and a 9-inch infotainment screen, which Bezza lacks, yet the price is almost the same, making it more cost-effective.

This car is most suitable for budget-conscious families or young professionals who have just started working—they need a reliable vehicle for daily commuting but also expect basic comfort features and ample space. If you prioritize value for money and practicality, it’s undoubtedly the top choice among A-segment cars.

All in all, the 2025 Proton Saga 1.5 Executive AT is an entry-level family car with "no obvious shortcomings.” With its upgraded features and stable driving performance, it redefines the value-for-money standard in the A-segment and is worth considering for users with essential car needs.