Proton Saga 2025 Review

The A-segment sedan market has always been the main choice for household cars in Malaysia. Consumers value affordability while having clear demands for basic configurations and practical space. As the entry-level version of the series, the 2025 Proton Saga 1.5 Standard AT enters the market with a starting price of RM 37,990. Its core selling points are focused on "high-cost performance basic configurations" and a "mature and reliable powertrain"—with less money, can it satisfy the key demands of daily commuting and short family trips? This test drive will focus on this question to see if the entry-level Saga is truly "good enough."

From the exterior, the 2025 Saga Standard AT continues the family-style design of the series, with an overall style inclined toward stability. The front face features a large blackened grille paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, visually giving a more spirited appearance than the older model. The side profile of the body has simple lines, with 14-inch wheels (front 175/65R14, rear 185/60R14), perfectly fitting its A-segment positioning without pursuing oversized wheels for the sake of flashy looks. The LED taillights at the rear complement the headlights, offering decent recognition when lit, while the addition of rear fog lights enhances safety when driving in rainy weather. Although it is an entry-level model, the exterior details do not show an obvious "sense of compromise," meeting daily commuting needs in terms of aesthetics.

Stepping into the cabin, the interior adopts a predominantly dark color scheme, with a high proportion of hard plastic materials. However, the stitching and assembly are relatively neat. The most striking feature on the dashboard is the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting basic multimedia functions and exhibiting a decent level of operational smoothness. The instrument cluster features traditional analog dials, clearly displaying information such as speed and RPM, which is suitable for drivers who are not fans of fully digital dashboards. In terms of features, the Standard AT comes equipped with keyless entry/start, manual air conditioning, a 220V power outlet for the front seats, and electrically foldable side mirrors—all of which are practical features frequently used in daily life. The seats are manually adjustable fabric seats, offering average cushioning but sufficient support for short trips. The rear seats are foldable, allowing extra expansion of the trunk space.

The space performance meets mainstream standards for the A-segment. The car's dimensions are 4390mm in length, 1690mm in width, and 1525mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2465mm. After the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable sitting position, the rear seats provide about two fists of legroom, ensuring passengers with a height of 175cm will not feel cramped. Thanks to the straight roofline, headroom is adequate for both front and rear passengers, eliminating any sense of oppressive space. The trunk offers a capacity of 420 liters, enough to fit two 20-inch suitcases along with some miscellaneous items, meeting the storage needs for family weekend trips. Additionally, there are plenty of storage compartments inside the cabin, with space in the door panels, central armrest box, and glove compartment to store everyday items, making the car practical overall.

As for the powertrain, the Standard AT is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum power of 120PS and peak torque of 150N·m, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration at start-up is smooth, with throttle response being somewhat mild, but lightly pressing the accelerator is sufficient for urban low-speed traffic. When the speed exceeds 60km/h and you press the accelerator harder for acceleration, the transmission might have a 1-2 second shifting delay; the acceleration process is not particularly brisk. During overtaking, as long as you anticipate and apply throttle early, the power reserve is basically sufficient. The driving mode is only standard, with no sport mode available, and the overall tuning leans toward comfort.

In terms of handling, the front MacPherson + rear torsion beam suspension setup is a common configuration for the A-segment. When driving on smooth roads, the suspension can filter out most fine bumps; when encountering speed bumps or potholes, the vibrations in the rear are slightly more pronounced but still within an acceptable range. The steering wheel is light in effort with minimal dead zones, making it very nimble for city parking; at high speeds, the steering wheel becomes slightly heavier, offering good stability. Brake pedal feel is linear, and the combination of front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes provides adequate braking performance for daily use without a noticeable lack of firmness.

Fuel consumption performance meets expectations. We drove 50km each in congested city areas and on highways, and the measured combined fuel consumption was approximately 7.2L/100km. This is slightly higher than the official figure of 6.7L/100km, but considering real-life road conditions, this result is average among similar fuel-powered vehicles in the same class. In terms of noise control, the cabin remains relatively quiet below 60km/h, with engine noise and tire noise being unobtrusive; once speeds exceed 80km/h, wind noise increases progressively, especially around the A-pillar, but it does not hinder normal conversations.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2025 Proton Saga 1.5 Standard AT are its "affordable price + practical basic features." Compared to the Perodua Bezza 1.3 X in the same class, the Saga Standard AT offers stronger power figures (maximum 95PS for the Bezza 1.3L), and comes standard with LED lighting, keyless entry, and other features, providing better value for money. However, in terms of fuel efficiency and transmission smoothness, the Bezza's CVT transmission performs slightly better.

This car is most suitable for budget-conscious family users or young professionals who prioritize practicality— for daily commuting or short weekend trips with family, its space and power are more than adequate. If you’re looking for a smoother shifting experience or a wider range of safety features, you might consider upgrading to the Executive or Premium variant. However, the "just enough" attributes of the Standard AT already cover most basic driving needs.

In conclusion, the 2025 Proton Saga 1.5 Standard AT is an "entry-level family car without obvious shortcomings." It lacks fancy features and powerful performance, but with a price of RM 37,990, it offers consumers reliable core components, practical basic configurations, and adequate space. If you're looking for an economical, hassle-free, and durable daily driver, it would be a good choice.