Proton’s SA Saga continues
Following in the footsteps of the X50 and X70 SUVs, Malaysian carmaker Proton has rolled out a third model on its return, the compact Saga sedan.
At a price of R199 900, the entry-level standard Saga manual stands alongside the Suzuki DZire GA (R193 900) as the only local sedans under R200 000.
The three-model range is powered by a four-cylinder naturally aspirated 1.3-litre engine that sends 67kW of power and 117Nm of torque to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
The Saga measures 4 335mm in length, 1 515mm in height and 1 690 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2 465mm.
There is enough head and legroom for four adults, with generous boot space of 420 litres.
Standard across the range is LCD instrument cluster display, electric windows, air conditioning, audio system with two speakers, a single USB port, electric side mirrors, keyless entry, height-adjustable driver’s seat, rear parking sensors, dual front airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchoring points and anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Automatic derivatives get 14inch alloys, a second USB port, hill-descent control, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist and traction control.
The top-of-the-range Premium is only offered in automatic and gets LED daytime running lights, a four-speaker seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front parking sen
sors, reverse camera and 15-inch alloy wheels.
We took the Saga in automatic guise out on a short test drive and are happy to report it does exactly what it says on the box. It is a comfortable and pleasant
drive, which should suffice for commuting, school runs and daily city traffic in general.
Most importantly, it offers excellent value for money, something which can’t be overlooked these days.