Malaysian carmaker Proton has announced the arrival of its new entry-level Saga sedan, which is now on sale in South Africa with a starting price of R199,900.

This makes the Saga the second-cheapest new vehicle on the South African market after the Suzuki Celerio, which is currently on sale with a starting price of R178,900.

The Saga is the first of the two new sedans the Malaysian motor company plans to launch in South Africa, with the second being the Proton Persona – the launch date of which is still yet to be confirmed.

Their new entry-level sedan is the third car Proton has launched in South Africa since its re-entry into the local market in May 2022, offering the X50 and X70 SUVs.

Saga specs 

According to TopAuto, the new Proton is offered in two equipment lines – Standard and Premium – each one driven by the same 1.3-litre petrol engine.

This will generate an output of 70kW and 120Nm, which can be paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox in the entry-level Standard, while the top-of-the-line Premium is only offered in auto.

Across the range, buyers can expect a multi-information driver’s display, central locking, electric windows, fabric seats, manual aircon, an ECO assist drive mode, rear parking sensors, and a radio with Bluetooth connectivity and two speakers, said TopAuto.

The Saga features two front airbags and ABS with brake assist equipped, scoring the car a 4-star Asean NCAP safety rating.

If you get the Standard model with an automatic transmission, it will also come with hill-hold assist, electronic stability and traction control, and 14-inch alloys to replace the steel wheels with plastic covers on the base version.

TopAuto also noted that upgrading to the Premium then adds LED daytime running lights, a multifunction steering wheel, a reverse camera, front parking sensors, and a 7-inch central touchscreen with two more speakers for a total of four.

Pricing

The South African pricing and model line-up for the new Proton Saga is as follows:

• Proton Saga Standard – R199,900
• Proton Saga Standard Auto – R219,900
• Proton Saga Premium Auto – R239,900

These prices are accompanied by a 5-year/150,000km warranty with roadside assistance. Service plans can be purchased for an additional sum.

“The Proton Saga is now available at all 25 Proton dealerships across South Africa,” said Marius Smal, managing director of Proton South Africa.

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