Proton Saga
Second generation
Proton Saga FLX
Overview
ManufacturerProton
Also calledProton S16 (Australia)
ProductionJanuary 2008 – September 2016
AssemblyMalaysia: Shah Alam (PONSB)
Body and chassis
ClassB-segment
Body style4-door saloon
LayoutFF
Chronology
PredecessorProton Saga
(first generation)
SuccessorProton Saga
(third generation)

The second generation Proton Saga is a 4-door subcompact sedan produced by Malaysian car manufacturer Proton which launched on 18 January 2008.[1] It succeeds the first generation Proton Saga as the company's flagship model. The second generation Proton Saga is based on a stretched Proton Savvy platform and was developed in-house by Proton with technical support from Lotus Cars and LG CNS.

Proton launched a mid-life facelift model called the Proton Saga FL on 30 November 2010.[2] A further improved model called the Proton Saga FLX was launched eight months later.[3]

The second generation Saga was succeeded by the third generation Saga in September 2016. Over 500,000 units of the second generation Saga were produced.[4]

Proton Saga BLM (2008–2010)

Proton Saga BLM
Overview
ProductionJanuary 2008 – December 2010
Powertrain
Engine1.3L CamPro IAFM DOHC I4
1.6L CamPro IAFM DOHC I4
Transmission5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,465 mm (97.0 in)
Length4,257 mm (167.6 in)
Width1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height1,502 mm (59.1 in)

The second generation Proton Saga, also called the Saga BLM (Base Line Model) launched on 18 January 2008.[1] Previously, the first generation Saga was Proton's most successful model, having a 23-year-long lifespan, the longest of all Proton models to date. The second generation Saga was indigenously designed and became the first model to wear Proton's new corporate logo.[5] It launched with 3 variants, the N-Line, B-Line and M-Line which were priced between RM31,498 and RM39,998 respectively. All variants were powered by Proton's 1.3 litre CamPro IAFM engine. Also showcased during the launch ceremony was a concept model called the Proton Saga RED.[6] The new Saga was a great sales success for Proton, having received over 23,000 bookings in less than two weeks since launch.[7] Furthermore, it replaced the older Saga Iswara as Malaysia's taxi of choice from 2008 to 2010. These taxi variants were equipped with more powerful 1.6 litre 110 bhp CamPro engines and were later converted to NGVs.[8]

Rear view of the Proton Saga in Serdang, Malaysia.

In June 2009, the Proton Saga 1.6 B-Line was launched. It shared the engine found in the Saga taxi variant, but lacked many features, including a driver's airbag.[9] One month later, the Proton Saga SE was unveiled. Priced between RM43,000 and RM45,500, it was sold as a premium variant with just 2 colour options and a unique body kit, mated to the CamPro 1.3 engine found in the other models.[10] On 16 July 2009, Proton unveiled the electric vehicle conversion version called the Saga EV Concept in Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang.[11] It is powered by a 125 kW (168 hp) DC motor only mated to a 5 speed manual transmission, it had a maximum range of 109 kilometres (68 miles) and could be charged over a standard household outlet.

On the Christmas eve of 2009, Proton launched the S16 in the Australian market.[12] There was no official reason why Proton chose to rename the Saga as the S16 in Australia. Nonetheless, the S16 is identical to its Malaysian counterpart, but featured the newer 110 bhp CamPro 1.6 engine instead. At the time, it retailed for AUD$11,990, making it the cheapest new car in the Australian market.[13] That title has since been passed on to China's Chery J1. The launch of the S16 was endorsed by Miss Universe Australia beauty pageant Rachael Finch, Proton's official Australian ambassador for 2009.

In July 2010, a limited edition model called the Proton Saga 25th Anniversary Edition was unveiled.[14] Priced at RM54,500, it offered leather upholstery, dual airbags and quad power windows along with a custom set of alloy rims and paint job. Only 25 examples were made, in-line with Proton's 25 years of automotive history.

In Indonesia, two variants are available in two variants: M-LINE MT and M-LINE AT with the choice of seven colors: Solid White, Tranquility Black, Chili Red, Granite Grey, Genetic Silver, Mountain Blue and Zircon Green. It comes with a 3 year or 100,000 km warranty.[15]

Proton Saga FL (2010–2011)

Proton Saga FL
Overview
ProductionDecember 2010 – July 2011
Powertrain
Engine1.3L CamPro IAFM DOHC I4
1.6L CamPro IAFM DOHC I4
Transmission5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,465 mm (97.0 in)
Length4,278 mm (168.4 in)
Width1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height1,520 mm (59.8 in)
Curb weight1,017 kg (2,242.1 lb) – 1,065 kg (2,347.9 lb)

On 30 November 2010, Proton unveiled a mid-life facelift of the Proton Saga at the Thai International Motor Expo 2010.[2] It was called the Proton Saga FL, where 'FL' stood for facelift. The Saga FL received mostly exterior changes such a redesigned front and rear bumper, grille, rims, head lamps and tail lamps among others. The turn signal indicators were fused into the wing mirrors and the brake lamps utilised LED technology. Interior wise, the Saga FL included power windows for all four doors, a new Clarion audio system with USB and AUX ports, steering wheel audio controls, and dual airbags. The technical specifications for the Saga FL remain mostly unchanged from the pre-facelift Saga. Also present during the Saga FL launch in Thailand was the Saga R3 Concept.[16] It was designed by Proton's Race, Rally, Research (R3) division and featured a sporty body kit, unique rims and custom paint job. Its technical specifications are not known. A couple of days later, the Proton Kasturi Concept was showcased at the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show.[17] The Saga FL- based Kasturi was created by Proton Design and many of its features later materialized in upcoming models.

The facelifted Proton Saga in Pattaya, Thailand.

The Saga FL was launched in Malaysia two weeks after its Thai unveil.[18] It was available in two trim lines for the Malaysian market, the Standard and Executive variants respectively. Both trim lines were available in 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmissions. Every Proton Saga FL came standard with 4 power windows, a feature which was warmly welcome. Later in May 2011, a more powerful model called the Proton Saga FL 1.6 Executive was launched.[19] As its name implies, it was powered by the 110 bhp CamPro IAFM 1.6 engine which could only be mated to the 4-speed automatic transmission. The Saga FL 1.6 came with unique alloy rims and body stickers to help distinguish it from the crowd.

Proton Saga FLX (2011–2016)

Proton Saga FLX
Overview
ProductionJuly 2011 – September 2016
Powertrain
Engine1.3L CamPro IAFM+ DOHC I4
1.6L CamPro IAFM+ DOHC I4
Transmission5-speed manual
CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,465 mm (97.0 in)
Length4,278 mm (168.4 in)
Width1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height1,520 mm (59.8 in)
Curb weight1,017 kg (2,242.1 lb) – 1,080 kg (2,381.0 lb)

Eight months after the launch of the Saga FL, Proton added to its line-up the Saga FLX, codenamed P2-11C.[3][20] The additional 'X' stands for extra. As with the previous iteration, the FLX is available in Standard and Executive trim lines. Both versions are equipped with the updated CamPro IAFM+ engine which can mated to a choice of either manual or CVT drivetrains. The Belgian-made Punch Powertrain CVT provides smooth, shiftless acceleration in addition to better fuel economy compared to the older 4-speed automatic. Furthermore, the old 5-speed Aichi Kikai manual transmission was replaced with a newer 5-speed Getrag manual. Safety wise, the Saga FLX now comes with dual airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). However, these features are only available in the more expensive Executive variant. The handling has been vastly improved with a new suspension setup which features stiffer springs, a thicker front anti-roll bar and revised shocks which strike a balance between ride comfort and handling performance. A new colour option, Elegant Brown was made available and the Saga FLX is competitively priced between RM38,370[21] and RM45,220.[21] The exterior of the Saga FLX is identical to the Saga FL.

Proton Saga FLX SE.

Proton participated in the RAC Future Car Challenge on 6 November 2011 with plug-in electric versions of the Saga, Exora and Persona, in which the company claimed 2 awards despite their shortcomings.[22]

The Proton Saga FLX SE was launched on 30 November 2011.[23] It is powered by a 108 hp CamPro IAFM+ 1.6 litre engine, paired to a CVT. Driver and passenger airbags as well as ABS with EBD come standard. A new body kit, smoked rear lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels give the FLX SE a sportier, more aggressive look. Leather upholstery and red stitching is present on the interior. It is only available in two colours, Solid White and Fire Red, and tentatively priced at RM49,899, around RM6,500 less than its primary competitor, the Perodua MyVi SE 1.5 automatic.

The Proton Saga EV during the RAC Future Car Challenge 2011, U.K..

The Saga FLX entered the Australian market in June 2012, where it was renamed the S16 FLX. It replaces the old S16 in Proton Australia's fleet. The S16 FLX comes in two variants, the GX and GXR, each with manual and CVT drivetrain options respectively. Dual airbags, ABS and EBD and ESC are standard on all S16 FLX variants, and a new colour, Solid Red was introduced. ESC was never made available in Malaysia delivered Saga FLX's. It is priced between AUD$13,990 and AUD$16,990.[24]

2013–2015 Proton Saga SV.

On 15 June 2013, Proton introduced a new sub-variant of the Saga FLX, called the Saga SV. SV is an acronym for Super Value, with prices starting from just RM33,438 for the manual transmission variant, making it over RM8,000 less than its closest rival, the Perodua Myvi 1.3 SX and around RM5,000 cheaper than the Saga FLX Standard 1.3. Despite the reduction in price, the Saga SV offers improved safety standards with dual airbags and a reinforced frame with only minimal exterior changes when compared to the Saga FLX Standard.[25]

On 14 August 2015, Proton unveiled the Saga Plus, the latest variant in the Saga FLX family.[26] The Saga Plus replaces the Saga SV and incorporates cosmetic upgrades from the more upmarket Saga Executive and Saga SE variants. The cosmetic enhancements include the body-coloured bodykit, bootlid spoiler and 14-inch six-spoke alloy wheels from the Saga Executive, as well as a painted rear bootlid garnish and a 'Plus' badge on the upper left side of the boot.[26] However, the Saga Plus lacks front fog lights, painted door handles, Bluetooth connectivity, powered mirrors and steering wheel controls, all of which were previously offered on the Saga Executive.[27] The Saga Plus is fitted with two front airbags and three-point seat belts on all five seats, but it lacks ABS and EBD.[27] There are no significant mechanical changes; the 1.3 litre CamPro IAFM+ four-cylinder engine with 94 hp at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque, paired to either the 5-speed Getrag manual or the Punch CVT gearboxes carry on unchanged from the Saga SV.[26] The Saga Plus is produced in five colours, namely Tranquility Black, Fire Red, Genetic Silver, Solid White and Elegant Brown. Despite the added cosmetic upgrades, prices for the Saga Plus remain unchanged from the Saga SV, ranging from RM33,242 for the manual with solid paint to RM36,577 for the CVT with metallic paint, all of which are on-the-road prices with insurance.[26] A three-year or 100,000 km warranty is also offered.

The second generation Saga FLX is also sold in Egypt in a sole executive variant with either manual or CVT transmission. The specifications mirror those of the Malaysian market but to note that the Saga sold in Egypt is left-hand drive.[28] A batch of Proton cars including the Saga departed Malaysia in September 2018[29] and arrived in Egypt in October 2018.[30] It is unknown when the Egyptian market Saga's were assembled.

Based on the outgoing Saga FLX platform, the third generation Proton Saga was officially launched on 28 September 2016 at Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

Specifications

Manufacturer's claims[20][31]
Powertrain and performance
EngineCamPro IAFM, 4-cylinder, DOHC 16V
Maximum speed (km/h)160 km/h (99 mph) manual / 155 km/h (96 mph) automatic
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (sec)13.0 seconds manual / 14.5 seconds automatic
Maximum power hp(kW)/rpm94 hp (70 kW) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum torque (Nm/rpm)120 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) / 4,000 rpm
Full tank capacity (litres)40
Tyres and rims175 / 70 R13 – steel or 185 / 60 R14 – alloy
Chassis
Power SteeringHydraulic power steering
Suspension (front/rear)MacPherson strut / torsion beam
Brake (front/rear)Ventilated disc / drum

Awards

  • 2008 Best Compact / People's car of the year – Asian Auto-VCA Auto Industry Awards [32]
  • 2008 Entry Level Category Winner – NST / Maybank COTY Awards 2008 [33]
  • 2009 Best Model of the Year (Malaysia) – Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific 2009 Automotive Awards [33]
  • 2010 Best Passenger Car Model of the Year – Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Excellence Award 2010 [33]
  • 2011 Best People's Car and Best Value for Money Family Car Awards – Asian Auto – Auto Industry Awards 2011 [34]
  • 2012 Special Mention Award – Best Value Compact Sedan of the Year – NST / Maybank COTY Awards 2012 [35]

References

  1. 1 2 Tan, Paul (18 January 2008). "New Proton Saga Launch and Test Drive Report". paultan.org. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  2. 1 2 Tan, Paul (30 November 2010). "Proton Saga facelift unveiled at Thai Motor Expo 2010". paultan.org. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  3. 1 2 Lim, Anthony (26 July 2011). "Proton Saga FLX 1.3L launched – CVT, ABS and EBD on". paultan.org. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  4. ↑ Chips Yap (14 August 2015). "Proton Saga Plus replaces SV, Executive and SE variants discontinued". www.motortrader.com.my. Archived from the original on 4 February 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
  5. ↑ "PROTON Holdings Berhad – History". corporate.proton.com. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2013.
  6. ↑ Tan, Paul (21 January 2008). "Proton Saga RED Concept by Proton Design". paultan.org. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  7. ↑ Tan, Paul (1 February 2008). "Proton Saga: 23,000 bookings, 5 month wait!". paultan.org. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  8. ↑ Tan, Paul (22 October 2008). aga-campro-16-taxi-with-ngv/ "Proton Saga Campro 1.6 Taxi with NGV". paultan.org. Retrieved 12 January 2013. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  9. ↑ Tan, Paul (1 June 2009). "Proton Saga 1.6 B-Line M/T now available for booking at Proton Edar's website!". paultan.org. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  10. ↑ Tan, Paul (7 July 2009). "New Proton Saga SE in showrooms from 15th August". paultan.org. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  11. ↑ Tan, Paul (16 July 2009). "Proton previews the Proton Saga EV Concept". paultan.org. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  12. ↑ Tan, Danny (24 December 2009). "Miss Australia Universe endorses the Proton Saga!". paultan.org. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  13. ↑ O'Kane, Tony (10 November 2009). "2010 Proton S16 To Go On Sale In December As Australia's Cheapest Car". themotorreport.com.au. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  14. ↑ Tan, Paul (11 July 2010). "Proton Saga 25th Anniversary Edition features dual front SRS airbags and 4 power windows!". paultan.org. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  15. ↑ Proton Saga Flyer. Proton Edar Indonesia.
  16. ↑ Tan, Danny (1 December 2010). "Proton Saga FLX R3 teased at Thai Motor Expo". paultan.org. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  17. ↑ Tan, Paul (2 December 2010). "Proton Kasturi Concept – Saga facelift teased at KLIMS". paultan.org. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  18. ↑ Tan, Paul (15 December 2010). "2011 Proton Saga FL launched in Malaysia – full details". paultan.org. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  19. ↑ Tan, Paul (26 May 2011). "Proton Saga FL 1.6 Executive now available – RM46,549". paultan.org. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  20. 1 2 Lim, Anthony (28 July 2011). "Proton Saga FLX 1.3L – first drive impressions". paultan.org. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  21. 1 2 Aneka, Kereta (19 April 2013). "Update Price!". anekakereta.com. Archived from the original on 30 April 2013.
  22. ↑ Danny Tan (6 November 2011). "RAC Future Car Challenge Brighton to London: Proton wins two awards, Gordon Murray T.27 is overall winner". paultan.org. Retrieved 10 November 2013.
  23. ↑ Lim, Anthony (30 November 2011). "Proton Saga FLX SE launched – RM49,899 OTR!". paultan.org. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  24. ↑ Beissmann, Tim (18 June 2012). "Proton S16 FLX: update brings basic safety features, fresh styling". caradvice.com.au. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  25. ↑ Lim, Anthony (15 June 2013). "Proton Saga SV launched – from RM33,438 OTR". paultan.org. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  26. 1 2 3 4 Gregory Sze (14 August 2015). "Proton Saga Plus introduced, new variant from RM33k". paultan.org. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  27. 1 2 Jonathan Lee (25 August 2015). "GALLERY: Proton Saga Plus – win some, lose some". paultan.org. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  28. ↑ "SAGA". Proton. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  29. ↑ "Proton resumes exports to Egypt - Saga and Exora among three models set for market debut in October". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 20 September 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  30. ↑ "Proton kicks off rebranding in Egypt with new models - plans for CKD assembly are being considered". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 9 November 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  31. ↑ "PROTON Edar – Proton Saga FLX – Pricing & Specs". proton.com. Archived from the original on 18 May 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  32. ↑ "PROTON Holdings Berhad – Awards & Recognition". corporate.proton.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 29 January 2013.
  33. 1 2 3 "PROTON Holdings Berhad – Awards". corporate.proton.com. Archived from the original on 24 February 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
  34. ↑ "Asian Auto 2011 – Proton – Best Value for Money Award – Proton grabs two Asian awards". www.btimes.com.my. 14 July 2011. Retrieved 29 January 2013.
  35. ↑ Cheong, Hans (30 November 2012). "Ford Ranger Wins NST-Maybank COTY Overall Car Of The Year". www.cbt.com.my. Archived from the original on 21 February 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2013.


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