Proton, Malaysia's first and biggest car manufacturer, has launched their all new Proton Saga. The Saga is Proton's entry level model, a real people's car with a low price (starting at about Euro 6,000) and low running costs (esimated 6 liters / 100 km). It is also the second new car, following the Persona, Proton has released this year.
The Proton Saga is powered by a 1.3 liter Campro double overhead camshaft multipoint injection engine, producing 71 kW / 95 hp with 120 Nm of torque. Proton is planning to build between 5,500 and 6,000 untis per month initially with a burst of demand at the launch. The new Saga is expected to move across the Malaysian borders and be popular in other Asean countries, China, India and the Middle East.
“In terms of packaging, it has a potential global reach," Syed Zainal said, "The initial foray will be in right-hand drive markets during the first half of the year in Asean countries, while the left-hand drive version will follow in the second half targeting export to China.”
The new Proton Saga is shorter, wider and taller than the outgoing model, resulting in more interior room for passengers and is significantly bigger than its local competitors. The Saga will be available in three trim levels with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Source: Proton
