Proton Saga (Second Generation)
For a complete overview of all Proton Saga models, see Proton Saga.
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Last updated on 23 August 2013 at 06:46.
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The second generation Proton Saga is a 4-door subcompact sedan produced by Malaysian car manufacturer Proton which launched on 18 January 2008. 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. 8 months later, a further improved model called the Proton Saga FLX was launched.
The Proton Saga is best known to have been named after the tiny red seed of the Saga tree (Adenanthera pavonina), commonly found in Malaysia. However, Ismail Jaafar, a retired military soldier who won the car's pre-launch naming contest claims Saga was originally an acronym for safety, achievement, greatness, ability. The Proton Saga is also a well-known national symbol of Malaysia.
The Proton Saga is best known to have been named after the tiny red seed of the Saga tree (Adenanthera pavonina), commonly found in Malaysia. However, Ismail Jaafar, a retired military soldier who won the car's pre-launch naming contest claims Saga was originally an acronym for safety, achievement, greatness, ability. The Proton Saga is also a well-known national symbol of Malaysia.
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Manufacturer
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Proton
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Production
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2008 – present
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Class
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Subcompact
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Body style
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4-door saloon
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Layout
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FF
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History
First iteration (2008 - 2010)
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The second generation Proton Saga is a 4-door subcompact sedan produced by Malaysian car manufacturer Proton which launched on 18 January 2008. 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. 8 months later, a further improved model called the Proton Saga FLX was launched.
The car was named after the Saga (Adenanthera pavonina) seed commonly found inMalaysia. The name was chosen by Ismail Jaafar, the winner of the Saga's pre-launch naming contest. The Proton Saga is also a well-known national symbol of Malaysia.
The much anticipated second generation Proton Saga launched on 18 January 2008. Previously, the first generation Proton 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 unlike the previous generation. 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. The new Saga was a great sales success for Proton, having received over 23,000 bookings in less than two weeks since launch.
The car was named after the Saga (Adenanthera pavonina) seed commonly found inMalaysia. The name was chosen by Ismail Jaafar, the winner of the Saga's pre-launch naming contest. The Proton Saga is also a well-known national symbol of Malaysia.
The much anticipated second generation Proton Saga launched on 18 January 2008. Previously, the first generation Proton 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 unlike the previous generation. 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. The new Saga was a great sales success for Proton, having received over 23,000 bookings in less than two weeks since launch.
1.6 B Line
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. Standard features are:- Power windows for the front
- Air conditioning
- An alarm system
- A CD player
Saga SE
One month later, the Proton Saga SE was unveiled using the 1.3 litre Campro IAFM engine that’s found in the rest of the Saga range except for the taxi model.- Only two colours – brilliant red or solid white with a black finish roof top.
- New front, rear (with faux diffuser design) and side skirts.
- A new front grille with black finish.
- Leather seats, door trim and steering wheel
- Pearl white instrument cluster
- Dark chrome air-conditioning vents
- CD player with MP3 support
Saga EV Concept
On 16 July 2009, Proton showcased the emission-free Saga EV Concept in Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang. Powered by a 125 kW (168 hp) DC motor 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.
The next year, Proton breaks cover to a UTM/Proton development Saga EV. This car took 11 months to develop. This Saga EV has an Azure Dynamics AC24LS 5.5 kW 4-pole, three-phase air-cooled AC electric motor (and corresponding DMOC445 digital motor controller) that can spin up to a maximum of 11,000 rpm, and which offers 47 kW (63 hp) of peak power and 92 Nm of max torque, working with a single-gear transmission and a 15 kWh, 50Ah lithium-ion battery. This Saga EV has a top speed of 125 kph and offers a 160 km range (in NEDC cycle mode), with a 0-100 kph time of 14.5 seconds. The car featured air-con, solar panels on the roof and LED head and tail lamps.
One year later, at the 2010 Jarkata International Motor Show, another Saga EV was previewed. This time it was a normal Saga with a smaller electric motor. It used a 15 kWh lithium ion polymer battery that can be quick-charged in just one hour, or via a conventional wall outlet in between 6 to 8 hours. 0 to 100km/h time is reached in 12 seconds, on to a top speed of 110km/h.
The next year, Proton breaks cover to a UTM/Proton development Saga EV. This car took 11 months to develop. This Saga EV has an Azure Dynamics AC24LS 5.5 kW 4-pole, three-phase air-cooled AC electric motor (and corresponding DMOC445 digital motor controller) that can spin up to a maximum of 11,000 rpm, and which offers 47 kW (63 hp) of peak power and 92 Nm of max torque, working with a single-gear transmission and a 15 kWh, 50Ah lithium-ion battery. This Saga EV has a top speed of 125 kph and offers a 160 km range (in NEDC cycle mode), with a 0-100 kph time of 14.5 seconds. The car featured air-con, solar panels on the roof and LED head and tail lamps.
One year later, at the 2010 Jarkata International Motor Show, another Saga EV was previewed. This time it was a normal Saga with a smaller electric motor. It used a 15 kWh lithium ion polymer battery that can be quick-charged in just one hour, or via a conventional wall outlet in between 6 to 8 hours. 0 to 100km/h time is reached in 12 seconds, on to a top speed of 110km/h.
Taxi usage
Furthermore, a spacial made version of the saga replaced the older Saga Iswara as Malaysia's taxi of choice from 2008 to 2010. The taxi version were equipped with more powerful 1.6 litre 110 bhp CamPro engines and were later converted to NGVs.
Australia
On the Christmas eve of 2009, Proton launched the S16 in the Australian market. 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. 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. The auto version will debut shortly while July 2010 will see the introduction a GXR variant that adds dual airbags, ABS, alloys, reverse sensors and fog lamps to the kit list.
25th Anniversary Edition
In July 2010, a limited edition model called the Proton Saga 25th Anniversary Edition was unveiled. Priced at RM54,500, it offered brown Nappa leather, bodykit (looks the same as the SE’s), alloy wheels unique to the Saga 25th Anniversary Edition, grey instrument faces (Saga is black face and Saga SE is white face) and the ‘tiger’ stripes running the length of the shoulderline. The interior, the hole on the passenger side of the dashboard that was previously a storage area has been ‘filled up’ by a passenger SRS airbag. The car also has power windows on all four windows. Only 25 examples were made, in-line with Proton's 25 years of automotive history.
Second iteration (2010 - 2011)
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On 30 November 2010, Proton unveiled a mid-life facelift of the Proton Saga at the Thai International Motor Expo 2010. 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 LEDtechnology. 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. 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. The Saga FL- based Kasturi was created by Proton Design and many of its features later materialized in upcoming models.
The Saga FL was launched in Malaysia two weeks after its Thai unveil. 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 welcomed.
The Saga FL was launched in Malaysia two weeks after its Thai unveil. 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 welcomed.
Saga FL 1.6 Executive
Later in May 2011, a more powerful version called the Proton Saga FL 1.6 Executive was launched. 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. It was only available in Solid White and costed RM 46,549.
Third iteration (2011 - present)
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8 months after the launch of the Saga FL, Proton added to its line-up the Saga FLX, codenamed P2-11C. 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 updatedCamPro 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 and RM45,220. The exterior of the Saga FLX is identical to the Saga FL.
Safety
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.
Handling
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.
Saga FLX SE 1.6
The Proton Saga FLX SE was launched on 30 November 2011. 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. It’s fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, an complete factory-fitted body kit in contrasting grey, fog lamps and smoked-finished combination rear lamps. Meanwhile, the 108 hp and 150 Nm vehicle’s interior gets a healthy dollop of leather; hide is to be found on the seats, steering wheel, door ornament as well as the parking brake and gearshift levers.
Saga FLX in Australia
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 are standard on all S16 FLX variants, and a new colour, Solid Red was introduced. It is priced between AUD$13,990 and AUD$16,990.
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.
Specifications
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Manufacturer's
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Powertrain
& Performance
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Engine
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CamPro
IAFM, 4 Cylinder, DOHC 16V
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Maximum Speed (km/h)
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160 km/h
(99 mph) manual / 155 km/h (96 mph) automatic
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Acceleration 0–100 km/h (sec)
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13.0
seconds manual / 14.5 seconds automatic
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Maximum Output hp(kW)/rpm
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94 hp
(70 kW) / 6,000 rpm
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Maximum Torque (Nm/rpm)
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120 Nm (89 lbft) / 4,000 rpm
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Full tank capacity (Litre)
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40
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Tyres & Rims
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175 / 70 R13 - Steel or 185 / 60 R14 - Alloy
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Chassis
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Power Steering
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Hydraulic Power Steering
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Suspension (Front/Rear)
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MacPherson Strut / Torsion Beam
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Brake (Front/Rear)
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Ventilated Disc / Drum
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Awards
- 2008 Best Compact / People's car of the year - Asian Auto-VCA Auto Industry Awards.
- 2008 Entry Level Category Winner - NST / Maybank COTY Awards 2008.
- 2009 Best Model of the Year (Malaysia) - Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific 2009 Automotive Awards.
- 2010 Best Passenger Car Model of the Year - Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Excellence Award 2010.
- 2011 Best People's Car and Best Value for Money Family Car Awards - Asian Auto - Auto Industry Awards 2011.
- 2012 Special Mention Award - Best Value Compact Sedan of the Year - NST / Maybank COTY Awards 2012.
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Last updated on 23 August 2013 at 06:46.
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