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Proton Saga

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Proton Saga
2nd Generation Proton Saga
Overview
ManufacturerProton
Production1985–present
Body and chassis
ClassCompact
Subcompact
Body style4-door saloon
5-door hatchback
LayoutFF layout

The Proton Saga is a subcompact car, formerly a compact car manufactured by Malaysian auto manufacturer Proton since September 1985.

The Saga and its variants contribute to most of Proton's sales and revenues since its introduction. For nearly 22 years, the first-generation Saga is the longest surviving Proton model to date, ahead of Proton's mid-size car, the Perdana. The original Saga model was based on the 1983 Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore in conjunction with the agreement with Mitsubishi to produce Malaysia's own national car. In 2008, a successor designed in-house by Proton was launched under the new management and using the Proton Savvy platform to cut development cost. In August of that year, the 3 millionth car produced by Proton was a second generation Proton Saga.

First generation (1985–2008)

First generation
Overview
ManufacturerProton
Also calledProton MPI (Multi-Point Injected) (United Kingdom)
Production1985–2008
AssemblyShah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Body and chassis
ClassCompact
Body style4-door saloon
5-door hatchback
LayoutFF layout
PlatformMitsubishi Fiore
Related1983 fourth generation Mitsubishi Lancer
Powertrain
Engine1.3 L 4G13 I4
1.5 L 4G15 I4
Transmission5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Curb weight940 kg (2,072 lb)

Saga (1985–1991)

The Proton Saga was launched in September 1985 by Malaysia's then Prime Minister, Mahathir bin Mohamad. Before the production of Proton Saga, a contest was held to choose the name of the first national car, and the name Saga was chosen from the winner of the contest, Ismail Jaafar,[1] a retired military soldier. When asked why he chose this particular name, he replied as "saga" (Abrus precatorius) is a type of soft, fragile but productive seed commonly found in Malaysia, and joked that the Proton Saga 1.3 litre engine "is as strong as the saga seed".

The first known Proton Saga to roll off the production line was presented to the Malaysian National Museum as a symbol of the beginning of the Malaysian automotive industry. Tun Dr. Mahathir also drove a prototype Proton Saga fitted with a 4G63 2.0L engine and a Jalur Gemilang across the Penang Bridge and to Penang Airport during the opening ceremony of the bridge on 14 September 1985.

Initially, Saga supplies were low, with just 700 vehicles produced in time for the launch. The cars sold quickly, and Proton was not able to meet public demand. It was not until July 1986 when Proton gained a majority market share, after production had increased.[2]

Once production had been brought up to speed, the Proton Saga captured 73% of the Malaysian passenger car market. The success of the Saga is attributed to its low price (cheaper than any other car on the Malaysian market) and its appeal to Malaysian patriotism.[3]

In 1986 Proton initiated an ill-fated attempt to sell the Saga in the United States with the help of American automotive entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, brainchild of Proton, had been impressed had been impressed by Bricklin, who had been advised to work with Proton by former U.S. secretary of state, Henry Kissinger, who had previously taught Mohamad at Harvard University. Soon after the first Sagas had been imported into the United States, Bricklin revealed that he had not gained permission from authorities and sold the import company shortly after. The result was a major financial loss for Proton.[4]

Early Saga models were powered by SOHC 8-valve 4-cylinder petrol engines sourced from Mitsubishi, available in both 1.3- and 1.5-litre displacements. Both engines were available with a 5-speed manual transmission, but a 3-speed Mitsubishi Tri-matic automatic was available with the 1.5-liter engine in 1987.

The Saga was originally offered as a 4-door saloon, followed by the addition of a hatchback variant, introduced in 1988 as the Proton Knight and was later known as Saga Aeroback. The Proton Knight was designed for the European market as the hatchback was more popular in United Kingdom.[5]

In 1989, Proton sold the Saga in the United Kingdom with the slogan Japanese Technology + Malaysian Style = Proton. Since then, United Kingdom contributes most of Proton's export sales. The Saga name was not used due to the word's affiliation with the elderly holiday package agency.[citation needed] Instead, it was simply known as the Proton MPI and was offered with a choice of a 1.3 or 1.5 liter engine. The UK models reverted to the dashboard used in the Mitsubishi Lancer, complete with HVAC controls not found in the domestic model.[6]

In 1990, the line-up was revised with the introduction of 12-valve Megavalve engines, which increased power ratings to 75 bhp (56 kW) (from the original 70.5 bhp (53 kW) in the former 8-valve (Magma) version[7]) for the 1.3-litre engine, and 90 bhp (67 kW) for the 1.5-litre engine. On domestic models, the Saga also gained the "Megavalve" moniker. Minor exterior modifications included a new grill and wraparound black trim pieces. In addition, rear seat belts and a third brake light were fitted as standard.

  • A manual, saloon variant of the first facelift Saga.
    A manual, saloon variant of the first facelift Saga.
  • An automatic, Aeroback variant of the first facelift Saga.
    An automatic, Aeroback variant of the first facelift Saga.

Saga Iswara (1992–2008)

The saloon variant of the Proton Saga Iswara.

In 1992, the Saga was given a facelift and its name expanded as Proton Saga Iswara (also known in short as Proton Iswara), after a species of butterfly in Sarawak. Modifications included slimmer headlights, plastic bumpers, side mouldings, coloured door handles, grooved taillight clusters, a more modern interior and rear number plate repositioned to the bumper.[8] In addition, new colors for automatic transmission models were introduced as well. This particular model is used as taxis in Malaysia and many have been converted to NGV. Due to the modification, boot space was reduced by half to accommodate the NGV tank and there are only a few petrol stations by Malaysian oil-giant Petronas in the Klang Valley that sell natural gas, although there are plans underway to increase the number of stations selling it at various locations around Kuala Lumpur.[9][10]

Models exported to Singapore and the United Kingdom were available with multi-point fuel injection and catalytic converters to meet Euro I emissions standards. This model was known as the Proton MPi in the United Kingdom. The introduction of the Proton Wira in 1993 replaced the corresponding models in the Saga range in the United Kingdom and this continued until the entire range was replaced in 1996.[11]

In 2001, to regain sales and be competitive with Perodua, Proton introduced a special edition of Saga Iswara Sport based on the Aeroback version which included a new bodykit, metallic rear wing, jewel-effect headlights and Altezza lights, among other changes. It was only available in silver, with a manual transmission and a 1.3-litre engine. The original Saga Iswara Aeroback was still available in a 1.5-litre engine.

While the Iswara Aeroback underwent further modifications in the domestic market to become the Saga LMST in 2003, the saloon variant remained on sale unchanged.

  • Since the 1990s, the saloon variant of the Proton Saga Iswara dominated as the preferable car model for taxicabs in Malaysia, as seen with these examples in Kuala Lumpur.
    Since the 1990s, the saloon variant of the Proton Saga Iswara dominated as the preferable car model for taxicabs in Malaysia, as seen with these examples in Kuala Lumpur.
  • The Proton Saga Iswara Aeroback would later serve as the basis of the re-released Proton Sagas in the 2000s.
    The Proton Saga Iswara Aeroback would later serve as the basis of the re-released Proton Sagas in the 2000s.
  • The Saga Iswara Sport (introduced 2001), which shares a similar trim design as the Iswara Aeroback.
    The Saga Iswara Sport (introduced 2001), which shares a similar trim design as the Iswara Aeroback.

Saga LMST (2003–2008)

The 2007 Proton Saga was the second iteration of the re-released Saga.

As a loose successor to the Saga Iswara Sport, Proton gave the Iswara a new facelift and renamed it back to Saga in 2003. This generation is known as Saga LMST. The interior had an entirely new dashboard,[12] door panels and an instrument panel with a digital display consisting of an odometer, a fuel gauge and a temperature gauge. Meanwhile, the exterior received new headlights and taillights and colour-coded bumpers and wing mirrors. Proton retuned the 1.3-litre carburettor engine, and fitted a new exhaust system and extractors, increasing its power rating to 83 bhp (62 kW). It was only available with the 5-speed manual transmission.

On March 5, 2007, Proton launched the 50th Merdeka Anniversary Promotion in Malaysia, where they announced new price for the Proton Saga which were sold at RM26,999. Advertising campaigns for the Saga Aeroback used a notable rendition of Justin Timberlake's hit single SexyBack, with the lyrics changed to "AeroBack". The promotion was made as a support to Malaysia's 50th Merdeka Day and also to thank Proton's customers for their support since Proton Saga was first launched,[13] receiving several minor cosmetic changes. The move was also an attempt by Proton to steal potential sales from Perodua's then-forthcoming budget supermini, the Viva. That year, the Proton Saga became the second best selling car behind Perodua MyVi and the best selling saloon car in Malaysia, with over 15,000 orders. This version is quite notably the fastest and the lightest version of the Saga series Proton has ever produced. However, many public complaints have been filed to this version including interior quality problems such as broken power window switches and uncontrollable flow of the air-conditioning system.

Second generation (2008–present)

Second generation
A second generation Proton Saga.
Overview
Also calledProton Base Line Model (BLM), S16 (Australia)
ProductionJanuary 2008[14]-present
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact
Body style4-door saloon
PlatformProton Savvy (stretched)
RelatedProton Savvy
Powertrain
Engine1.3 L Campro I4
1.6 L Campro I4
Transmission5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
CVT
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)
Curb weight1,060 kg (2,337 lb)-1,085 kg (2,392 lb)

Saga / S16 (2008-2010)

On January 18, 2008, Proton unveiled the successor to the 2007 Saga, which was planned to be phased out in June 2008. Retaining the Saga name, the new car is an indigenous design, designed to outperform and outengineer the old Saga compact sedan and aeroback in every way. Its bodywork is essentially based on a stretched Proton Savvy. The new model is an in-house design developed in collaboration with Korea's LG CNS and Lotus Engineering. This model enables the Malaysian company play to its strength in the home market i.e. three-box sedan. The Proton Saga is not planned for U.S. launch but will be sold throughout Southeast Asia, in China, India and Australia.

As of February 2008, approximately 23,000 customer bookings had been made for the car since its launch and the corresponding waiting time for delivery during that same period stretched up to 5 months.

On July 16, 2009, an electric version of the Proton Saga was demonstrated at the University Sains Malaysia, Penang.

Specifications

The Saga comes in 3 different specifications with the choice of manual or auto transmissions starting from the base specced N model to the fully kitted M model. Aichi Kikai supplies the 5-speed manual while Mitsubishi makes the 4-speed automatic. The basic N model retails from RM31,500 to the RM39,800 high specced M model. The new Saga would be the cheapest Proton once the RM26,999 original is retired. Proton dubs the new Saga as "The People's Car".

Engine and performance

1.3 litre Campro engine used in the Saga.

The new Saga is powered by the same 1.3-litre Campro engine (co-designed with Lotus). The same engine is also fitted to the Gen-2. The 1.3-liter engine is rated at 94 hp (70 kW; 95 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 120 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm.[15] The engines feature the new Integrated Air-Fuel Module (IAFM) which varies the airflow into the engine to improve efficiency, smoothing torque dips in the lower and middle rev ranges. The ignition system has also been updated with coil-on-plugs instead of the traditional ignition cable system to eliminate power loss. Compared to the (non-IAFM) 1.3-litre in the Satria Neo, power delivery characteristics are remarkably different. Based on opinionated review, noticeable torque is felt after 2,500 rpm to 4,000 rpm.[15] The suspension setup consists of MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar up front with a torsion beam in the rear. The Lotus-designed torsion beam suspension aims to reduce understeering.[15] Fuel economy has been improved with approximate rating of 6 L/100 km (47 mpg‑imp; 39 mpg‑US) for the manual transmission.[15]

Besides the 1.3L engine option, the 1.6-liter Campro version is also available as an exclusive engine option for taxi operators. It also features IAFM and produces 114 hp (85 kW; 116 PS) at 6,500 rpm and 148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm. Top-of-the-line versions (currently the M-Line) are fitted with a set of 14-inch rims and 185/65 R14 tyres for added traction, providing the car with increased braking force and improved road holding. However, the car is not equipped with ABS.

Cabin and interior

The new Saga is bigger and has ample room for 5 Malaysian adults of average height. One airbag for the driver is fitted to the M-line models.However, the signal and wiper switch levers are located at opposite directions. The signal switch lever is located at the left hand side of the steering wheel where as the wiper lever switch is located at the right hand side of the steering wheel, similar to European car models. As the Saga is designed as a city car, the air conditioning system has been made even more powerful and efficient, even at engine idling speeds.

Like its predecessor, it is expected to be standard among Malaysian taxicab operators. The car is not designed to accommodate a compressed natural gas tank. A Malaysian Orange Taxi Company, Innovasi Timur Sdn Bhd installed a superior NGV System with a modified NGV Cylinder Bracket, giving larger boot space for luggage.

Awards

Since the official launch of the second generation Proton Saga in January 2008, the car has won 3 major automobile awards. The Malaysian edition of Autocar Asean magazine has awarded the new Saga "Winner of the Small Sedan/ Hatchback Category" for 2008. Shortly after that, the car was voted as the "Best People's Car" at the Asian Auto - VCA Auto Industry Award 2008.[16] In November the same year, the new Saga won yet another major Malaysian automobile accolade when it was declared the "Winner of the Entry Level Car Category" under the New Straits Times/ Maybank Car of the Year Awards for 2008. On 13 May 2010, Frost & Sullivan awarded 'Best Passenger Model Car of the Year' for the Proton Saga for its excellence and reliability.[17]

Saga FL (2010-2011)

On November 30, 2010, Proton unveiled a mid-life facelift version of the Proton Saga at the Thai International Motor Expo 2010, featuring substantial changes to the exterior sheet metal.[18] The new features introduced in the Saga FL include power windows for all 4 doors (previous Sagas only have front power windows), new Clarion audio system with USB ports, rear LED lights, steering wheel audio switches, and dual airbags. The technical specifications for the Saga FL is unchanged from the pre-facelift Saga.

Saga FLX (2011-present)

Only 8 months after the launching of Saga FL in improving the cars and listening to the users feedback, Proton relaunched its Saga line-up with Saga FLX, which X stands for extra. The car internal code is P2-11C. The new line-up was launched in July 2011 with a fine tuned Campro IAFM + variety engine, minor update on plastic usage especially the tone of the dashboard, new graphics for the instrument cluster meters. It also get new suspension setup which features stiffer springs, a thicker front anti-roll bar and revised shocks, offering 20%-30% more stiffness which then reduced body roll and more neutral handling pitching into corners. Most important change is the usage of 6 speed CVT gearbox which comes from Belgian manufacturer Punch Powertrain and the manual variant of the FLX also sees a change, this being in drivetrain choice, the Aichi Kikai five-speed tranny making way for a Getrag five-speeder. For safety feature, ABS is a standard specs and coupled with EBD feature. The price remains competitive with a minor RM1000 increase. The car is a serious money-for-value new car in Malaysia. The Saga FLX provide the closest competition to the Perodua Myvi which previously reign the top spot for almost 5 years.

Awards

  • 1991 What Car? Best Value Car of the Year (Proton Saga 1.5E Aeroback)[6]
  • 1992 Auto Express Best Value Popular New Cars[6]
  • 1993 What Car? Best Buy Family Car up to £10,000[6]
  • 2008 Best Compact/People's car of the year - Asian Auto-VCA Auto Industry Awards[19]
  • 2008 Entry Level Category Winner - NST/Maybank COTY Awards 2008[19]
  • 2009 Best Model of the Year (Malaysia) - Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific 2009 Automotive Awards[19]
  • 2010 Best Passenger Car Model of the Year[19]
  • 2011 Best People's Car and Best Value for Money Family Car Awards - Asian Auto - Auto Industry Awards 2011.[20]

References

  1. ^ First National Car Reborn - from YouTube.com, originally by The Star. Retrieved on 20 January 2008.
  2. ^ Danker, Tony (1 September 1986). "A year of sucess fo national car". New Straits Times. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  3. ^ "Proton History". New Car Shopper. Retrieved 9 June 2011.
  4. ^ Mantle, Jonathan (1995). Car Wars. Arcade Publishing. p. 152. ISBN 1559703334.
  5. ^ "HISTORY OF PROTON". Proton Holdings Berhad. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  6. ^ a b c d "Proton MPI (1989–1995)". Proton Cars UK. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  7. ^ First Looks: The New Proton Saga Malaysian Motor Trader, 18 January 2008
  8. ^ "Iswara Models". Proton Edar. Retrieved 9 June 2011.
  9. ^ Perumal, Elan. "Rush to fit natural gas gadget". The Star Online. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  10. ^ "More natural gas stations needed, say motorists". The Star Online. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  11. ^ "PROTON CARS FITTED WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTERS". TelecomPaper. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  12. ^ Tan, Paul. "Possible Proton Savvy Interior Shots!". paultan.org. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
  13. ^ Wan Syamsul Wan Seadey (2007-03-05). "Proton Saga RM26,999 sempena 50 tahun merdeka [[:Template:Ms icon]]". Utusan Malaysia. Retrieved 2007-09-26. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  14. ^ "Beri Proton peluang -- Teruskan program pemulihan tanpa rakan strategik – PM". Utusan Malaysia. 2007-11-21.
  15. ^ a b c d Amery Reuben (2008-09-01). "Road Test - Proton Saga 1.3M". SGCarmart.com. Retrieved 2010-09-08.
  16. ^ "Inaugural Asian Auto-VCA Awards takes off". Star-Motoring. 2008-07-23. Retrieved 2009-08-23. [dead link]
  17. ^ "PROTON WINS TWO AWARDS FROM FROST & SULLIVAN". Proton Press. 2010-05-14. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
  18. ^ Paul Tan (2010-11-30). "Proton Saga facelift unveiled at Thai Motor Expo 2010". Retrieved 2010-11-30.
  19. ^ a b c d "AWARDS & RECOGNITION". Ulu Motor. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  20. ^ cite web|title=Asian Auto Industry Awards|url=http://blmclub.blogspot.com/2011/07/proton-grabs-two-asian-awards-proton.html
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