First look: Proton's latest saga

PROTON has launched a new base model in Malaysia that could make it to Australia. Selling at the equivalent of $10,000, the new light sedan called the Saga slots in below the Savvy in the Proton line-up in Malaysia.

The Saga is initially designed to cater for Malaysian and other ASEAN markets, but the company also plans to export it to China, India and the Middle East.

While it shares the same name, the Saga is totally different to the model it replaces that was introduced 21 years ago.

The new car is powered by a 1.3-litre Campro four-cylinder engine that produces 71kW and 120Nm. When using a manual gearbox, the Saga records a fuel consumption figure of around six litres per 100km for a combined city/highway cycle.

Proton says the Saga features class leading cabin space. It will initially build the Saga in right-hand-drive only for ASEAN markets, but plans to begin production of left-hand-drive versions in the second half of the year for export to China.

Proton has targeted an initial production volume of 5500 to 6000 Saga units per month. While Proton Australia is keen to have the Saga in its range as a cut-price entry level vehicle from 2009, strong demand in other markets could affect the prospect of it coming to Australia.

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