Unpacked: 2026 Proton Saga – SIX Things We Learnt

At last, the new 2026 Proton Saga is ALMOST here! (Image: Proton)

At last, with a content embargo now lifted, we can finally give you the low-down on THE most important new car launched by Proton in its current Geely partnership era – arguably more important than the X70, X50, X90, S70, e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 5 even.

Say hello then to the all-new fourth-generation Proton Saga. Firstly, there’s no harm calling this the ‘Saga MC3’ or ‘2026MY Saga’ – it really is that ‘new’ inside and out. There are some carried-over bits that we’ll detail in a bit, but you won’t easily see these.

Three variants will be offered - Standard, Executive and Premium. The latter range-topper is pictured above.

After sizing it up inside and out and briefly driving one around Proton’s test-track adjacent to its Tanjong Malim plant, we can safely report that Proton has built a true ‘world-beater’ in this fourth-gen rendition of its best-selling nameplate.

So, without further delays, here are SIX things you need to know about the all-new 2026 Proton Saga, which will come in three variants – Standard, Executive and Premium…

The carried over AMA chassis platform is reflected in the new Saga's relatively unchanged dimensions, most notable being its 2,465 mm wheelbase.

1. Same Old Chassis, But It’s Vastly Improved

Let’s get the first of the ‘old’ bits out of the way. As reported prior, the national automaker elected to retain the outgoing Saga’s AMA chassis platform for this fourth-gen redux. This explains the relatively unchanged dimensions, namely its 2,465 mm wheelbase length.

We’ll have exact dimension figures once the new Saga officially launches later this month. For now, just know that it’s basically the same size as before due to its carried over bones. From here on end, things are either highly improved or all-new.

Though carried over, the AMA chassis platform base has been strengthened for improved NVH suppression and enhanced safety. it also brings enhanced drive dynamics to boot. (Images: Proton)

Sticking with the chassis still, Proton made it both stronger and smarter, the latter being evident via the new electrical and electronic (E&E) architecture it now houses. This, in turn, enables a lot of new features on board like ADAS functions, and more.

As for the enhanced chassis strength, we won’t bore you with the finer details. Just know that this not only improves ride and handling dynamics, it also contributes to improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) suppression, as well as safety.

Another key improvement to chassis is the adoption of a full electric power steering (EPS) system - a first for the Saga nameplate.

Key chassis improvements include uprated front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension assemblies, disc brakes all around (no more rear drums) and the adoption of a full electric power steering (EPS) system - a first for the Saga.

Yes, even at chassis level, there’s plenty to unpack, and we’ve only scratched the surface. Things only get better as we move along…

Under the hood, the new Saga gains an all-new 'i-GT' 4-cyl petrol heart derived from the face-lifted X50.

2. It Shares The X50’s 4-cyl, But It’s Simplified

The next critical change lies under the hood as the new Saga employs a new 1.5-litre 4-cyl ‘i-GT’ petrol mill. Though identical to what powers the recently face-lifted X50 crossover, it makes do without either a turbocharger or direct injection.

Proton is now producing this 'i-GT' petrol mill en masse, and we could soon see other models adopt variations of which. For now, it’s only the X50 and new Saga using which.

Featuring a timing chain assembly, this 'simplified' mill is a quieter versus the VVT unit it succeeds, and it also promises enhanced efficiency and reliability over which too.

Back to the new Saga, it effectively uses a ‘simplified’ version of the X50’s four-banger, but it still puts out decent pep – 120 PS (88 kW) and 150 Nm. Depending on transmission choice, Proton notes between 10.53% and 14.04% reduction in NVH from which too.

Part of this stems from the mill’s adoption of a new timing chain assembly, which also contributes to enhanced efficiency and reliability. Again, depending on transmission choice, average fuel economy figures touted by Proton range between 4.9 litres/100 KM and 5.1 litres/100 KM.

Surprise! Yes, the CVT automatic box makes a return, but this is far more refined and responsive than the previous one the outgoing Saga once had.

3. The CVT Is Back, 4AT Remains, No Sign Of A Manual… Yet

Alright, we’ll address the metaphorical elephant in the room, by which we mean the return of the CVT-type automatic transmission. Yes, this was a much-maligned piece of hardware in the new Saga’s predecessor, but the news is not all bad.

During our preview, Proton shied away from revealing the origins of this new CVT choice, which is only brimmed in the range-topping Premium variant. We have our guesses for which, but we’ll hold our tongues first and let Proton tell all at launch.

As you can guess, the CVT holds the more frugal fuel economy figure touted. Having sampled it briefly in a short test-drive and a quick sprint-test, we’re glad to report this is a far more refined and certainly more responsive CVT than what past Saga models had.

Members of the new Saga's development team detailing both the new engine and both CVT plus 4AT transmission choices.

Critically, we can also report that besides being a smooth operator, this CVT is also a fairly quiet one. You don’t have to take our word on this, sample one yourself once test-drive units arrive at showrooms, and you’ll know we make sense.

That aside, Proton also elected to keep the Aisin-sourced 4AT box, which is only brimmed in the mid-specced Executive and base-spec Standard variants. Though we couldn’t test this during our preview, we’re told it has been recalibrated for the new i-GT mill noted.

It other words, the 4AT promises to be just as good, but Proton reckons the new CVT is a better bet – and we somewhat agree. The only thing missing here is the choice to row your own gears – there is no manual option. However, this MIGHT change later, but don’t place your bets on this just yet…

Yes, you read that right - WIRELESS Apple CarPlay and Android Auto... in a Saga! Times have certainly changed...

4. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto!

We know many have waited and held their breaths for this, and you can release that big sigh of relief. Yes, the 2026 Proton Saga will be first in its class to offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Wirelessly too. 

Effectively, this is the key highlight of the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment brimmed in both the Executive and Premium guises. We also briefly played around with which and, thankfully, the native user interface also felt intuitive and easy to master.

The folks over at ACO Tech – Proton’s tech subsidiary responsible for in-car infotainment and connectivity – deserves a rousing applause for this. We’ll also add that this is one of their many silent triumphs.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is offered only through this 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is brimmed in the Executive and Premium variant only.

Said 9-inch unit is housed in a new single-piece dual-screen panel next to an interactive 7-inch digital instrument display.

The only caveat is that both features are offered in the Executive and Premium variants only. The base-spec Standard variant will get a less sophisticated capacitive touchscreen infotainment instead that won’t have either.

Whilst here, we’ll note that the infotainment interface is housed in a single-piece dual-digital display panel that includes a richly interactive 7-inch digital instrument screen. The design is indeed familiar – it mirrors what a certain German marque once trended with.

Otherwise, the basics are all accounted for, by which we mean keyless entry and push-start ignition plus ample count of USB charging ports all included. Apart from the analogue handbrake, there’s nothing old-fashioned about this new Saga’s cabin.

With an upgraded new E&E harness, the new Saga also gains a slew of ADAS features to deliver enhanced levels of safety.

5. Safety Remains A High Priority

This is especially true with the range-topping Premium variant, which gains the most on this front through the inclusion of six airbags lining its cabin plus a slew of ADAS features that bring overall safety up a few critical notches.

For the latter, we’ll be brief and note certain omissions first, key amongst which being Lane-Keeping Assist or Lane-Departure Prevention (LKA/LDP), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Otherwise, as far as basic sedans go, the new Saga is now ‘smarter’ and much safer than before in this sense.

That’s because apart from forward collision warning and prevention (FCW & AEB) plus Front Departure Alert (FDA), the Premium guise Saga also gets Lane-Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Collision Waring (RCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane-Change Assist (LCA), and Door Opening Warning (DOW) all included.

Calibrated with motorcyclist detection, the ADAS package brimmed in the Premium variant sees it rightfully earn a 4-star ASEAN NCAP crash-test rating too.

With some of these ADAS features being calibrated with the all-important motorcyclist detection, it’s no surprise then to learn that the fourth-gen Saga in Premium guise rightfully earned a 4-Star rating from the ASEAN NCAP crash-testing organisation.

Again, the only caveat is that this full-range of active safety features are reserved for the Premium variant. The other two guises have at least covered the basics well enough, and will perhaps suit many budget-conscious buyers.

Before you ask, both the Standard and Executive guises are laced with core basics such as two airbags, ISOFIX childseat anchors, as well as ABS and stability control (ESC), amongst others. Yes, relatively basic, but it’s basically good enough.

The Premium variant pictured is easily set apart thanks to its two-tone 15-inch alloy wheels and added rear taillight bar running across its tailgate.

6. It Has Posh New Looks!

This sentiment applies both inside and out. From the images sprawled here, we’re certain the new concave-shaped front grille will divide opinions. What won’t are the all-LED projector headlamps nestled on each side of the dominating full-width grille that’s also adorned with up-market chrome garnishes and inserts.

At the rear, the Premium range-topper rocks all-LED taillights with a full-width connecting LED taillight bar. As overrated as it sounds, we’ll agree this touch elevates the new Saga’s looks in its derriere. From which, at a glance, it does mirror the look of a certain German marque’s new small sedan.

The Executive variant makes do with simpler single-tone wheels plus a blacked-out tailgate garnish in place of the connecting LED lightbar seen in the Premium.

However, said lightbar is deleted in both the Standard and Premium guises, though the blacked-out tailgate garnish in place of which in both is executed tastefully. Toned-down – literally – too are the 15-inch rolling stock, which feature a single-tone finish instead of the distinct two-tone treatment dressing the Premium range-topper’s wheels.

Onboard, plush luxuries are aptly a rarity with econoboxes like the Saga - this new one being no exception. However, Proton has given the interior a full upmarket design refresh, replete with Songket ‘weave’ patterns in the dash and door panels. Look closely and you’ll even find new Congkak-inspired air-cond vents, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and new shifter knob design.

On board, Proton gave the cabin a full design refresh with upmarket new touches like the flat-bottomed steering wheel, Congkak-shaped air-cond vents, and Songket weave patterns in both the dash and door panels.

Of course, The absence of telescopic steering adjustment, plus the adoption of a single-zone manual climate control does remind you of just how basic the new Saga is. Nevertheless, at least the Premium range-topper will have plush dual-tone leatherette seat and steering upholstery instead of the usual fabric seat covers as the Standard and Executive guises.

Overall, we’ll agree with anyone describing the new Saga as a ‘very heavy facelift’, but all the visual and aesthetic changes detailed are arguably welcomed. If anything, this and Fact #4 ought to be clear signs that this new Saga was designed and developed by a whole new generation of people at Proton.

From what we garnered, Proton looks set to launch the fourth-gen Saga as early as end of this month. We've also been hinted there will be a slight price hike, but it won't break the RM50,000 ceiling still.

It Launches Soon!

With everything we’ve just detailed, it’s not hard to see that Proton is potentially sitting on yet another guaranteed top-seller. Given the nameplate’s history for selling over two million units since conception, it has to be.

That said, we won’t be surprised to see this new fourth-gen Saga quickly finding homes in the driveways and parking lots of many Malaysians soon enough. Adding to which is its promise of continued affordability.

We'll have more once the Saga officially launches. Until then, you can check out more images in the gallery prepared below, and share your take on things in the comments section too.

Speaking of, with all the new and enhanced bit, we can only speculate that there will be a slight price hike for the range-topping Premium guise at least, with insiders at the national automaker hinting that things won’t break the RM50,000 ceiling still.

We’ll know for certain at its official launch, and we also were hinted will take place closer towards the end of this month. Lastly, with this new Saga, we can safely concede that the folks in Proton over in Tanjong Malim have set the bar very highly for rivals in Rawang.