Proton Saga With New Aisin 4AT Transmission Coming Soon?

Proton Saga MC2 that launched back in May 2022.

A report has surfaced online locally indicating that the Proton Saga will soon feature a new 4-speed automatic transmission (4AT) supplied by Toyota affiliate Aisin. Said new gearbox will replace the existing 4AT box sourced from Hyundai that’s currently primed in the Saga model. 

Said report also notes that the production of the Saga model laced with the new Aisin-sourced gearbox has commenced starting this month (May), though Proton has yet to announce this. Given that the specifications of the new transmission is similar to the one it replaces, it’s unclear if Proton will issue a statement.

More importantly, this switch to Aisin will also likely see no changes in the Saga’s selling price. Presently, the MC2 face-lift model introduced in May last year equipped with an automatic transmission retails from RM38,800 (Standard Lite AT), RM38,800 (Standard AT), and RM41,800 (Premium AT).

Hyundai-sourced 4-speed automatic transmission (4AT) primed in the Saga. Note: 2019 MC1 face-lift model pictured.

While we are unable to verify things officially, an insider source of ours at the national carmaker has somewhat hinted to us that this is true. Effectively, this is merely a parts supplier change, hence the reported promise of the Saga’s prices remaining the same as they are currently.

In 2019, Proton punched out the Punch-made CVT transmission in the new third generation Saga in favour of the Hyundai-made 4AT mentioned. This change was lauded for improving the Saga’s overall performance and fuel efficiency, as well as a drastically reducing engine noise levels in the cabin.

Surely, the switch to an Aisin-sourced transmission hardware can only be a good thing. At present, the Saga stands as one of the national carmaker’s best-sellers, with over 17,000 units shifted in the first quarter of this year and, more recently, with 3,949 units delivered just last month.