Tough Times, But Everyone Still Wants a Saga: Sales Jump 38% Despite a Slow Market

While the Malaysian automotive industry faces a challenging start to 2026, one nameplate continues to defy the odds. Proton Saga, Malaysia’s first national car, has proven that age is truly just a number. In a recent press release, PROTON announced that the Saga recorded a staggering 38% increase in sales volume for the first quarter of the year, cementing its status as the nation’s favorite budget-friendly sedan.

The Saga Defies a Shrinking Market

According to the latest data, the Total Industry Volume (TIV) in Malaysia is estimated to have shrunk by 4.9% in Q1 2026. High living costs and shifting economic trends have made buyers more cautious. However, PROTON has bucked this trend entirely.

The company posted its highest Q1 results in 22 years, with the Saga acting as the "lynchpin" of this success. With 21,770 units sold in the first three months alone, the Saga isn't just surviving, it’s thriving.

Why the 2026 Proton Saga is Still Winning

What makes a 40-year-old icon more popular than ever? For many Malaysians, it comes down to trusted value.

• Affordability in Tight Times: With prices for the new 2026 MC3 model starting around RM38,990, it remains the most accessible entry point for families.
• Modern Upgrades: The 2026 Saga has shed its "basic" reputation for a premium technical edge. It now features a more powerful and fuel-efficient 1.5L i-GT engine paired with a refined CVT, delivering a class-leading 4.9L/100km. Inside, the "Digital Cockpit" boasts a 16-inch dual-screen setup with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while segment-first Level 1 ADAS (including AEB) and Electric Power Steering ensure that Malaysia’s favorite budget sedan now offers the safety and sophistication of cars twice its price.
• Unmatched Reliability: As Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, CEO of Proton EDAR, noted, the brand’s focus on lower maintenance and fuel efficiency is exactly what buyers need as fuel prices fluctuate.

A Record-Breaking Quarter for PROTON

The Saga’s success is part of a much larger victory for the national brand. In March 2025, PROTON sold a total of 15,706 vehicles, marking a 15.4% increase over the previous month. This surge has pushed PROTON’s market share to an estimated 27.4%, the highest level the company has seen since 2017.

Beyond the Saga: The Rise of e.MAS and SUVs

While the Saga handles the high-volume heavy lifting, PROTON’s other models are also making waves:

• Proton e.MAS 5: Currently Malaysia’s most popular EV model, leading the charge into the "New Energy" era.
• Proton S70: Maintaining its title as the best-selling C-segment sedan, even outselling smaller B-segment rivals in March.
• Proton X90: Achieving its highest sales volume in over a year as the go-to "True 7-seater comfort SUV."

The People’s Champion

By listening to the needs of Malaysian drivers, focusing on reliability, value, and local assembly, Proton has turned a "market slump" into a "sales surge."

Whether you are looking for your first car or a dependable family runabout, the message from the market is clear: Everyone still wants a Saga.