Proton saga

Proton saga

Proton saga

2010 marks the 25th anniversary since our very first Proton Saga was launched way back in 1985 as the first national car. In conjunction with this anniversary, Proton has lined up several interesting activities throughout 2010, which started with a logo-designing competition and continues with a variety of contests, events and competitions to celebrate the silver jubilee achievement of the nostalgic Saga.

Proton saga

Proton saga

For the record, Proton or Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional was founded way back in 1983, but the company’s first commercial car, the Saga only started to be produced in September 1985 in its Shah Alam plant. The initial technology was adapted from Mitsubishi Motors, while the design of the Saga was inspired by Italian carmakers Alfa Romeo. Part and components were back then manufactured solely by Mitsubishi, but as the local expertise grew, components were started to be produced locally as skilled workers doubled and tripled in time.

Proton saga

Proton saga

The first-generation Saga is the longest serving Proton model in history, and was produced firstly in 1985 after being launched by the then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed. The first models were powered by SOHC 8-valve, 4-cylinder, 1.3-liter engines, although there were also 1.5-liter versions available for those that required more power. The hatchback variant was introduced in 1988, and was first known as the Proton Knight before being renamed into the Saga Aeroback. The Saga was exported to the United Kingdom within the same year, and in the United Kingdom it was simply known as the Proton 1.3 and 1.5.

Proton saga

Proton saga

The first-generation Saga was produced without change until 1991, when the Proton Saga Iswara was unleashed to the public. Known better as the Iswara, these cars were highly popular as taxis as well. As the engines met Euro 1 emission standards, these cars were exported into Singapore and the United Kingdom with ease. The Iswara cars were available in both 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter engines, and captured the imaginations of many due to its sporty looks and decent performance figures. In 2003, the Iswara Aeroback received some modifications and was rebranded as the Saga LSMT.

Proton saga

The Saga that you see on the road today was introduced in 2007, and successfully phased out the old Saga vehicle without compromising on performance or style. With help from Lotus Engineering, the Saga was produced excellently, and is now being exported to countries such as China, India, Australia and Thailand amongst others. Bookings have been coming in non-stop for the all-new Saga, and it the car now regularly competes with the popular Perodua Myvi for the coveted title of best-selling national car every month. It uses a 1.3-liter Campro engine that comes with IAFM technology in addition to several other safety and comfort features. For a car that is priced amongst the RM30, 000 range, the Saga is without doubt one of the best bargains out there today!

Proton saga

Proton saga