National car maker Proton Holdings Group has launched the new facelifted version of the Saga. If you haven’t already know, Proton recently showcased the new Saga look at the recent Thai Auto Expo 2010 although they did not do so at the KL show. Datuk Syed Zainal Syed Mohamed Tahir, the Managing Director of Proton launched the new model named Proton Saga FL where they are targeting the first time car buyers and the younger market.
Apart from the price change, they have also added 2 new colours to the current line up namely Blue Rock and Café Latte. They have also replaced the previously 3 trim line to only 2. That means that now you can have either the Standard or the Executive trim version. In terms of price, the 1.3 Standard Manual version is priced at RM37,998 while the Automatic version is priced at RM40,998. As for the Executive version, the Manual model is priced at RM40,698 while the Automatic version is sold for RM43,698. Basically, all the models in the new model is roughly about RM1,000 more than its previous versions respectively.
Under the hood, there are no changes where you still get the 1.3 Campro engine that gets you up to 94 horses and 120Nm. Having said that, they have also changed the front face of the Saga where it now comes with a new grille design, new front lamps as well as the rears and they also put in new nice looking bumpers as well. In the Standard model, you will get the 175/70 R13 tyres while the 185/60 R14 tyres are fitted into the Executive version, onto its new rim designs. Proton added that their Campro engines might get revisions next year and this means that the Saga might be involved too.
In fact, most of the new stuff here are fitted into the Executive model where it also comes with dual SRS airbags, LED signal lights, automatic power windows on the rear doors as well as powered wing mirrors and a nice slim rear spoiler. All that are not included in the Standard model where the higher version also gets you steering mounted audio controls for its MP3 playback system powered by Clarion. If you are looking for the budget entry level model, the N-Line is still available which is not included in the face lift. On top of the 2 new colours, you can choose between the current colours namely Genetic Silver, Tranquility Black and Solid white.
