Essential Motoring 101

Proton is on a roll here since last August 2007 with the launch of the Persona with vehicle orders soaring up to 5 digits. Actual number is unknown as of today. So far, the Persona on the roads have been behaving quite good according to the owners. Of course, the most rantings I received was that the Persona could have come with the Campro engine with CPS (Cam Profiling System), the equivalent of the VVT-i of the Toyotas or the i-VTEC for the Hondas.

Here comes the new baby

Today is the day of the launch of the BLM (Base Line Model) The BLM is a code name for the new Saga. Proton Saga was the name used in Malaysia’s first national car back in 1985. The sedan was based on the Mitsubishi platform and was the pride of the nation back then until the new Saga Iswara was launched.

Up till today, the Saga had gone thru several face -lifts on the interior and exterior and is one of the best-selling low-priced car in the country. The evolution of Proton’s car models can be found HERE.

The new Saga is a total revamp of the older brother particularly on the whole body outlook and interior design. Although most of the other bloggers have leaked pictures depicting how the new Saga looked like, here I would like to show you the actual pictures of the new car, which I believe will be a hit among consumers. The Saga is surely going to be the toughest rival to the Perodua Myvi and Viva!

No personal test drive of the Saga yet. Lookout for a full coverage news on this Sunday’s StarMag of The Star Paper. The online version can be found HERE, in a different angle of story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new Saga is only available in 1.3L Campro engines and comes with either automatic or manual transmission. The variant with the lowest price called N-Line, and is priced at RM31,500 with insurance, comes with radio/CD player, central locking, anti-rust and air-cond.

 

 

The highest end, or the Medium-Line is tagged at RM39,998.00 with insurance, is packed with power windows, central locking system, alarm, anti-rust, radio/CD player, air-cond and a driver’s airbag. None of the variants have ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which I think is the most essential in today’s car safety standards.

 

 

 

 

 

With it’s 1.3L engine, paying the annual roadtax is no sweat at RM70. Also, to be based on the Proton Savvy, I am quite sure that the Saga is well-built and tough in terms of durability. As for fuel-efficiency, I am not sure but I am certain it would not be a guzzler with it’s small engine.

A good buy for the Malaysian public. A good car for those who are just starting their work life. Also a good vehicle for parents to get for their children (you spoilt, lucky brats!)

The number of orders for the Saga has so far reached more than 4000 units.