PROTON LAUNCHES THE 2019 SAGA
- Updated styling, touch-screen
infotainment system and four-speed auto headline changes
- Priced below RM40,000 and
equipped with packages delivering up to RM3,700 in value
Kuala Lumpur, 6 August 2019 — PROTON has launched the 2019 Saga during an event held at the Malaysia International
Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato'
Darell Leiking, Minister for the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). Also
present at the event were Dato: Mohammad Zainal Shaari, Chairman of DRB-HICOM,
Dato' Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON, Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of PROTON and Dato'
Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy CEO of PROTON.
Priced at RM32,800 (Standard MT),
RM35,800 (Standard AT) and RM39,800 (Premium AT), the updated version of PROTON's iconic
and best-selling model has received styling revisions, a brand new four-speed
automatic gearbox and first-in-class smart features that not only set it apart from its
competitors but also raises its value proposition. The Company also identified
three unique selling points (USP) that when combined, form its model tagline of
An Intelligent Proposition. The three USPs are Supreme Style, Smart Savings and Superb
Stability.
Supremely styled inside and out
The story of the Proton Saga is
synonymous with that of PROTON, stretching back 34 years and three full model changes. The 2019
Saga has been given styling updates that pays homage to its roots but also
brings it in line with the rest of the Proton range.
Externally, the 2019 Saga receives a
new and more aggressively styled front bumper with integrated daytime running lamps. The grille
also features the infinite weave pattern that was introduced on the Proton X70
and can also be found on the 2019 Iriz and Persona. An equally aggressive rear bumper matches
the tone set by the front and the styling at the back is complemented
by a new integrated rear spoiler and the PROTON script located on the boot lid.
A set of 15-inch alloy wheels featuring a new design adds the finishing touch on
the premium variant.
Inside, the most noticeable change is
the floating 7-inch touchscreen monitor found on the premium model. Used to control the
infotainment system, it has Bluetooth connectivity, 16GB of internal storage
and smartphone connectivity
for Android phones. Other changes include new seat
upholstery, a new centre panel, new meter combination display with Eco Drive
Assist and up to 3 USB ports.
Convenience features new to the 2019
Saga include a remote trunk release, a sun visor with a ticket holder and mirror, LED map lamps
and new assist grips to match the new headlining material.
Superbly stable with uncompromised
safety.
Mechanically, the biggest change is
the fitment of a new four-speed automatic in place of the CVT previously used. PROTON's
engineers then concentrated on improving braking performance, Noise, Vibration
and Harshness (NVH) levels and the ride and handling balance while adding a class-leading
level of safety equipment.
The brakes
for instance are now the same as those fitted to the bigger Proton Iriz and
Persona while the use of a new four-speed automatic gearbox affords drivers
better manual control of the gears during spirited driving.
Safety
equipment consists of Antilock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake force
Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) for all three variants together with
twin front airbags, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX mounting points with top tethers.
The Premium variant adds Hill Hold Assist, front parking sensors, a reversing
camera and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with a Traction Control System
(TCS). By fitting the last two items, the 2019 Saga becomes the only car priced
below RM40,000 to be fitted with ESC and TCS.
Packages
deliver extra value to Saga buyers
Similar to
the Proton X70 and 2019 Iriz, Persona and Exora, the 2019 Saga is offered with
Extra Value packages. There are three standard Extra Value packages beginning
with the service package that offers free labour services three times or for
one year. Next is the interest rate package with financing rates as low as
2.9896 per annum. Finally, the 2019 Saga also gets an insurance package that
offers a number of benefits to customers who insure their new purchase with
PROTON's panel on insurers.
Combined with
the price reduction and the value of the new features introduced in each
variant, the 2019 Saga 1.3L Premium AT delivers RM3,747 worth of additional
benefits compared to its predecessor. The 2019 Saga 1.3L Standard AT gets
RM2,043 of additional benefits while the 2019 Saga 1.3L Standard MT has RM2,291
worth of additional benefits for those who buy it.
About
PROTON
PROTON
Holdings Berhad is 50.1% owned by DRB-HICOM Berhad and 49.9% by Zhejiang Geely
Holding Group Co. Ltd. Established in 1983, it is the only full-ledged OEM car
manufacturer that is complete with research and development (R&D) facility
in South-East Asia and was established with three primary national policy
objectives, which are, to spearhead the development of component manufacturing
industries, to acquire and upgrade technology and indusirial skills within the
automotive manufacturing industry and to strengthen the international competitiveness
of Malaysia's industrial capability.
1985 marked a
momentous year in Malaysia's history when the country's first national car, the
Proton Saga, rolled out for the masses. Since then, its offerings include
versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles such as the Saga and Persona,
stylish executive sedans such as Preve, the elegant executive D-segment Perdana
as well as spacious and affordable multi-purpose vehicles like the Exora and
Ertiga. There is also the sleek sporty Suprima S that is packed with
performance and the bold and stylish Iriz than emphasises safety and is the
most affordable 5-Star ASEAN NCAP car.
PROTON is
more than just a car company as its inception as a key driver of national
development has seen the brand accelerate its leaming curve through technology
transfer with strategic partnership and technical collaborations. There is no
doubt that it has helped grow the Malaysian economy through its progress and
success in the automobile industry.
By listening
to the needs of customers, PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieve the
mission for the future, with PROTON set to become a marque which builds quality
and safe cars with passion and soul; cars that are enjoyable to drive - and a
pleasure to own. For more information, visit http://www.proton.com.
For
further information please contact:
Group
Corporate Communications Division, PROTON
- Faisal Shah athp: 019-321 8897 / tel: 03-8026 9389 / faisalshah@proton.com
- Lim Ai Mee athp: 012-698 9189 / tel: 03-8026 9670 / aimee@proton.com
- Julaiha Jamaldin at hp 011-2885 4300/ tel: 03-8026 9697 / julaiha@proton.com