Proton Saga: Testing the Waters

If it feels like you have seen the Proton moniker in Nepal before, you would not be mistaken. The Malaysian based car company was around for some time and had the likes of the Savvy, Gen 2, and Persona in its roster. For reasons unknown to us, the brand lost its place in the Nepalese market. However, Jagadamba Motors Pvt. Ltd. has ignited a resurgence for Proton and reintroduced it into the market. Leading the new fleet for Proton is the Saga, one of the most popular models for the Malaysian brand in their host country.An entry-level sedan that comes with a stamp of approval from Malaysian car buyers, the Proton Saga comes as a new entrant in the sedan segment of Nepal. In recent times the popularity of the sedan segment falls short when compared to the compact SUV and hatchback markets. However, there was a time where sedans ruled the Nepalese automotive market and it’s not like the people have completely shunned sedans altogether.In fact, there is a significant chunk of the population that still dreams of owning a classy sedan. Or is there? This seems to be one of the primary questions that Proton is looking to answer with the Saga. The sedan also takes the burden of testing the waters for the return of the Malaysian brand in Nepal. In this review, we see what the Proton Saga has to offer.ExteriorSpread out to 4331mm in length, the Proton Saga has the unmistakable stance of a sedan. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles to talk about, but Proton has nailed the foundation of the design. The front gets a two-slat infinite weave grille with the chrome Proton Logo housed in the center.Another thin strip of chrome running through the bottom of the grille has been tastefully used. Flanking the grille are a set of projector headlights with integrated indicators. The LED DRLS find their way underneath the headlights on the front bumper.The profile is, like we said, very typical of a sedan. The roof swoops down and juts out where the boot lid start. The premium variant also gets a rear spoiler that adds to the design element. Prominent character lines run across the doors and merge with the taillights. ORVMs are well-shaped and get indicators. Another key component that makes the profile of the Proton Saga standout is the 15” alloy wheels that add a premium feel. Nevertheless, we would have loved it if the wheels were a size larger.The rear of the Proton Saga gets a decent design as well. Stylish elements like the rear spoiler, and faux corner air vents, diffuser-like lower insert, and chrome trim are other elements that elevate that premium feel. The taillights that wrap around the sides are simple but well designed.Interior and FeaturesInside, the Proton Saga gets a roomy, and comfortable cabin. You get plenty of headroom and legroom for the driver and all passengers. To find the perfect driving position you get a steering tilt adjustment. The dash is pretty straight forward and comes in a black and grey color scheme.The party piece of the interior is the floating 7” touch screen infotainment system with Bluetooth Connectivity, 16GB Internal Storage, and Smartphone Connectivity. The infotainment system is paired with a great set of speakers which you can really enjoy thanks to Proton’s quiet cabin. The screen also doubles as a reversing camera which is very usable and clear.Below the infotainment system screen is the center panel that houses the aircon vents, buttons, and knobs to control the AC and the gear shifter. While the setup does not feel up to date with the latest technology in the automotive world, it is extremely useful and simple to work with. In fact, there are other features that the Proton Saga misses out on like an engine auto start/stop, keyless entry, and push-start button.However, we never really missed these features while driving the Saga because it more than made up for it with its utility and comfort. For instance, in terms of usability and utility, you get 3 USB ports for your phone and the rest of the passengers’. The display behind the steering wheel is simple to read and will not take too much of your attention.Due to the accelerating rate of automotive tech advancement, it feels like manufacturers are scrambling to put in more features in the car than you require. And while Proton may have skipped out on some of the features that cars in this segment get, they have not held back on providing a host of safety features. ABS, EBD, Rear Parking Sensors, and Brake Assist come in both variants while the Premium AT variant also gets Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Assist, and a Traction Control System. Therefore, they have managed to achieve a 4 Star ASEAN NCAP Rating.PerformanceUnder the hood of the Proton Saga is a 1.3 liter 4 cylinder inline, 16 valve DOHC VVT engine. This engine produces a maximum output of 90BHP at 7500 RPM and a maximum torque of 117Nm at 4000RPM. While these figures aren’t much to write home about, it manages to provide adequate power delivery when driving in the city. The premium trim gets a Hyundai sourced four-speed automatic gearbox while the standard trim gets a 5-speed manual.The four-speed automatic gearbox revs right up to 4000RPM when you’re pushing the Proton Saga, at which point the car eagerly plies forward. Carving your way in and around the urban jungle is where the Proton Saga shines. Proton has also equipped the Saga with a light steering wheel which makes maneuvering through traffic a breeze. The automatic transmission is a boon in the busy city life.On the highways, you will notice that the car feels planted and stable. You will encounter times when you are hoping for another gear, especially when you are cruising, but you do get used to it after a while. You do, however, get the option of flicking the gear lever to sports mode. Doing this locks out the overdrive fourth gear and adjusts the shift points, forcing the gearbox to hold onto gears even longer. As a result, the engine does tend to get vocal.The strongest suit of the Proton Saga is its handling. At higher speeds the Proton Saga maintains decent stability which inspires confidence when you’re pushing it on open straights. The ride comfort and handling is also very decent and provides the much sought after sedan driving experience. The suspension manages to dampen most of the road discrepancies. The suspension also works well to keep the Proton Saga planted through turns. Stopping duties are undertaken by discs in the front and drums in the rear.VerdictConsidering that Proton is a company that disappeared from the Nepalese automotive market, the Proton Saga seems to be a safe way to dip its toes back into the market. As a sedan style car that perfects the basics, the Proton Saga is a good way to start their resurgence in the market.Carrying an aggressive price tag of Rs. 35.50 lakhs – Rs. 39.50 Lakhs, the Saga is a good looking old school sedan that doesn’t have everything you want but does have everything you will ever need. In fact, getting a 7” touchscreen and an automatic option at that price range is a bold advantage. Furthermore, the 5-year warranty ( or 150,000km) on the Saga is also reassuring.The Saga should keep Proton’s shoes warm until their new-generation models make their way into the country. However, because the Proton brand was not well received in its first stint, Jagdamba Motors has a big hill to climb. We are looking forward to the upcoming models of the Proton brand and will be keenly waiting for their launch.