The 2026 Proton Saga MC3 could have been launched in Malaysia for nearly per week now, however that is the primary time we’re clapping eyes on the RM37,990 (after the RM1k early-bird rebate) Commonplace variant. Feast your eyes on this full showroom gallery as we take you on a tour.
However first, we should notice that every one showroom show automobiles within the Klang Valley are of the Premium and Government variants solely, so we intercepted this buyer automobile earlier than supply, courtesy of the Proton Sianghin Auto showroom in Taman Melawati.
Let’s begin with the outside – you continue to get LED projector headlamps, however they’re not automated (Government and Premium solely) and there’s no auto excessive beam (Premium solely). These L-shaped LEDs are nonetheless there, however they’re used as positioning lamps somewhat than DRLs (they’re not as shiny and don’t robotically come on when the engine is began).
Nevertheless, we checked and located that the half quantity is similar because the Government variant, so the distinction is merely within the software program – we’re certain the resourceful will discover a strategy to reactivate them quickly sufficient.
Shifting on, there are not any entrance parking sensors, and the Ethereal Bow (the factor that ‘cups’ the Proton emblem within the grille) and door deal with ornamental strips are completed in silver as an alternative of the chrome you get on the Government and Premium. The Commonplace can be the one variant with 14-inch alloys, taken from the previous MC2.
In contrast to the Government and Premium, there’s no keyless entry right here (so there’s no button on the driving force’s door deal with) however there’s keyless begin at the least. All Saga variants use the identical new key fob (no extra flip key like earlier than). On the Commonplace, you’ll must first thumb the important thing fob to unlock the doorways, then get in and press the engine begin button.
Alongside the aspect, you’ll see body-coloured B-pillars (solely the Premium will get them in black) and no aspect skirts (additionally Premium solely), though the mirror caps are nonetheless black. As a result of the Government doesn’t get full-width taillights and an out of doors boot launch button, the Commonplace clearly doesn’t both. There isn’t even a reverse digicam or a lamp contained in the boot – you’d want at the least the Government to get these.
Inside, the steering wheel is polyurethane (solely the Premium’s is leather-wrapped) however at the least it incorporates all the identical buttons as the opposite variants (the earlier Saga Commonplace had no steering wheel buttons in any way). You additionally nonetheless get a digital instrument panel, when the similarly-priced Axia G has analogue gauges and never even a rev counter.
The one you most wish to see is the pinnacle unit. In contrast to the opposite variants’ nine-inch touch-screen, the Commonplace will get a fundamental radio with Bluetooth, though it makes use of extra modern-looking capacitive-touch buttons as an alternative of bodily ones.
No display screen, so no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the design of the factor (nonetheless related to the digital instrument panel in a single lengthy piece) means becoming an aftermarket display screen wouldn’t be a simple activity. There are solely two audio system right here (the rear door speaker grilles are empty); the opposite variants get 4.
The Commonplace’s upholstery is apparent black cloth versus the Government’s wavy patterns. The driving force’s seat makes use of the identical rotary knob as on the Government for top adjustment (solely the Premium will get the new lever that raises or lowers your complete seat). Just like the Government, there’s no auto-down operate for the driving force’s window; you’d want the Premium for that. No Saga variant has auto-up home windows.
Beneath the centre air vents sit two rows of buttons flanked by air-con management knobs – the highest row is lacking the parking sensor button (clearly, because it has no entrance parking sensors). The underside row is all clean, however so it’s even on the Premium.
Behind the handbrake, you’ll discover no USB ports (Government and Premium solely). The entrance USB port remains to be there, but it surely’s for information switch and expenses slowly. Positioned proper in entrance of the driving force’s left knee, it’s a clumsy place to stay a pendrive for music. Relating to the again seats, you’ll want to purchase at the least the Government to get adjustable headrests and seat again pockets.
The Commonplace and Government share the identical powertrain and security gear – a 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre i-GT four-cylinder engine, an Aisin four-speed auto (Premium will get a Punch CVT), two airbags, stability management and no ADAS (Premium will get six airbags, ADAS and RSRS). The Saga Commonplace is the one sub-RM40k automobile in Malaysia with a 1.5 litre engine – give your RM40k to Perodua and also you’ll get a 1.0 litre three-potter.
Now, excluding essential security options like airbags and ADAS, lots of the Commonplace’s omissions may be retrofitted somewhat simply afterward. It stays very good worth at RM38k – arguably much more so than the RM44k Government – however in fact it’s greatest to go for the Premium if funds permits. What are your ideas on probably the most reasonably priced new Proton you should purchase at the moment?
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