Say hello to the new Proton Saga MC3! After several prototype sightings and its appearance on a livestream, we now have our best look at the brand’s heavily updated sedan thanks to recent photos circulating online.
While the car seen in these photos (dubbed ‘all new’, just like the X50) is dressed in batik/songket-inspired camouflage, the new design cues are clearly visible. As expected (and known) for some time, the Saga features a revised front fascia with redesigned LED projector headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights.
The daytime running lights are visually linked by an Ethereal Bow on a full-width concave grille, which itself has a series of black insert pins and a thick chrome strip at the top. In fact, if you squint a little, you’ll notice that the headlights have two inner light bars that are supposed to serve as turn signals, as previous spy shots indicate.
The more upright face also brings a revised hood, with the creases on it being further apart than on the MC2. Also new is the lower apron with a rectangular inlet and a more subtle corner finish – in the latter no LED light strip due to the integrated daytime running lights.
Other changes include new side mirrors with more discreet indicators integrated into the caps. As for the rear, there’s a full-width light bar connecting the taillights with dotted bars as a feature. The Proton lettering sits just below the trunk lid with a small ducktail, while the rear bumper has a diffuser-like element.
If you look closer, you’ll see the ‘i-GT’ badge on the left of the boot lid, which likely refers to the new 1.5-litre inline-four petrol engine (deep dive here) expected to debut with the Saga. A leaked document previously indicates that this will be paired with a conventional automatic transmission on the Standard and Executive variants, with the top-spec Premium getting a CVT instead.
Inside, the new Saga gets a new dashboard that no one will confuse with its predecessor. For starters, there’s a large housing on the dashboard that houses a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system.
Below that are pill-shaped vents and what are supposed to be the air conditioning controls and buttons for certain vehicle functions, like the hazard lights. It should be noted that, unlike the MC2, the corner vents are not positioned slightly higher, so all the vents are in line – note the textured trim on the passenger side.
Other differences from the outgoing model include a more angular center console with a new gear lever design, a special panel on the driver’s right that houses the side mirror controls and engine start button, new door cards that appear to be able to hold larger bottles, new wiper and light levers and new seats.
Proton says the Saga MC3 is built on the AMA platform, a platform used on models previously developed by the company but significantly upgraded to be relevant to newer safety standards and technologies – the sedan would get ADAS for the first time.
Further details such as the exact specifications of the drivetrain, available equipment and especially the price are still needed to complete the Saga MC3 picture. For now, what do you think of the changes made to the brand’s most historic nameplate?
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