Proton has quietly added a new entry-level base variant to its Saga line-up, priced at RM38,300, now taking the spot as the cheapest automatic variant available for the A-segment sedan.
Dubbed the “Standard Lite”, the new variant undercuts the regular Standard variant by RM500, and removes the electronic stability control, traction control, and hill hold assist systems from the car. The price is still RM3,500 more expensive than the manual variant, however, but you do get a set of 14-inch alloy wheels instead of steelies on the MT, alongside two extra USB charging ports on the inside.
Aside from the removal of the electronic safety kit, the rest of the new Lite variant’s equipment is completely identical to the existing Proton Saga Standard variant. You only get a basic head-unit (with bluetooth) on the dashboard instead of the Android-based touchscreen units, and the seats are also only upholstered in fabric.
The mechanical bits are also completely unchanged on the new Proton Saga Standard Lite, which is powered by a 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine making 95 hp and 120 Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox on this new variant.
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With only a RM500 difference between the two variants, we really wouldn’t recommend this new Standard Lite variant to any regular carbuyer considering purchasing a new Proton Saga – especially when the monthly repayment difference between the two variants will likely be negligible.
The new Proton Saga Standard Lite variant is primarily targeted at large fleet operators, such as car rental, e-hailing, or taxi services, where a RM500 saving per unit (before any other additional fleet discount) can translate to a worthwhile reduction in cost.
[header photo adapted from Bindydad123/Wikipedia Commons]
