2023 Proton Saga launched in South Africa – Third model offering after X50, X70



Proton has just expanded its model offerings in South Africa, with the launch of the new 2023 Saga facelift yesterday. The Proton Saga will join its SUV brethens, the X50 and X70, that were launched in South Africa last September, and will also be fully imported (CBU) from Malaysia.

Three variants of the Proton Saga are being offered in South Africa, starting with the 1.3L Standard MT that is priced at ZAR199,900 (approx RM49k), followed by the 1.3L Standard AT at ZAR219,900 (approx. RM54k), and finally the 1.3L Premium AT at ZAR239,900 (approx. RM59k).

The equipment list for each of the three variants in South Africa closely mirrors those of our own. Starting with the Standard MT, these include the halogen headlamps, 14-inch steelies, analogue instrument cluster with an LCD multi-info display, fabric seats, and manual climate control with a N95 cabin air filter built-in.

A standard head unit with Bluetooth connectivity and two speakers are also included as standard, alongside the basic safety kit such as two airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, as well as two rear parking sensors.

The Standard AT adds on a set of 14-inch alloy wheels, alongside two USB charging ports, and an upgraded safety kit that includes electronic stability control, traction control, and hill start assist.

Move up to the 1.3L Premium AT, and the equipment list further adds a set of 15-inch alloy wheels, alongside LED daytime-running lights, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display with media control buttons on the steering wheel plus two more speakers, reverse camera, and two additional front parking sensors.

RELATED: Proton sends 1000th car to South Africa – 5,028 global exports as of Nov 2022

Buyers in South Africa will unfortunately miss out on the Premium S variant that tops our variant offering here in Malaysia, which includes creature comfort niceties like keyless entry and push-start button, semi-leatherette seat upholstery, external boot release button, and the automatic power window feature on the driver-side door.

Based on the photos provided, it seems that the Proton Saga in South Africa will also continue to utilise the older centre stack layout from the model’s previous facelift in Malaysia, thus losing out on the newly redesigned air-conditioning control knobs.

Just like our car here in Malaysia, all three variants of the Proton Saga in South Africa are also powered by the 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine, offering 95 hp and 120 Nm to the front wheels. Depending on variant, the powerplant is paired to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Proton only restarted its export activites to South Africa last year, after a 10-year hiatus. Despite its recent addition to the company’s export roster, South Africa is already now in second place in terms of volume for Proton’s export business.