The new Proton Saga was launched last week, but it was only yesterday that we got our first proper look at the base Standard model. With this, we now know the entire equipment list of each of the three variants, which also include the Executive and the top-spec Premium. First, the prices. To reiterate, the Standard is priced at RM37,990, the Executive at RM43,990 and the Premium at RM48,990. These figures are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of a RM1,000 rebate up to the end of the year. There are several other early-bird offers as well, which you can read about in our comprehensive launch report. We’ll begin the comparison with the thing they all share – the 1.5 litre BHE15-CFN port-injected, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine making 120 PS at 6,100 rpm and 150 Nm of torque between 4,000 and 5,000 rpm. This means the Standard is now the cheapest 1.5 litre car in Malaysia, costing nearly RM13,000 less than the Perodua Myvi 1.5 X. The Saga also punches above its weight in terms of output, being only narrowly beaten by the Honda City (121 PS) in power and beating it in torque (145 Nm). However, while the Standard and Executive models retain the previous Aisin four-speed automatic gearbox, the Premium returns to a Punch CVT. Controversial I know, but it’s the stepless transmission that is more efficient, delivering a fuel consumption figure of 4.9 litres per 100 km, versus 5.1 litres per 100 km on the others. This figure nearly matches the Perodua Bezza 1.3 (4.8 litres per 100 km) while being significantly more powerful. Proton Saga 1.5 Standard A/T We’ve already talked endlessly about what’s new, so we’ll keep it brief. The new front fascia features redesigned headlights that come with LED projectors (yes, even on the Standard), plus a too-big grille tied together with the Ethereal Bow bar that envelops the Proton roundel. The taillights are also new (and illuminated with LEDs) and join a sleeker, taller “aero” boot lid. The Standard’s headlights make do with L-shaped LED positioning lights, while the Executive and Premium graduate to full-blown daytime running lights. The part numbers are common across all three, however, so the difference is merely software. The Ethereal Bow and the also-new door handle strips are finished in silver on the Standard and chrome on the other two, and the wheels are carried-over 14-inch silver alloys on the Standard; the Executive and Premium gain snazzier 15-inch “arrow” rollers, with the Premium’s also receiving a two-tone finish. Also exclusive to the Premium is an illuminated bar joining the taillights, which also houses an external boot lid release; on the other models, you’ll either have to press a button on the key or reach in and pull a lever. Proton Saga 1.5 Executive A/T It’s a sea change on the inside, too, with a horizontal dashboard design and pill-shaped air vents. Dominating proceedings is a tombstone of a display panel, and even the Standard receives a new seven-inch digital instrument display – something you won’t find elsewhere in this price range. This does not extend to the nine-inch touchscreen, which can only found on the Executive and Premium; the Standard retains the outgoing model’s radio/Bluetooth player with fiddly capacitive touch buttons. It being fully integrated with the instrument display on a single panel will likely make it harder and more expensive to replace the head unit, but we’re sure the aftermarket will find a way regardless. Losing the touchscreen also means the Standard loses out on the new wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto function as well as a reverse camera. It also gets just two speakers as opposed to the usual four, with the rear door perforations opening up to gaping blank holes. Proton Saga 1.5 Premium CVT Elsewhere, you get three different upholstery options – regular fabric on the Standard, textured fabric on the Executive and faux leather on the Premium. The driver’s seat itself also features a more ergonomic ratcheting height adjuster lever that moves the entire seat, although this is still reserved for the Premium, with the others stuck with the same rotary knob that lifts only the seat base. Last but not least, keyless entry is only offered on the Executive and Premium, but all models now get a push-button starter. Safety-wise, the Saga comes as standard with two airbags and stability control. For the full experience, you’ll have to spring for the Premium, which now features six airbags and advanced driver assistance systems like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and auto high beam. Again, the Premium is the one with the CVT, so it’s take it or leave it – CVT, or no ADAS. The full variant breakdown is as follows: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Standard – RM37,990Gets as standard: Mechanicals 1.5 litre DOHC i-GT PFI engine 1,499 cc naturally-aspirated dual-VVT four-cylinder petrol 120 PS at 6,100 rpm, 150 Nm of torque at 4,000-5,000 rpm Aisin four-speed automatic transmission Front-wheel drive MacPherson strut suspension (front), torsion beam (rear) Electric power steering Ventilated disc brakes (front), drums (rear) 5.1 litres per 100 km combined fuel consumption (MDC) Exterior LED projector headlights with LED positioning lamps Silver Ethereal Bow grille bar LED taillights Silver door handle strips 14-inch silver alloy wheels with 185/60 R14 tyres Interior Push-button start Black interior Grey headliner Manual air conditioning Manual seats Driver’s side seat base height adjuster Fabric upholstery Urethane multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment 7-inch digital instrument display Bluetooth/MP3/radio head unit One front USB port (USB-A) 2 speakers Folding rear bench 420 litres boot space Safety Two airbags ABS with EBD and brake assist Traction control and stability control Hill start assist Rear seat reminder Rear parking sensors 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Executive – RM43,990Adds on: Exterior Automatic headlights with follow-me-home function LED daytime running lights Chrome Ethereal Bow grille bar Chrome door handle strips 15-inch silver alloy wheels with 185/55 R15 tyres Interior Keyless entry Discrete height-adjustable rear headrests Textured fabric upholstery 9-inch infotainment touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto “Hi Proton” voice control Two rear USB ports (USB-A) 4 speakers Halogen boot lamp Safety Reverse camera Front parking sensors 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Premium – RM48,990Adds on: Mechanicals Punch Powertrain continuously variable transmission (CVT) 4.9 litres per 100 km combined fuel consumption (MDC) Exterior Full-width LED taillights 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels Side skirts Black B-pillar trim External boot release button Interior Black and dark grey interior Driver’s side full-seat height adjuster Faux leather upholstery and steering wheel wrap Driver’s side auto-down window Auto-folding door mirrors Safety Six airbags (front, side, curtain) Autonomous emergency braking with motorcycle detection Lane departure warning Blind spot monitoring Rear cross traffic alert Rear collision warning Door opening warning Automatic high beam Check out our comprehensive launch report for all the details on the substantial revisions, and you can also click here to read our brief initial drive impressions. GALLERY: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Premium CVT MC3 GALLERY: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Executive A/T MC3 GALLERY: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Standard A/T MC3 Compare prices between different insurer providers to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. Many payment method supported and you can pay with instalment using Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater.