This just in – Proton’s next model on the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), the AMA02, is set to enter production in October this year. The news comes not from the national carmaker itself, but from long-term supplier Feytech Holdings that has recently signed an 84-month (seven-year) contract for leather seat covers for the car, worth RM96.83 million. Not only that, but the firm also confirmed that the vehicle will take the form of a compact (read: A-segment) SUV widely tipped to rival the Perodua Ativa and Honda WR-V. It’s expected to bear the Saga Cross name, as part of an expansion of the Saga lineup beyond the evergreen budget sedan. This will be a big deal for Proton as it will expand its SUV lineup downwards with a smaller, cheaper model – drawing on nearly a decade of experience building and selling crossovers. To save costs, it is expected to utilise the same powertrain as the four-door, this being a 120 PS/150 Nm BHE15PFI 1.5 litre i-GT naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, mated to an Aisin four-speed automatic (no Punch CVT for this one). Also expected is a hybrid system to help it compete with the Chery Tiggo Cross, dovetailing neatly with Geely recently launching new i-HEV models. The latter essentially uses the EM-i plug-in hybrid powertrain from the eMas 7 PHEV – including the electric motor and an 11-in-1 single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) – but with a smaller battery, eliminating the need for it to be charged at the mains. With the engine – a version of that BHE15 NA mill already built locally – and hybrid components mostly shared with the eMas 7 PHEV, it makes sense for the AMA02/Saga Cross to receive this powertrain. This is especially true given Proton has announced that it would be assembling the hybrid bits in Malaysia, too. The car should get the DHT120 variant of the powertrain, the number likely corresponding to the electric motor’s power output in kilowatts (120 kW or 163 PS). This is not the first time we’ve heard news of a Proton supplier signing a contract for the AMA02/Saga Cross. Earlier this year, MCE Holdings also confirmed it would be providing automotive electronics and mechatronic components for a new model, and while it did not name the car specifically, it did put down an August-to-October window for the start of production, as well as an identical 84-month contract duration. Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro. 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 Atome, Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater. Use the promo code 'PAULTAN' when you checkout for 10% discount!