With the launch of the new Saga in November, Proton’s Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) is finally out in the world, underpinning the company’s best-selling model. But that’s just the start, as the national carmaker has indicated there will be at least three new models based on this platform. It’s been rumoured for a while that these models – which include a new A-segment SUV and MPV – will form part of a new Saga sub-brand, taking advantage of the budget sedan’s evergreen image. Now that the new Saga – internally dubbed the Minor Change 3 (MC3) – has been revealed, Photoshop wizard Theophilus Chin has revisited his “Saga Cross” SUV render, working details of the four-door into the design of the expected Perodua Ativa, Honda WR-V and Chery Tiggo Cross rival. Using the Fiat Pulse – the Italian firm’s models seem to be among Chin’s favourites to base his renders on – as a starting point, the car features the Saga’s rather oversized headlight and full-width grille combo, unified daytime running lights and “Ethereal Bow” chrome bar, Lotus Evora-style “aero” mirrors, simple shoulder line, and full-width taillights (the latter exclusive to the Premium, remember). Everything else is lifted from the Pulse, including the substantial black plastic body cladding, front air intake and fog lights, bizarre “vented” front fender flares, upswept window line, two-tone colour scheme and silver rear skid plate with twin fake exhausts. The production Saga SUV will likely be the first all-new AMA-based model, given that the Saga retains the same basic body structure as the outgoing car but with a new engine, electrical architecture and safety systems. Proton has already revealed that the car will offer the sedan’s 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre i-GT naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, albeit without the Punch CVT option – instead only offering the Aisin four-speed automatic gearbox. Taking the stepless transmission’s place will apparently be a lower-powered version of the eMas 7 PHEV’s powertrain, pairing a version of the NA four-pot with a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and a 163 PS (120 kW) electric motor. This variant, divulged at the Proton Tech Showcase last month, can already be found in plug-in hybrid form in the Geely Galaxy Starshine 6 – although the one destined for AMA-based models will likely be regular hybrid instead. Such a model would take the Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid head-on, almost certainly stealing that car’s crown as the cheapest petrol-electric model in Malaysia. Beyond the SUV, the AMA is also set to spawn an MPV to tackle the Alza MPV, as well as as possibly a hatchback version that Chin has already rendered. Proton is promising big things for the forthcoming AMA models, such as targeted five-star ASEAN NCAP safety ratings, a revised suspension architecture to improve ride and handling, shorter product development times and built-in readiness for export markets, including support for left-hand drive conversions. GALLERY: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Premium CVT 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 Atome, Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater.