The new Proton Saga has not even been launched yet and already there is talk of what lies beyond. Rumours suggest that the sedan is just the start of a rejuvenation of the national carmaker’s evergreen nameplate, with a whole slew of models allegedly planned – all on the revamped Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA). It’s been reported that the Saga will spawn a hatchback, an SUV and even an MPV. We’ve already shown you what a “Saga Cross” could look like, and now rendering wizard Theophilus Chin has turned the soon-to-be-launched sedan into a five-door hatch, using the City Hatchback as a base for the truncated rear end. Creating a Saga hatch would certainly make economical sense for Proton, given that the investment put into developing the basic structure – which dates back to the Base Line Model (BLM) Saga from 2008 – has likely already been amortised. Such a car would therefore enable the company to challenge the Perodua Axia and Myvi while keeping costs low. Plus, it’s not like the Saga’s platform hasn’t been designed with a hatchback in mind – remember, the BLM was essentially a sedan version of the Savvy from 2005. From there, it would be easy to add body cladding and a raised ride height to create a rugged “Saga Active” (similar to the Iriz Active), checking off the “SUV” line on the list of body style variants. But stretching the tired old structure still further to create an MPV – which, to be fair has been done before with the Honda Brio-based Mobilio – may be a bridge too far, as the cost of this significant modification would probably negate any savings in shared components. Plus, maintaining the Saga’s hard points would mean baking in that car’s compromises, such as the less-than-ideal driving position. If you ask this writer, it’s more likely that Proton will turn the Saga nameplate into a sub-brand for its indigenously-designed models, in order to cash in on the sedan’s continued success. That would give the company the freedom to flesh out its lineup with fresh, properly diverse models that take full advantage of AMA’s modularity. This would include a larger Exora replacement to rival the Perodua Alza, as well as a true-blue crossover that will allow Proton to properly challenge the Ativa and Honda WR-V. Geely does not have an SUV smaller than the Binyue that the X50 is based on, so Proton would have to go at it alone. New models (not just different variants of the same car) are necessary for the company to steal sales from Perodua – essential if it intends to meet its long-term targets. Whichever form these models will take, they will almost certainly utilise the same new powertrain as the Saga. That would be the 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre BHE15-CFN naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, mated to either an Aisin four-speed automatic gearbox or a Punch CVT. Watch the video below to find out how the new Saga drives in our first drive review. GALLERY: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Premium 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.
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