I’ve always have a special place for Proton Saga in my heart. It is in fact, the car that I learn to drive with back even before I was old enough to have a license, I remember we were in some light industrial area on a Sunday when my late dad decided to let me have a go at it, and the “wtf are you serious” face it had on my mom.
A few mati engine incidents later, I was able to manipulate the clutch and gear and drove for some 10 minutes. It was pure joy, a moment I never forget.
There was another incident where I hit a car’s side view mirror whilst riding bicycle before, and it turned out to be my dad in our Proton, I blogged about it here.
That Proton Saga was with our family for quite a number of years, a 1.3 liter manual version that was dark brown in color. When the new saga came out, we helped mom bought one too, and it has been serving her pretty well for the past 2 years or so.
Proton Saga FLX with CVT
Fast forward to today, and there is another iteration of the venerable Proton Saga – the Proton Saga FLX.
Instead of just a mere facelift to the “new” Saga FL model, the Saga FLX has so much more to offer, with the biggest selling point being CVT, or Continuous Variable Transmission. A feature usually found in cars of much higher price point.
Unlike conventional Automatic Transmission, CVT allows the vehicle to always be in optimal power band. The gearbox shifts without any shift-shock or loss of power, this allows the engine to have less wear and tear and thus improve its durability.
The other trick under CVT’s sleeve is it’s ability to simulate a 6 speed automatic gearbox when you are up for a little bit of spirited driving.
Simply press the SAT (Stepped Automatic Transmission) to engage the function. This brings the familiar feel of most automatic car to the driver, but with 6 speeds instead of the usual 4.
The Saga FLX with CVT is rated to consume 6 liter of fuel per 100 km running at 90 km/h. Theoretically you can drive from KL to Penang with only some RM 40 in fuel (at RM 1.90 per liter), that’s pretty good isn’t it?
The design of the car’s interior is improved too, and many will undoubtedly be pleased that the power windows in Proton Saga FLX comes with life time warranty, glad to see that they have addressed this issue.
There are still more features packed into this car. There’s now ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) in the Executive models.
These are safety features that allows much better maneuverability during emergency braking, features that can save lives.
Other than that, the body shell is also built stronger and stiffer to maximize protection. Then there’s the dual airbags too (Executive models) for extra safety.
Immobiliser, central locking, keyless entry and reverse sensor are now standard features across all FLX models.
Then there’s the size and practicality that comes with having a full size sedan with a big boot space. The Saga sits 4-5 adults comfortably and still able to swallow 413 liter of baggage. That size is equivalent to the big refrigerator I use at home!
A Â getaway, Â weekend shopping with the whole family, and those occasional IKEA trips will be easier with the Saga, compared with a super compact.
There are too many features that found their ways into the Saga FLX to be listed on this site (MP3 player, USB jack, etc). To find out more, check out EpicSaga.com.my now, there’s a video there too.
If you’re looking for a car, especially a first car, make sure you give the new Proton Saga FLX a look. You definitely won’t get a car with more features and space at this price point. Best value for money if you ask me.
It is indeed a real value for money car. Now with CVT tech. Cool
Isaac: that’s true. 🙂
Agreed, a cheap entry level car.
But I would not even touch it with six feet pole.
A case of once bitten twice shy.
true story:
The moment a person goes into one, his self worth goes down the drain.
Forget about the power of persuasion. People will say “You believe what that guy tells you? Hell, he drives a saga!”
Guys who drives it have a hard time finding GF. Gals naturally look away.
Second hand value is as good as leftover pizza.
Why pay for something to ruin your self esteem and future?
I worked harder and pay another hundred or two per month to get a better car. My life, career, self esteem, love life and future turns for the better.
Proton Saga….Truly a Life Wrecker.
PPKia: appreciate your views, but I duly disagree. Having to equate self worth with what you drive if just not exactly the right thing to do, and if the GF likes you because of your car.. then I guess a new gf is needed.
I bet you do not drive a saga. Go get one and come back in 6 months time. Don’t say things you do not know.
Naturally built in biological responses made gals look for desirable traits in their partners. ie strong, handsome, rich, tall etc etc.
The guy’s ride reflects first hand his ability to provide for the family and financial stability.
If a gal likes me because I drives a saga, I’d be worried.
PPKia: a girl should like you despite the car you drive, i think you’re not getting the point and quite frankly, very condescending to women as a whole.
I don’t drive a saga now but I did buy one for my mom.
I got friend who drive saga and he has a gorgeous down to earth GF. He is doing pretty well himself too..It is just how u want to carry urself really..
charles: couldn’t agree more.
If drive saga no gf ka?
Owner saga who got gf = the gf wants the owner not the saga.
Owner Merc who got gf coz u drive merc = the gf want the car NOT YOU!! Hehe. Once u broke they find another merc owner. hehe,
fUNNY: haha very true.
wah the new saga looks powerrr
eiling: damn worth the price that’s for sure.
should i get a saga instead of my suzuki alto!
aud: won’t be a bad choice! 😀