The 2026 Proton Saga MC3 could have been launched in Malaysia for nearly per week now, however that is the primary time we’re clapping eyes on the RM37,990 (after the RM1k early-bird rebate) Customary variant. Feast your eyes on this full showroom gallery as we take you on a tour.
However first, we should notice that every one showroom show automobiles within the Klang Valley are of the Premium and Government variants solely, so we intercepted this buyer automobile earlier than supply, courtesy of the Proton Sianghin Auto showroom in Taman Melawati.
Let’s begin with the outside – you continue to get LED projector headlamps, however they’re not computerized (Government and Premium solely) and there’s no auto excessive beam (Premium solely). These L-shaped LEDs are nonetheless there, however they’re used as positioning lamps fairly than DRLs (they’re not as vibrant and don’t routinely come on when the engine is began).
Nonetheless, we checked and located that the half quantity is similar because the Government variant, so the distinction is merely within the software program – we’re certain the resourceful will discover a option to reactivate them quickly sufficient.
Shifting on, there aren’t any entrance parking sensors, and the Ethereal Bow (the factor that ‘cups’ the Proton emblem within the grille) and door deal with ornamental strips are completed in silver as an alternative of the chrome you get on the Government and Premium. The Customary can be the one variant with 14-inch alloys, taken from the previous MC2.
In contrast to the Government and Premium, there’s no keyless entry right here (so there’s no button on the driving force’s door deal with) however there’s keyless begin not less than. All Saga variants use the identical new key fob (no extra flip key like earlier than). On the Customary, you’ll need to first thumb the important thing fob to unlock the doorways, then get in and press the engine begin button.
Alongside the facet, you’ll see body-coloured B-pillars (solely the Premium will get them in black) and no facet skirts (additionally Premium solely), though the mirror caps are nonetheless black. As a result of the Government doesn’t get full-width hind lights and an out of doors boot launch button, the Customary clearly doesn’t both. There isn’t even a reverse digital camera or a lamp contained in the boot – you’d want not less than the Government to get these.
Inside, the steering wheel is polyurethane (solely the Premium’s is leather-wrapped) however not less than it accommodates all the identical buttons as the opposite variants (the earlier Saga Customary had no steering wheel buttons by any means). You additionally nonetheless get a digital instrument panel, when the similarly-priced Axia G has analogue gauges and never even a rev counter.
The one you most need to see is the pinnacle unit. In contrast to the opposite variants’ nine-inch touch-screen, the Customary will get a fundamental radio with Bluetooth, though it makes use of extra modern-looking capacitive-touch buttons as an alternative of bodily ones.
No display screen, so no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the design of the factor (nonetheless linked to the digital instrument panel in a single lengthy piece) means becoming an aftermarket display screen wouldn’t be an easy process. There are solely two audio system right here (the rear door speaker grilles are empty); the opposite variants get 4.
The Customary’s upholstery is obvious black cloth versus the Government’s wavy patterns. The motive force’s seat makes use of the identical rotary knob as on the Government for top adjustment (solely the Premium will get the new lever that raises or lowers the complete seat). Just like the Government, there’s no auto-down operate for the driving force’s window; you’d want the Premium for that. No Saga variant has auto-up home windows.
Under the centre air vents sit two rows of buttons flanked by air-con management knobs – the highest row is lacking the parking sensor button (clearly, because it has no entrance parking sensors). The underside row is all clean, however so it’s even on the Premium.
Behind the handbrake, you’ll discover no USB ports (Government and Premium solely). The entrance USB port continues to be there, nevertheless it’s for knowledge switch and prices slowly. Situated proper in entrance of the driving force’s left knee, it’s an ungainly place to stay a pendrive for music. Concerning the again seats, you’ll want to purchase not less than the Government to get adjustable headrests and seat again pockets.
The Customary and Government share the identical powertrain and security gear – a 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre i-GT four-cylinder engine, an Aisin four-speed auto (Premium will get a Punch CVT), two airbags, stability management and no ADAS (Premium will get six airbags, ADAS and RSRS). The Saga Customary is the one sub-RM40k automobile in Malaysia with a 1.5 litre engine – give your RM40k to Perodua and also you’ll get a 1.0 litre three-potter.
Now, except essential security options like airbags and ADAS, most of the Customary’s omissions will be retrofitted fairly simply afterward. It stays excellent worth at RM38k – arguably much more so than the RM44k Government – however in fact it’s greatest to go for the Premium if finances permits. What are your ideas on essentially the most inexpensive new Proton you should buy right this moment?
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