With the launch of the brand new Saga in November, Proton’s Superior Modular Structure (AMA) is lastly out on this planet, underpinning the corporate’s best-selling mannequin. However that’s simply the beginning, because the nationwide carmaker has indicated there will likely be a minimum of three new fashions based mostly on this platform.
It’s been rumoured for some time that these fashions – which embrace a brand new A-segment SUV and MPV – will kind a part of a brand new Saga sub-brand, profiting from the funds sedan’s evergreen picture. 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 particulars of the four-door into the design of the anticipated Perodua Ativa, Honda WR-V and Chery Tiggo Cross rival.
Utilizing the Fiat Pulse – the Italian agency’s fashions appear to be amongst Chin’s favourites to base his renders on – as a place to begin, the automobile options the Saga’s moderately outsized headlight and full-width grille combo, unified daytime operating lights and “Ethereal Bow” chrome bar, Lotus Evora-style “aero” mirrors, easy shoulder line, and full-width taillights (the latter unique to the Premium, bear in mind).
Every part else is lifted from the Pulse, together with the substantial black plastic physique cladding, entrance air consumption and fog lights, weird “vented” entrance fender flares, upswept window line, two-tone color scheme and silver rear skid plate with twin pretend exhausts.
The manufacturing Saga SUV will seemingly be the primary all-new AMA-based mannequin, provided that the Saga retains the identical fundamental physique construction because the outgoing automobile however with a brand new engine, electrical structure and security techniques. Proton has already revealed that the automobile will supply the sedan’s 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre i-GT naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, albeit with out the Punch CVT possibility – as a substitute solely providing the Aisin four-speed computerized gearbox.
Taking the stepless transmission’s place will apparently be a lower-powered model of the eMas 7 PHEV’s powertrain, pairing a model of the NA four-pot with a devoted hybrid transmission (DHT) and a 163 PS (120 kW) electrical motor. This variant, divulged on the Proton Tech Showcase final month, can already be present in plug-in hybrid kind within the Geely Galaxy Starshine 6 – though the one destined for AMA-based fashions will seemingly be common hybrid as a substitute.
Such a mannequin would take the Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid head-on, virtually actually stealing that automobile’s crown as the most cost effective petrol-electric mannequin in Malaysia. Past the SUV, the AMA can be set to spawn an MPV to sort out the Alza MPV, in addition to as probably a hatchback model that Chin has already rendered.
Proton is promising large issues for the forthcoming AMA fashions, equivalent to focused five-star ASEAN NCAP security scores, a revised suspension structure to enhance trip and dealing with, shorter product improvement occasions and built-in readiness for export markets, together with assist for left-hand drive conversions.
GALLERY: 2026 Proton Saga 1.5 Premium CVT MC3
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