Verdict
At RM83,888, the Nissan Almera costs RM44,898 more than the RM38,990 Proton Saga, putting it in a very different budget. The Nissan’s 152 Nm arrives at 2,600 rpm, 1,800 rpm earlier than the Proton’s 150 Nm, and it adds autonomous braking plus a 482-litre boot. Its 5.4 L/100 km rating and RM20 annual road tax also help. The Saga counters with 118 hp to the Almera’s 99 hp, LED projector headlamps, a reverse camera and a 40-litre tank. For a Malaysian buyer, the safety and space gains are tangible, but so is that huge upfront gap.
Pick the Nissan Almera if autonomous braking, a 482-litre boot, 5.4 L/100 km rated consumption and low-rpm 152 Nm matter more than the RM44,898 premium.
Pick the Proton Saga if you want 118 hp, LED projector headlamps and a reverse camera while keeping nearly RM45k in your pocket.
Key differences
- Price: Nissan Almera RM83,888; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Power and torque: Almera 99 hp and 152 Nm at 2,600 rpm; Saga 118 hp and 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm.
- Boot space: Almera 482 litres; Saga 420 litres.
- Wheelbase: Almera 2,620 mm; Saga 2,465 mm.
- Safety assistance: Almera has autonomous braking and collision warning; Saga has neither.
- Lighting and camera: Almera has halogen reflector headlamps and no reverse camera; Saga has LED projector headlamps and a reverse camera.
Almera
- Autonomous braking and collision warning
- 152 Nm from 2,600 rpm
- 482-litre boot and 2,620-mm wheelbase
- RM44,898 dearer
- 99 hp versus the Saga's 118 hp
- No reverse camera; halogen reflector headlamps
Saga
- RM44,898 lower purchase price
- 118 hp from its 1.5-litre engine
- LED projector headlamps and reverse camera
- No autonomous braking or collision warning
- 420-litre boot versus 482 litres
- Five-year warranty capped at 150,000 km, versus unlimited mileage
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM83,888 | RM38,990✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM20✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 999 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 99 hp at 5,000 rpm | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 152 Nm at 2,600 rpm✓ | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 3 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 72.2 mm × 81.3 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Xtronic CVT | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 1 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Jatco | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 5.4 L/100 km | — |
| Co2 | 125 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,495 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,740 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 1,090 kg | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 35 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 482 litres✓ | 420 litres |
| Front Tyre | 195/65R15 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 195/65R15 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 2 (Driver and Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Single-zone | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with 4 Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5 Times Free Service | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Almera & Saga for sale
Almera vs Saga FAQ
Is the Nissan Almera or Proton Saga better?
The Almera is better for active safety, boot space and rated fuel use, with autonomous braking, a 482-litre boot and 5.4 L/100 km. The Saga is the stronger value choice, costing RM44,898 less while producing 118 hp.
What is the price difference?
The Nissan Almera costs RM44,898 more than the Proton Saga. That is a substantial gap, even after accounting for the Almera’s autonomous braking, larger boot and longer wheelbase.
Which car has better safety equipment?
The Nissan Almera has the stronger active-safety list because it includes autonomous braking and collision warning. Both cars have two airbags, ABS/EBD, stability control, ISOFIX and hill start assist.
