Verdict
The Proton S70 asks RM34,810 more, but it brings a 178 hp/290 Nm 1.5-litre turbo, seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds against the Saga’s 118 hp/150 Nm naturally aspirated engine and four-speed automatic. It is also 212 mm longer, has a 162 mm longer wheelbase and a 500-litre boot, useful for family use. The Saga’s case is simple: it is far cheaper, 245 kg lighter and 119 mm narrower for tighter Malaysian parking spaces.
Pick the Proton S70 if you need substantially stronger performance, a 500-litre boot and active safety including autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist.
Pick the Proton Saga if a much lower entry price, lighter 1,055 kg kerb weight and narrower 1,690 mm body matter more than power and extra equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Proton S70 RM73,800; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Output: Proton S70 178 hp and 290 Nm; Proton Saga 118 hp and 150 Nm.
- Transmission: Proton S70 seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic; Proton Saga Aisin four-speed conventional automatic.
- Length and wheelbase: Proton S70 4,602 mm and 2,627 mm; Proton Saga 4,390 mm and 2,465 mm.
- Boot space: Proton S70 500 litres; Proton Saga 420 litres.
- Airbags: Proton S70 six airbags; Proton Saga two airbags.
S70
- 178 hp and 290 Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre engine.
- 500-litre boot and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
- Autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and blind spot information system.
- Costs RM34,810 more than the Proton Saga.
- At 1,300 kg and 1,809 mm wide, it is heavier and 119 mm wider.
Saga
- RM38,990 entry price.
- Lighter 1,055 kg kerb weight and narrower 1,690 mm body.
- Full LCD instrument monitor and full LED taillamps.
- 118 hp and 150 Nm trail the S70’s 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- Four-speed automatic versus the S70’s seven-speed wet dual-clutch.
- Two airbags and no autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or blind spot information system.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM73,800 | RM38,990✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 178 hp✓ | 118 hp |
| Torque | 290 Nm✓ | 150 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 7 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,602 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,809 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,466 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,627 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 1,300 kg | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 500 litres✓ | 420 litres |
| Front Tyre | 205/55R16 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/55R16 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Giti Comfort F22 | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | 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 |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| 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 Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooh, Screen Mirroring, 4 speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | — |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 6 Times Free Labour Servicing | — |
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 S70 & Saga for sale
S70 vs Saga FAQ
Is the Proton S70 or Proton Saga better?
The Proton S70 is the more capable family sedan, with 60 hp and 140 Nm more, a 500-litre boot and six airbags. The Proton Saga is better only if keeping the purchase cost low and fitting into narrower spaces are the priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Proton S70 costs RM34,810 more than the Proton Saga: RM73,800 versus RM38,990.
Which car has more safety equipment?
The Proton S70 has six airbags, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot information and front parking sensors. The Proton Saga has two airbags, stability control, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera, but lacks those driver-assistance systems.
