Verdict
The RM6,000 step from the RM38,990 Proton Saga Standard to the RM44,990 Proton Saga Executive does not buy more pace: both use a 118 hp, 150 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine and four-speed Aisin automatic. It buys more useful cabin and parking hardware, led by a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four speakers, two rear USB-A ports and front parking sensors. The Executive’s 15-inch wheels also replace the Standard’s 14-inch set. For a Malaysian buyer who uses phone navigation daily, the Executive is the sensible stretch; otherwise, the Standard keeps the same drivetrain and core safety kit for less.
Pick the Proton Saga Standard if RM6,000 saved matters more than a larger touchscreen, rear USB ports and front parking sensors.
Pick the Proton Saga Executive if you want wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-inch wheels and easier low-speed parking.
Key differences
- Price: Proton Saga Standard RM38,990; Proton Saga Executive RM44,990.
- Wheels and tyres: Standard 14-inch alloys with 175/65R14 tyres; Executive 15-inch alloys with 185/55R15 tyres.
- Audio: Standard radio with Bluetooth, USB and two speakers; Executive 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and four speakers.
- USB provision: Standard one front USB; Executive one front USB-A plus two rear USB-A ports.
- Front parking sensors: Standard none; Executive two sensors.
- Kerb weight: Standard 1,055 kg; Executive 1,065 kg.
Standard
- RM6,000 cheaper to buy.
- Gets the same 118 hp and 150 Nm 1.5-litre engine with four-speed Aisin automatic.
- Has wing mirror turn indicators, which the Executive lacks.
- 14-inch wheels and 175/65R14 tyres replace the Executive’s 15-inch setup.
- Two speakers and no touchscreen Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- No front parking sensors or rear USB-A ports.
Executive
- 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation and four speakers.
- Two front parking sensors supplement the reverse camera and rear sensors.
- 15-inch alloys with 185/55R15 tyres, plus LED daytime running lights.
- Costs RM6,000 more.
- Is 10 kg heavier at 1,065 kg.
- Lacks the Standard’s wing mirror turn indicators.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM38,990✓ | RM44,990 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | A-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm | 118 hp at 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm | 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 4-speed Automatic | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 4 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,390 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,690 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,525 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,465 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 1,055 kg | 1,065 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 420 litres | 420 litres |
| Front Tyre | 175/65R14 | 185/55R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 175/65R14 | 185/55R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Atlas AS380 | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 14" Alloy | 15" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 14" Alloy | 15" 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Foldable Backrest | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 2 USB-A Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4 Spekers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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 cars for sale
Standard vs Executive FAQ
Is the Proton Saga Standard or Proton Saga Executive better?
The Proton Saga Executive is better equipped, with a 9-inch wireless smartphone-integration touchscreen, four speakers, rear USB-A ports, front sensors and 15-inch wheels. The Standard is the better choice only if its RM6,000 saving is the priority, as performance and core safety equipment are the same.
What is the price difference?
The Proton Saga Executive costs RM6,000 more than the Proton Saga Standard: RM44,990 versus RM38,990.
Does the Proton Saga Executive have more power than the Standard?
No. Both variants use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder producing 118 hp at 6,100 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,400 rpm, paired with a four-speed Aisin automatic driving the front wheels.
