Verdict
At RM38,990, the Proton Saga Standard is the sensible buy for a Malaysian buyer who wants the same 118 hp, 150 Nm 1.5-litre engine and Aisin four-speed automatic as the Executive. The RM44,990 Executive costs RM6,000 more, and that gap buys a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, four speakers, LED daytime running lights, two front parking sensors, rear USB ports and 15-inch wheels. It is a meaningful cabin and convenience upgrade, not a mechanical or core safety upgrade: both have two airbags, ABS/EBD and stability control.
Pick the Proton Saga Standard if you want the lowest purchase price and can live without the Executive’s touchscreen, front sensors and LED daytime running lights.
Pick the Proton Saga Executive if wireless smartphone integration, navigation, rear USB ports and front parking sensors justify the RM6,000 step up.
Key differences
- Price: Proton Saga Standard RM38,990; Proton Saga Executive RM44,990.
- Kerb weight: Standard 1,055 kg; Executive 1,065 kg.
- Wheels and tyres: Standard 14-inch alloys with 175/65R14 tyres; Executive 15-inch alloys with 185/55R15 tyres.
- Lighting: Standard has no LED daytime running lights but has wing-mirror turn indicators; Executive has LED daytime running lights but no wing-mirror turn…
- Infotainment: Standard gets Bluetooth/USB radio with two speakers; Executive gets a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation and…
- Parking and USB: Standard has no front sensors and one front USB port; Executive has two front sensors, one front USB-A and two rear USB-A ports.
Standard
- Lower purchase price.
- Wing-mirror turn indicators are fitted.
- 10 kg lighter at 1,055 kg.
- No LED daytime running lights or front parking sensors.
- Two-speaker radio lacks the 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and navigation.
Executive
- 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation and four speakers.
- LED daytime running lights and two front parking sensors.
- Rear passengers get two USB-A ports; 15-inch alloys wear 185/55R15 tyres.
- Costs more despite retaining the same 118 hp, 150 Nm engine and four-speed automatic.
- 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 | 118 hp |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 150 Nm |
| 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 | Driver and Passenger | 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 touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, navigation, LED daytime running lights and front parking sensors. The Standard is the better-value choice if those extras are not priorities, as the powertrain and core safety kit 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 safety equipment?
Not in the core active and passive kit. Both variants have driver and passenger airbags, ABS/EBD, stability control, hill start assist and a reverse camera. The Executive adds two front parking sensors, while both retain two rear sensors.
