Proton Saga 1.3 Review: Proton Saga - Simple yet effective

Cars are getting increasingly complicated and sophisticated these days thanks to the majority of car buyers' demanding for more luxuries and convenience features in their cars. More equipment and kit will then mean more complicated and sophisticated cars thanks to the myriad of wires and electronics to run most of these equipment.

What if you are a car buyer who just wants a simple car that is reasonably built, comes at an affordable price and is practical - a no frills car, so to speak. A car that basically fulfils the above requirements is Proton's entry level model, the Saga.

Obviously, we are all rather too familiar with the Saga nameplate. Proton's first ever model and its most iconic yet, the 1990s Saga. The current Saga delivers the virtues of its original namesake and more.

On the outside, one can immediately mark out the Saga as a simple, no frills compact saloon. Its uptight three-box profile shows that it means business in maximising interior space within its compact exterior dimensions. The low boot line will help beginner drivers when reversing the Saga into tight parking lots as the relatively large rear windscreen makes for a good view out of what's behind.

All in all, the Saga isn't exactly a head-turner as its designers obviously wanted to maximize interior packaging for the compact three-box saloon model, a practical move that emphasizes functionality over form.

The contemporary and fuss free feel and look continue on the inside with a spacious cabin for a car its size. At the rear, passengers will have little to complain about any lack of head or knee room while the boot is large and well-shaped.

Up front, the driver is greeted by a pleasantly designed and modern looking driving environment with simple instruments and the circular air-con vents. In addition, there are electrical adjustments for the front windows, a stereo head-unit that looks well integrated on the dash and so on.

The 1.3-litre Campro motor generates a competitive 94bhp and 120Nm to endow the Saga with reasonable straight-line go and buyers are pampered with the choice of either the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission to choose from. The two-pedal model will accelerate from rest to three-figure speeds in a reasonable 14.5 seconds.

Just like the rest of the Proton range, the Saga's best and most impressive aspect is the way it rides and handles. Proton's ownership of Lotus is once again evident in the way the Saga's suspension contains unwanted body movements while delivering a pliant and comfortable ride. The steering is especially commendable - it feels well-weighted and fairly accurate in its responses.

In terms of safety and convenience, the Saga offers ample protection and ease of usage for its driver and occupants. Standard equipment includes a driver's side airbag, front electric windows, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, a height adjustable driver's seat, reverse sensors, remote central locking and so on. In addition to the well-sized boot, the Saga also offers a generously sized glove compartment, door bins as well as a floor compartment in the cabin to store odds and ends and smaller items.

The Saga's simplicity in the way it looks and the way it goes certainly makes it an ideal car for less fussy drivers who are into no frills motoring.

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