Proton Saga Reclaims Title as Malaysia's Best-Selling Car

Proton Saga, a B-segment sedan manufactured by Proton Holdings Berhad, has reclaimed its position as Malaysia’s best-selling car. Official distribution is managed through Proton Edar, with a nationwide network of over 140 3S/4S centres. The Saga addresses affordable personal mobility for urban commuters, ride-hailing drivers, and budget-focused families, with prices ranging from RM34,800 to RM44,800. According to data compiled by Careta.my, the model’s latest monthly registration figures pushed it past the Perodua Bezza in the first quarter of 2025, reaffirming its relevance in an increasingly competitive market.

Key Facts

How Many Units Did the Proton Saga Sell to Reclaim the Top Spot?

Based on Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) registration figures cited by Careta.my in March 2025, the Proton Saga recorded 6,842 units sold in February 2025, outpacing the Perodua Bezza’s 5,978 units. This monthly tally brought Saga’s year-to-date total to 12,500 units, representing a 17% increase over the same period in 2024. The surge was driven by aggressive year-end promotional campaigns and sustained demand from e-hailing fleet operators.

The data further revealed that Proton’s overall market share rose to 21.3% in February 2025, with the Saga accounting for nearly half of the brand’s volume. In comparison, the Perodua Bezza had held the lead for three consecutive months prior. Analysts at Careta.my noted that this reversal highlights the price-sensitive nature of the A/B-segment sedan market in Malaysia.

"The Saga's return to the top is not just a nostalgic win; it's a measurable outcome of Proton's smarter inventory management and competitive financing packages," said Khairul Anwar, Senior Analyst at Careta.my.

— Khairul Anwar, Careta.my, March 2025

In February 2025, the Proton Saga’s registration count of 6,842 units made it the best-selling passenger car in Malaysia, beating the Perodua Bezza by 864 units.

Why Is the Proton Saga So Popular in Malaysia?

The Proton Saga’s enduring popularity in Malaysia stems from a combination of low purchase price, affordable maintenance, and widespread service accessibility. Its 1.3-litre engine delivers adequate performance for city driving and occasional highway trips, while maintaining fuel efficiency that appeals to cost-conscious consumers. Additionally, the Saga’s 420-litre boot and spacious cabin make it practical for small families and e-hailing use, two core demographics in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru.

Beyond tangible specifications, the Saga benefits from Proton’s extensive dealership and service network, which outnumbers many foreign brands. This ensures that even owners in secondary towns like Alor Setar or Kuala Terengganu can access timely maintenance and genuine parts. Furthermore, the Saga’s low insurance premiums and readily available financing options—often with interest rates as low as 2.5% per annum—make it attainable for fresh graduates and young families earning a median household income of RM6,500 per month.

In Malaysia’s tropical climate, the Saga’s air-conditioning system is tuned for high-ambient temperatures, a detail frequently praised in local owner forums. The model also incorporates a rear USB charging port (in higher variants), catering to the device-dependent lifestyle of modern Malaysian drivers.

With a starting price of RM34,800 and a 5-year warranty programme, the Proton Saga offers the lowest total cost of ownership in its segment for Malaysian private buyers and fleet operators.

What Does the Saga’s Sales Lead Mean for the Malaysian Automotive Market?

The Proton Saga’s top-seller status signals a sustained preference for affordable sedans in Malaysia, despite the global trend towards SUVs. In contrast to the declining sedan segments in Europe and North America, Malaysian buyers continue to value the combination of a proper boot and low running costs. According to the MAA’s 2024 annual report, A- and B-segment sedans collectively commanded 38% of total industry volume, with Saga and Bezza jointly accounting for more than half of that slice.

This performance also reinforces the strategic importance of national carmakers in bufferi ng Malaysia’s automotive market against external supply chain shocks. Proton and Perodua’s ability to localise high-volume components insulates them from currency fluctuations and semiconductor shortages that more severely impacted Honda, Toyota, and other foreign assemblers in 2022-2023. Proton’s July 2024 announcement of an additional RM 1.2 billion investment in its Tanjung Malim plant for next-generation models, including Saga-related upgrades, further cements the model’s long-term footprint.

The competitive dynamic with Perodua also fosters continuous improvements in features for the price point. For instance, the 2024 Saga Premium S variant introduced a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring and a reverse camera—features once exclusive to cars costing RM 60,000 and above.

According to Careta.my’s analysis, the Proton Saga’s market leadership reflects a uniquely Malaysian paradox: while consumers desire modern tech, the decisive purchase factor remains the monthly repayment amount, which the Saga consistently undercuts.

Who Is the Proton Saga For in Malaysia?

The ideal Malaysian owner of a Proton Saga typically falls into one of three profiles:
1. The First-Time Buyer: A recent graduate or young professional in urban areas like Petaling Jaya or Bayan Lepas, with a monthly budget of RM550–RM700 for car installment, fuel, and insurance. They prioritise reliability and warranty coverage over brand prestige.
2. The E-Hailing Driver: Full-time Grab or AirAsia Ride drivers who need a durable, fuel-efficient vehicle with low per-kilometre running costs and easy availability of spare parts. Many fleet operators bulk-purchase the base manual variant at RM34,800.
3. The Secondary Family Car: Households in landed properties or condominiums that already own an MPV or SUV but need a compact runabout for school runs, market trips, and short commutes. The Saga’s compact dimensions ease parking in narrow KL condo lots (typical bay width 2.4 metres) while its 420-litre boot accommodates weekly grocery hauls.

In comparison with the Perodua Bezza, the Saga offers a slightly wider cabin and a more substantial interior feel, though the Bezza counters with marginally better fuel economy. For buyers sensitive to total cost over five years, the Saga’s longer warranty and more affordable scheduled service packages (averaging RM210 per service for the first three visits) tip the balance.

Common Questions

Is the Proton Saga still produced locally in Malaysia?

Yes, the Proton Saga is assembled at Proton’s main plant in Shah Alam, Selangor. As of 2025, all Saga units sold in Malaysia are locally assembled, with a localisation rate exceeding 90% for body panels and major engine components.

Does the Proton Saga qualify for the e-hailing vehicle age limit in Malaysia?

Under JPJ’s e-hailing regulations, vehicles used for e-hailing must be less than 10 years old. A brand-new Proton Saga easily meets this requirement and, with proper maintenance, can remain compliant for up to a decade, making it a top choice for new Grab and AirAsia Ride registrations.

How does the Proton Saga perform on Malaysian highways like the PLUS expressway?

The 1.3-litre engine cruises comfortably at 110 km/h around 2,800 rpm in automatic guise. Overtaking requires planning, but its light steering and stable body control make it adequate for intercity travel between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh or Johor Bahru and Melaka.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the original report “Saga Kembali Jadi Kereta Paling Laris Malaysia” published by Careta.my on 14 March 2025. Sales figures cited are sourced from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) monthly registration data as processed by Careta.my’s editorial team. Price information reflects on-the-road figures in Peninsular Malaysia as of March 2025 and includes applicable SST exemptions where valid. Currency references are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Comparisons with the Perodua Bezza are derived from official brochures from Proton and Perodua. This article was last updated on 15 March 2025.