Review: 2026 Proton Saga – First drive impressions, new engine, but how’s the CVT?
Short preview drive of the 2026 Proton Saga, but enough to say this is the easiest-to-drive Saga yet. The new 1.5 NA feels stronger, the clutch-type CVT is far smoother than the Punch units of yore, steering is lighter and sharper, and body control feels tidy.
The new 1.5 NA feels healthier than the old 1.3. Off-the-line response is cleaner and it pulls with less effort to typical city speeds. Put your foot down and the engine still raises its voice, so expectations should remain in A-segment territory, but progress is more willing. If you felt that the previous 1.3L + 4AT combo was sluggish, this is an improvement in that regard.
Despite being a clutch-based CVT, creep and pick-up felt natural in our runs and there was no low-speed shudder or lurching common to Proton’s earlier Punch CVTs. If I was not told it is clutch-type, I would have assumed a small torque converter. Caveat: we did not sit in heavy stop-start traffic, so extended urban slog remains untested. The 4AT in lower variants was not sampled here.
The switch to EPS makes the wheel noticeably lighter than old FLX cars and even lighter than early 4AT updates too. It also feels a touch sharper around centre, so placing the car is easy. On the handling loop, body roll is present, but the car links corners with a flow that exceeds expectations for the class. It drives like a slightly bigger car in terms of composure.
On the smooth preview course the ride felt tidy and controlled. We did not have rough surfaces or highway speeds to judge secondary ride or high-speed wind and tyre noise, so verdict reserved for the full test. Under hard throttle the engine is loud, which is typical at this price.
Pedal feel and stopping power felt normal for the segment in our run. No clear takeaway yet without longer mixed-road testing.
Driving position is straightforward, sightlines are easy, and unlike some reports I had no issue with the steering wheel blocking the instrument screen. Column still lacks telescopic adjust, but reach and rake were acceptable.
2026 Proton Saga – Early Verdict
From a brief first drive, the new 2026 Proton Saga is improved where it matters for daily use. The engine has real pep for the class, the CVT calibration is the most agreeable ever fitted to a Saga, and the steering is lighter and cleaner without feeling vague. Stop-and-go driving with the new CVT and highway NVH remain question marks. But overall impressions are promising. Now all that’s left are pricing and specs.
2026 Proton Saga Specs
Engine & Performance
- 1.5L i-GT naturally aspirated 4-cylinder (BHE15-CFN)
- 120 PS @ 6,100 rpm, 150 Nm @ 4,000–5,000 rpm
- Atkinson cycle, dual VVT, electric water pump, dual-mass flywheel
- Timing chain (toothed, quieter than roller type)
Transmission & Drivetrain
- 4-speed Aisin automatic (Standard / Executive)
- CVT (Premium)
- Front-wheel drive
Chassis & Handling
- Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) – traceable to BLM platform
- MacPherson struts (front), torsion beam (rear)
- Reinforced with HPF steel in B-pillars and floor crossmember
- Electric power steering (EPS)
- Larger anti-roll bar, retuned dampers and bushes
Brakes & Tyres
- Ventilated discs (front), drums (rear)
- 14″ or 15″ alloy wheels depending on variant
- Atlas AS380 tyres (185/55 R15 on Premium)
Safety & Features (Premium)
- 6 airbags, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist
- ADAS suite: AEB with motorcycle detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, door opening warning
- LED auto headlights and full-width LED taillights
- 7” digital cluster, 9” touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
- Keyless entry, push-start, faux leather seats, rear headrests
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