Proton unveils its most affordable Proton Saga

The company, a unit of DRB-Hicom Bhd, said that the launch was part of its aspiration to make quality cars more affordable for Malaysians.

"The Saga SV is a manifestation of PROTON’s commitment to provide Malaysians with exceptional better value for money attributes that include enhanced safety features, better quality, practicality, style and affordability in ownership.

"The introduction of the Saga SV is part of Proton’s effort to continuously provide a better value-for-money, and affordable cars to Malaysians, supporting the Government’s commitment to gradually reduce car prices," said Proton chief executive officer Hisham Othman in a statement today.

The Proton Saga SV - which is powered by the same 1.3 litre Campro IAFM as Saga FLX - is available in both manual and CVT automatic transmission.

The Proton Saga SV, which is officially open for booking, is priced from RM33,438.

The car was unveiled at Proton Edar Platinum Showroom in Mutiara Damansara. Also present were the company's executive chairman Tan Sri Hj Mohd Khamil Jamil and deputy chief executive officer, Datuk Lukman Ibrahim.

Mohd Khamil added that Proton had always been engaged in planning and undertaking means and ways to reduce cost whilst improving quality and safety aspects of its vehicles.

The Saga SV is fitted with 13” inch steel wheels, 1-din radio with CD player, power steering, manual side mirror control, side turn signal integrated with side mirror, dual airbag, pre-tensioner seatbelts, child restraint anchorage and car immobiliser.

Meanwhile, Mohd Khamil added that the company hopes the new model could help the company to regain market share this year.

Proton, which currently has a 24 per cent share in the B-segment market, hopes to capture a 30 per cent market share by year-end.