Zakirin
The highly anticipated Proton Saga Cross has been spotted undergoing road testing in Malaysia. Heavily shrouded in thick camouflage, the test vehicle is strongly believed to be the national automaker’s upcoming A-segment crossover, internally codenamed AMA02.
Recent spy shots captured the prototype tackling the demanding twisty roads of Genting Highlands, wearing the trade plate ‘B1699A’—a registration previously associated with several other Proton development prototypes. This public outing confirms that development for Proton’s next entry-level vehicle is well underway.
A Brand-New Architecture and Crossover Design
Despite its “Saga” moniker, early investigations and visual cues suggest that the AMA02 will not simply be a jacked-up version of the current sedan.
Instead, the Saga Cross will utilize an entirely new body structure. It will be the second model to be built on Proton’s modern Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) platform, officially moving away from the aging underpinnings of previous generations.
The spy shots reveal a sleek, hatch-like crossover profile rather than a traditional boxy SUV silhouette. To elevate its premium appeal, Proton appears to have borrowed modern exterior components, such as the side mirrors and door handles, directly from the larger S70 sedan. Furthermore, industry leaks suggest that higher-spec variants will feature larger wheels and a more prominent rear spoiler for a sportier aesthetic.
Two Distinct Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the Saga Cross is expected to offer two different powertrain options to cater to varying consumer needs:
- Internal Combustion Engine (ICE): The standard models are widely expected to utilize the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre i-GT four-cylinder engine. This locally assembled powerplant generates a respectable 120 PS and 150 Nm of torque. In a departure from the CVT gearboxes used in older models, it is heavily tipped to be paired with a reliable four-speed Aisin automatic transmission.
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Industry sources indicate a non-plug-in hybrid variant is also in the pipeline. This series-parallel hybrid system is expected to borrow the electric motor and Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) from the flagship e.MAS 7 PHEV. Tagged internally as the ‘DHT120’, the setup will utilize a smaller battery suited for a compact crossover, delivering a combined system output of up to 163 PS while promising excellent fuel efficiency.
Market Positioning and Production Timeline
The Proton Saga Cross is strategically positioned as an A-segment compact SUV, designed specifically to lock horns with the wildly popular Perodua Ativa and the Honda WR-V. In Proton’s domestic lineup, it will sit comfortably below the X50, filling the crucial gap between the entry-level Saga sedan and the brand’s larger SUV offerings. To stay highly competitive, the model is aimed squarely at the sub-RM80,000 bracket.
According to recent disclosures from local component manufacturing partners, mass production for the AMA02 is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, specifically targeting October 2026.
Yusri Ng
