Technical Specification & Engineering Dossier: All-New Proton Saga 1.5L i-GT

Executive Overview & Vehicle Identity

  • Segment: A-Segment Sedan
  • Platform Architecture: Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) with Hot-Press Formed (HPF) Ultra-High-Strength Steel
  • Generation: MC3 (Major Model Change)
  • Assembly / Origin: Tanjung Malim, Perak, Malaysia (CKD)
  • Trim Lineup: 1.5 Standard A/T, 1.5 Executive A/T, 1.5 Premium CVT

1. Powertrain & Combustion Architecture

The All-New Saga swaps out the old iron-block CamPro engine for Geely-derived aluminum 1.5-litre i-GT (BHE15PFI / BHE15-CFN) technology. It runs on an efficiency-focused Atkinson combustion cycle with a low-maintenance silent timing chain and dual variable valve timing (DVVT).

  • Engine Code: BHE15PFI / BHE15-CFN (i-GT NA)
  • Cylinder Configuration: In-line 4-cylinder, transverse front-mounted
  • Displacement: 1,499 cc (1.5 Litres)
  • Bore x Stroke: 73.4 mm x 88.57 mm (Under-square / long-stroke geometry)
  • Valvetrain: Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 16 valves, silent timing chain with Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT)
  • Combustion Cycle: Atkinson Cycle (optimised thermal efficiency and reduced pumping losses)
  • Fuel Delivery: Port Fuel Injection (PFI / Multi-Point)
  • Ancillaries & NVH: Electric water pump, dual-mass flywheel (cuts vibration by up to 25%)
  • Maximum Power Output: 88 kW (120 PS / 118 bhp) @ 6,100 RPM
  • Maximum Torque Output: 150 Nm (110.6 lb-ft) @ 4,000 – 5,000 RPM
  • Specific Power Output: 80.05 PS/L (58.7 kW/L)
  • Specific Torque Output: 100.06 Nm/L

2. Transmission & Driveline Kinematics

Proton deploys a dual-transmission strategy across the 1.5L range:

  • Drivetrain Layout: Front-Engine, Front-Wheel Drive (FF)
  • Aisin 4-Speed Automatic (Standard & Executive):
    • Proven 4-speed torque-converter automatic (4AT) with electronic lock-up clutch for robust durability and linear stepping shifts.
  • Punch Powertrain CVT (Premium Flagship):
    • Steel-belt continuously variable transmission calibrated with an Atkinson-cycle ECU map, delivering the lowest fuel consumption in the lineup (4.9 L/100 km).

3. Chassis, Suspension & Braking Dynamics

The AMA platform replaces the previous hydraulic steering system with Electric Power Steering (EPS).

SubsystemEngineering Specification
Front SuspensionIndependent MacPherson Strut with coil springs, lower wishbones, and anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionSemi-independent Torsion Beam axle with progressive coil springs and dampers
Steering SystemColumn Electric Power Steering (C-EPS), speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion
Turning Radius5.1 m (Minimum turning circle: 10.2 m curb-to-curb)
Front Brakes256 mm Ventilated discs with single-piston floating calipers
Rear BrakesLeading-trailing self-adjusting mechanical drum brakes
Parking BrakeManual mechanical handbrake on rear drums

4. Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

  • Overall Length: 4,335 mm
  • Overall Width: 1,690 mm
  • Overall Height: 1,495 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,465 mm
  • Ground Clearance: 150 mm
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 Litres
  • Cargo Volume (VDA Standard): 420 Litres (Expandable via rear folding bench)

5. In-Depth Variant Hierarchy & Differences

  1.5 Standard A/T ────► 1.5 Executive A/T ────► 1.5 Premium CVT
  [120 PS 1.5L + 4AT]     [Adds 15" Alloys,       [Adds Punch CVT, ADAS Suite,
  [7" Digital Cluster]     9" Touchscreen,         6 Airbags, 15" Two-Tone Alloys,
  [2 Airbags, ESC, LED]    CarPlay/Android Auto,   Full-Width Rear Light Bar,
  [Push-Start Button]      Auto Lights, 4 Spkrs]   Faux Leather, Auto-Fold Mirrors]

1. Proton Saga 1.5 Standard A/T

  • Drivetrain: 1.5L i-GT (120 PS / 150 Nm) paired with Aisin 4-speed automatic.
  • Exterior: LED projector headlights with integrated LED positioning lamps, silver “Ethereal Bow” grille strip, LED taillights, silver door handle inserts, 14-inch silver alloy wheels with 175/65 R14 tires.
  • Cockpit: 7.0-inch full digital instrument cluster display, push-button start with remote key, urethane steering wheel with tilt adjustment, manual climate control, fabric seats, driver-side seat base height adjustment.
  • Infotainment: Integrated Bluetooth/MP3/Radio head unit with 1x front USB port, 2-speaker sound setup.
  • Safety: 2 SRS Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Rear Seat Reminder, dual rear parking sensors.

2. Proton Saga 1.5 Executive A/T

  • Upgrades over Standard:
    • Exterior: Full LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), automatic headlamps with follow-me-home function, chrome “Ethereal Bow” grille strip, chrome door handle trim, 15-inch silver alloy wheels with 185/55 R15 tires.
    • Cockpit Tech: Floating 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto, “Hi Proton” voice commands.
    • Convenience: Keyless Smart Entry (sensors on door handles), 4-speaker audio system, 2x rear USB charging ports, boot compartment lighting, textured fabric upholstery, height-adjustable rear headrests.
    • Parking Aids: Adds front corner parking sensors and a high-definition reverse camera.

3. Proton Saga 1.5 Premium CVT (Flagship)

  • Upgrades over Executive:
    • Drivetrain: Upgrades to Punch Powertrain CVT with revised efficiency calibration (4.9 L/100 km).
    • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS Level 1): Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB with motorcycle/pedestrian detection), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Door Opening Warning (DOW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).
    • Passive Safety: Upgraded to 6 SRS Airbags (Dual front, front side thorax, full-length side curtains).
    • Exterior Styling: Full-width LED light bar connecting rear tail lamps, 15-inch two-tone machine-finished wheels, dynamic side skirts, gloss black B-pillars, external electronic boot release micro-switch.
    • Cabin Luxury: Full black leatherette upholstery, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, driver-side auto-down window, power auto-folding side mirrors, ratcheting full-seat height adjuster.

6. Comprehensive Variant Spec Matrix

Feature / System1.5 Standard A/T1.5 Executive A/T1.5 Premium CVT
Engine1.5L i-GT (120 PS / 150 Nm)1.5L i-GT (120 PS / 150 Nm)1.5L i-GT (120 PS / 150 Nm)
Transmission4-Speed Automatic (Aisin)4-Speed Automatic (Aisin)Continuously Variable (CVT)
Wheel & Tire Setup14″ Silver Alloy (175/65 R14)15″ Silver Alloy (185/55 R15)15″ Two-Tone Alloy (185/55 R15)
Headlights / DRLLED Projector / Position LampsAuto LED Projector + LED DRLAuto LED Projector + LED DRL
Rear LightingLED TaillightsLED TaillightsFull-Width LED Light Bar
Airbags2 Airbags2 Airbags6 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain)
Active Safety (ADAS)NoneNoneFull Suite (AEB, LDW, BSM, RCTA, AHB)
Stability (ESC, TCS, HSA)StandardStandardStandard
Instrument Cluster7″ Full Digital Display7″ Full Digital Display7″ Full Digital Display
Infotainment ScreenIntegrated Radio/BT9″ Floating Touchscreen9″ Floating Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay / Android AutoNoYes (Wireless)Yes (Wireless)
Keyless Entry & StartPush Start (Key Remote)Smart Keyless + Push StartSmart Keyless + Push Start
Speakers2 Speakers4 Speakers4 Speakers
Parking AssistRear Sensors OnlyFront + Rear + Reverse CamFront + Rear + Reverse Cam
UpholsteryStandard FabricTextured FabricFaux Leatherette
Rated Fuel Consumption5.1 L/100 km (19.6 km/L)5.1 L/100 km (19.6 km/L)4.9 L/100 km (20.4 km/L)

7. Comparative Segment Matrix: All-New Saga 1.5 vs Bezza 1.3 AV

Engineering ParameterProton Saga 1.5 Premium CVTPerodua Bezza 1.3 AV
Engine Architecture1.5L 4-Cyl i-GT (BHE15PFI)1.3L 4-Cyl Dual VVT-i (1NR-VE)
Power Output120 PS @ 6,100 RPM95 PS @ 6,000 RPM
Torque Output150 Nm @ 4,000–5,000 RPM121 Nm @ 4,000 RPM
Transmission TypeStepless CVT (Punch)4-Speed Electronic AT (4E-AT)
Steering SetupElectric Power Steering (EPS)Electric Power Steering (EPS)
ADAS SafetyAEB, LDW, BSM, RCTA, RCW, AHBASA 2.0 (AEB, PCW, PMC, FDA)
Airbags6 Airbags2 Airbags
Smartphone ConnectivityWireless Apple CarPlay & Android AutoWired Smart Link (Screen Mirroring)
Boot Space420 Litres508 Litres
Fuel Tank Capacity40 Litres36 Litres
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