Proton is a Malaysian automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Selangor, Malaysia. Proton became Malaysia’s first automaker with the country’s first-ever locally produced vehicle – the Proton SAGA. The company is making auto hits and selling 100,000 cars every year in Malaysia.
Proton has recently debuted in the Pakistani market with their SUV, the Proton X70, and all car enthusiasts are thrilled about it.
In March 2021, Proton with its local partner Al-Haj Group is launching its second car, Proton SAGA. The company will initially import 100 CBUs under the 2016-21 Auto Policy’s 50% subsidized structure. However, the company is planning to locally assemble SAGA from June 2021 onwards.
SAGA aims to be a budget car. So, it is expected to be cheaper than local sedans. This Proton car will also come with a 3 years /100,000 Km to 5 years / 150,000 Km warranty. Overall, it will be an attractive choice for all Pakistanis who look for an affordable sedan. The three variants being introduced are the Standard Manual, the Standard Auto, and the Premium Auto.
The Surprise:
According to Pakwheels, Proton Pakistan is also introducing a sports variant of SAGA, which is going to be a huge attraction for millennials.
In 2003, Proton R3, the company’s motorsports division began operations. According to the website, “Proton R3 specializes in the research, development, and production of race and rally cars, limited-edition R3 road cars and R3 accessories & parts.”
SAGA R3 is inspired by the Proton R3, for motorsports lovers.
SAGA R3 is a limited-edition car. The website doesn’t have any engine specifications, but few changes in the interior and exterior are mentioned in a downloadable flyer.
According to the leaflet, R3 comes in a signature R3 yellow for the sporty profile. The tires have 15-inch dark grey rims. The car has sportier graphics such as body stickers and rear emblems.
The Interior is different in that it has a Black-Yellow interior inspired by R3. Seats are black with yellow stitches. The Carpet mats will have sporty feels and the indoors will have an N95 carbon filter for purer air. The pictures have further revealed that the vehicle has an automatic transmission.
According to Pakwheels, out of the 20 SAGA units imported by the company, 5 or 6 are sports variants. This means Proton will test the vehicle before officially launching it in the country. They arrived 11-13 days ago and have been delivered to Al-Haj Motors in Karachi.
Overall, SAGA is a relatively affordable sedan and the R3 variant might raise enthusiasm among Motorsport fans.