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Proton Saga I 1.3 i (75 Hp)
Overall Rating
Proton Saga:
The Proton Saga is a series of subcompact cars and currently city cars produced by Malaysian automobile manufacturer Proton. Introduced in 1985, the Proton Saga became the first Malaysian car and a major milestone in the Malaysian automotive industry. The Saga is Proton's longest-running and best-selling nameplate, with over 2 million units sold worldwide over 39 years.
The first generation Saga was developed as the result of a joint venture between HICOM and Mitsubishi Motors. It is based on the second generation Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore, and was available in 4-door saloon and 5-door hatchback guises. The second generation Proton Saga was unveiled on 18 January 2008. It is based on a stretched Proton Savvy platform and was developed in-house by Proton. The third generation Proton Saga was launched on 28 September 2016. It is based on the outgoing Saga FLX platform, and is powered by the Iriz's 1. 3-litre VVT engine....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Proton Saga (I). With 108 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 950 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 166 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Proton Saga I was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997. As such, it does not have an official Euro NCAP rating. Safety features were basic for its era, typical of compact sedans from the mid-1980s.
1.3 i (75 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides basic, reliable performance suitable for urban commuting, though highway overtakes might require more planning due to its more modest power output.
Fuel Economy
Despite the smaller displacement, the listed combined fuel economy of 7.3 l/100 km is similar to the 1.5i, suggesting it's more optimized for city efficiency rather than significant overall fuel savings.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Highly affordable and accessible for its time
- • Known for robust reliability and simple mechanics
- • Spacious interior for a compact sedan
- • Easy to maintain with readily available parts
- • Strong national pride and heritage
Cons:
- • Basic safety features, typical of its era
- • Dated interior design and limited comfort amenities
- • Lack of refinement compared to Japanese rivals
- • Performance can feel sluggish with the smaller engine
- • Ride quality can be firm on rougher roads
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2016 - ).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Proton |
| Model: | Saga |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.3 i (75 Hp) |
| Start of production: | July, 1985 |
| End of production: | 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 75 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 57.8 Hp/l [51mm less] |
| Torque: | 108 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1298 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 71 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 166 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.7 kg/Hp, 78.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.8 kg/Nm, 113.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 950 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4280 mm mm [51mm less] |
| Width: | 1655 mm mm [34mm less] |
| Height: | 1360 mm mm [131mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2380 mm mm [85mm less] |
| Front track: | 1390 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1340 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 155/80 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the Proton Saga. How does it handle on the road?