2011 PROTON Saga FLX 1.3L CVT FWD (95 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Proton introduced the second generation of the Saga in 2008 as a successor for the 23 years-old Saga’s first-generation, and the new model received a facelift in 2011.

It was unusual for a carmaker to keep a car on the assembly line for over two decades unless it was the Mercedes-Benz G-Class or the licensed-built Renault 12 in Turkey and Romania. But for the Malaysian market, the first generation of the Saga was good enough for that long period, with a few minor updates and upgrades over the years. The 2008 model was a surprise, and the carmaker didn’t stop from its path and introduced a mid-life cycle refresh in 2011.

At the front, the new version featured a more aggressive styling with wider headlights and angular styling, fitting in the new-edge-design style. Its front bumper sported a reversed trapezoidal lower grille and angular-shaped side scoops. For the 2011 model, the carmaker introduced LED turn-signals in the door mirrors’ cases. The taillights also received LED lamps instead of the classic halogen ones.

Inside, the 2011 Saga sported a similar interior as the 2008 model. Its black dashboard was covered in hard plastic. The carmaker installed an audio system with a light-gray/silver front on the center stack, which didn’t look that good. Proton included better standard safety features on the Saga FLX, such as the dual-airbags, ABS, and electronic brake distribution.

The most crucial novelty on the Saga FLX was the automatic (CVT) gearbox. It featured an additional button that mimicked a regular, step-by-step, automatic gearbox if the driver liked that more. With the new transmission, the Saga FLX got a better fuel-efficiency than the previously used four-speed automatic gearbox, which Proton removed from the Saga.