Proton Saga 1.3 Review: In the right direction

What we like:

Pleasant looking exterior

adequately packaged for the price and a surprisingly good handler.

What we dislike:

Sombre interior

some plastic parts are fiddly and missing rear electrical windows.

Like I've mentioned at the start of this review, small sedans are an impressive lot now - and the same can be said of this latest iteration of the Saga.

But it all comes down to a price. It leaves the showroom for $40,988, which is unfortunately still more than the Korean Rio and Verna. They're of the same proportion, and the Saga's disadvantages are (a) its smaller engine capacity (which is pretty negligible if you were to ask me), (b) the not-so-smooth transmission and (c) brakes.

Its advantages? The good handling and, generally, useful cabin (oh, I must've forgotten to mention it has lots of useful cubby holes, a big glove compartment and driver's airbag...silly me!). Plus it looks younger and fresher than the two.

So, if you must and need a sedan but at the same time don't think you need one that's large like the Toyota Altis, you should take a look at the Proton Saga.

Credits: Story & pictures by Azfar Hashim