2026 Proton Saga Commonplace MC3 – full gallery of base variant; solely sub-RM40k automotive in M’sia with 1.5L engine

The 2026 Proton Saga MC3 might have been launched in Malaysia for nearly per week nowhowever that is the primary time we’re clapping eyes on the RM37,990 (after the RM1k early-bird rebate) Commonplace variant. Feast your eyes on this full showroom gallery as we take you on a tour.

However first, we should word that each one showroom show vehicles within the Klang Valley are of the Premium and Govt variants solely, so we intercepted this buyer automotive earlier than supply, courtesy of the Proton Sianghin Auto showroom in Taman Melawati.

Let’s begin with the outside – you continue to get LED projector headlamps, however they’re not computerized (Govt and Premium solely) and there’s no auto excessive beam (Premium solely). These L-shaped LEDs are nonetheless there, however they’re used as positioning lamps relatively than DRLs (they’re not as vibrant and don’t routinely come on when the engine is began).

Nevertheless, we checked and located that the half quantity is identical because the Govt variant, so the distinction is merely within the software program – we’re certain the resourceful will discover a technique to reactivate them quickly sufficient.

Transferring on, there are not any entrance parking sensors, and the Ethereal Bow (the factor that ‘cups’ the Proton emblem within the grille) and door deal with ornamental strips are completed in silver as an alternative of the chrome you get on the Govt and Premium. The Commonplace can also be the one variant with 14-inch alloys, taken from the outdated MC2.

Not like the Govt and Premium, there’s no keyless entry right here (so there’s no button on the motive force’s door deal with) however there’s keyless begin at the very least. All Saga variants use the identical new key fob (no extra flip key like earlier than). On the Commonplace, you’ll should first thumb the important thing fob to unlock the doorways, then get in and press the engine begin button.

Alongside the aspect, you’ll see body-coloured B-pillars (solely the Premium will get them in black) and no aspect skirts (additionally Premium solely), though the mirror caps are nonetheless black. As a result of the Govt doesn’t get full-width rear lights and an out of doors boot launch button, the Commonplace clearly doesn’t both. There isn’t even a reverse digicam or a lamp contained in the boot – you’d want at the very least the Govt to get these.

Inside, the steering wheel is polyurethane (solely the Premium’s is leather-wrapped) however at the very least it accommodates all the identical buttons as the opposite variants (the earlier Saga Commonplace had no steering wheel buttons in any way). You additionally nonetheless get a digital instrument panel, when the similarly-priced Axia G has analogue gauges and never even a rev counter.

The one you most wish to see is the top unit. Not like the opposite variants’ nine-inch touch-screenthe Commonplace will get a primary radio with Bluetooth, though it makes use of extra modern-looking capacitive-touch buttons as an alternative of bodily ones.

No display screen, so no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the design of the factor (nonetheless linked to the digital instrument panel in a single lengthy piece) means becoming an aftermarket display screen wouldn’t be a simple process. There are solely two audio system right here (the rear door speaker grilles are empty); the opposite variants get 4.

The Commonplace’s upholstery is obvious black cloth versus the Govt’s wavy patterns. The driving force’s seat makes use of the identical rotary knob as on the Govt for top adjustment (solely the Premium will get the new lever that raises or lowers the whole seat). Just like the Govt, there’s no auto-down perform for the motive force’s window; you’d want the Premium for that. No Saga variant has auto-up home windows.

Under the centre air vents sit two rows of buttons flanked by air-con management knobs – the highest row is lacking the parking sensor button (clearly, because it has no entrance parking sensors). The underside row is all clean, however so it’s even on the Premium.

Behind the handbrake, you’ll discover no USB ports (Govt and Premium solely). The entrance USB port continues to be there, however it’s for information switch and fees slowly. Situated proper in entrance of the motive force’s left knee, it’s an ungainly place to stay a pendrive for music. Concerning the again seats, you’ll want to purchase at the very least the Govt to get adjustable headrests and seat again pockets.

The Commonplace and Govt share the identical powertrain and security tools – a 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre i-GT four-cylinder engine, an Aisin four-speed auto (Premium will get a Punch CVT), two airbags, stability management and no ADAS (Premium will get six airbags, ADAS and RSRS). The Saga Commonplace is the one sub-RM40k automotive in Malaysia with a 1.5 litre engine – give your RM40k to Perodua and also you’ll get a 1.0 litre three-potter.

Now, except essential security options like airbags and ADAS, lots of the Commonplace’s omissions will be retrofitted relatively simply in a while. It stays very good worth at RM38k – arguably much more so than the RM44k Govt – however after all it’s greatest to go for the Premium if price range permits. What are your ideas on essentially the most reasonably priced new Proton you should purchase at the moment?

AD: Drive the Proton mannequin of your goals. Submit your particulars and Proton PJ will get in contact with you.

Seeking to promote your automotive? Promote it with Automotive.