Proton Saga Marks 40th Anniversary, Over 2 Mil Units Sold Since 1985

Yes, folks. Exactly 40 years ago today on June 9, 1985, the Proton Saga made its historic debut!

Exactly 40 years ago today on July 9, 1985, the Proton Saga was officially revealed to the world. Since then, the Saga has not only moved a nation and its people, it arguably also single-handedly propelled its makers Proton into what it is today.

To celebrate this milestone, the national automaker issued a factoid-rich press release earlier today considering which. With a heavily revised ‘new’ successor still in development ahead of its planned debut before end of this year, perhaps said release will have to suffice for now.

Firstly, P1 deserves commendation for continuously producing the Saga nameplate for four decades. Equally constant here too is the fact that the Saga is the national automaker’s single most consistent best-selling nameplate ever.

Current, third-gen (P2-13A) iteration of the Proton Saga that's on sale today.

Spyshot of the upcoming heavily revised 'new' Proton Saga that's set for launch later this year.

Surely, one need not sift through and crunch the sales numbers that Proton publishes monthly to know that last fact. Besides that, one of the biggest figures touted by P1 in its release today is the fact that the Saga nameplate’s sales have surpassed 2 million units since its 1985 debut.

A key driver to this is of course the Saga model’s core DNA at being an affordable, highly practical and low-cost runabout. In the case of today’s third-gen iteration (chassis code: P2-13A), there’s the adequate safety levels it brings at a bargain too.

Over 2 million units of the Proton Saga have been sold since its debut in 1985, claims Proton.

This perhaps explains why 64% of the model’s buyers today are first-time owners and first-time car buyers, touts Proton via the special release mentioned, citing a recent market insight. The latter is based on 57,674 samples taken in survey conducted late last year.

From which, Proton further highlights 48% of buyers here are married with children. This perhaps also signals the Saga model’s equally strong appeal towards Malaysians who are just about to start their own families too.

Arguably key drivers behind the Saga model's success lies in its core DNA at being an affordable, practical, safe and low-cost runabout that appeal to both first-time car buyers and those just about to start a family.

Critically, Proton elected to highlight another key fact in its release today, specifically one centred specifically on product quality. From which, the automaker claims that the Saga now sees its production quality standing on par with its closest rival – the Perodua Bezza.

Using the Global Consumer Product Audit (GCPA), Proton claims the Saga’s production quality has significantly improved over time. Most recently, its score improved from 2,580 points in Aug 2024 to 1,050 points in May 2025.

More recently, the current-gen Proton Saga has also enjoyed success overseas in left-hand-drive (LHD) form pictured across markets like Egypt.

For context, CGPA scores reflect the number of production line issues detected, hence the lower the figure, the better.

However, we’ll firstly point out that the CGPA scheme mentioned is an internal measure designed specifically by partners Geely for its own products. Secondly, we’ll also note that it’s unclear how Proton rates the rivalling Rawang-built Perodua Bezza.

Nevertheless, we’ve been given a relatively insightful showcase of the CGPA scheme being practiced by Proton as its Tanjung Malim plant and production line. You can read about it our special report of which by clicking these blue words...

We'll also argue another key factor driving the Saga's appeal and success is the fact that it delivers adequate levels of safety at a relative bargain too.

Back to the Saga and, naturally, the model’s milestone 40th anniversary celebrations is being reflected on showroom floors with a special test-drive campaign running all this month until July 31.

Through which, Proton invites all Malaysians to sample the Saga first-hand and, at the same time, publicly share their experience online by uploading a photo or video from their test-drive on social media with the #SagaTrueMalaysianICON hashtag included.

The celebrate the Saga's 40th anniversary in showrooms, Proton is running a special month-long test-drive campaign centred on its best-seller mentioned.

From which, winners will be chosen drawn and announced via a livestream hosted on Proton’s official social media channels after the campaign’s end date.

Winners will receive exciting prizes including an exclusive ride in the Saga with campaign ambassadors in the form of popular artiste Irfan Haris and Mimiflyy, as well as social media star Jayden Chong.

Lastly, Proton is also marking the Saga model's 40th anniversary by teaming up with Mattel for another limited edition release of the Proton Saga Hot Wheels collectible toy car.

Besides a showroom campaign, Proton also teamed up with toymakers Mattel to release another limited edition packaging of the Proton Saga Hot Wheels collectible toy car to mark the anniversary mentioned.

Notably, this release sees the eye-catching and contest-winning artwork by Penang-born youth Saw Jane Harn paired with the rare, white-painted version of the miniature 1985 Proton Saga by Hot Wheels model mentioned.