Say hello to the new Proton Saga MC3! After several prototype sightings and appearing in a livestream, we now have our best look at the brand’s heavily updated sedan thanks to recent photos circulating online.
While the car seen in these photos is dressed in batik-inspired camouflage, the new design cues are clear as day to see. As has been expected (and known) for some time, the Saga sports an overhauled front end that features redesigned LED projector headlamps with C-shaped daytime running lights.
The DRLs are visually connected by an Ethereal Bow on a full-width concave grille, which itself has an array of black pins for its insert and a thick upper chrome strip. Squint a little and you’ll even notice the headlamps have two inner light bars that should act as indicators, as past spyshots indicate.
The more upright face also entails a revised bonnet, with the creases on it spread further apart than they were on the MC2. Also new is the lower apron that sees a rectangular-shaped intake and more subtle corner trim – no LED light strip in the latter because of the integrated DRLs.
Other changes include new side mirrors with more discreet indictors integrated into the caps. As for the rear, there’s a full-width light bar that links the taillights with dashed bars as its signature. The Proton script sits just below the boot lid with a small ducktail, with the rear bumper having a diffuser-like element.
Look closer and you’ll spot the ‘i-GT’ badge on the left of the boot lid, which likely points to the new 1.5 litre inline-four petrol engine (deep dive here) that is expected to debut with the Saga. A leaked document previously indicates this will be paired with a conventional automatic transmission on Standard and Executive variants, with the top-spec Premium getting a CVT instead.
Inside, the new Saga gets an overhauled dashboard that no one will confuse with its predecessor. To start, there is a large housing on the dashboard accommodates a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system.
Beneath this are pill-shaped air vents and what should be the air-conditioning controls and buttons for certain vehicle functions like the hazard lights. It should be noted that unlike the MC2, the corner air vents are not positioned slightly higher, so all vents are on a single line – note the textured trim on the passenger side.
Other differences from the outgoing model include a more angular centre console with a new gear lever design, a dedicated panel to the right of the driver that is home to the side mirror controls and engine start button, new door cards that appear to be able to hold taller bottles, new wiper and light stalks as well as new seats.
Proton says the Saga MC3 is built on the AMA platform, which is a platform used on models previously developed by the company but significantly upgraded to be relevant to newer safety standards and technologies – the sedan is said to get ADAS for the first time.
Further details like the exact specifications of the powertrain, available equipment and most importantly, pricing, are still required to complete the Saga MC3 picture. For now, what do you think of the changes made to the brand’s most historic nameplate?
The post 2026 Proton Saga MC3 previewed – LED projectors, full-width taillights, digital meter on dash, i-GT engine appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.
