2022 Proton Saga refreshed is released yesterday with some new features, but what is clearly missing is any kind of driver support. Yes, the national automaker has extended the availability of stability control to the Standard AT variant, but the entry-level sedan still lacks more advanced systems like automatic emergency braking – which its rival, Perodua Bezza has been available since 2020.
Asked about this during the event, Proton’s Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah admitted that Perodua has a safety advantage – something Proton has had and has lost. The lack of AEB, he said, comes down to “value-added” items that customers want and are willing to pay for.
“If you want more [AEB], you have to remove some other features to balance the price,” says Roslan. “Our competitor probably has this, so customers who want this can [go buy their car]. But if the customer wants something else, like comfort, [handling]other things, they can come to us. ”
In fact, Proton is happy to give up its reputation for safety to offer other features it believes buyers will want. These probably include Saga’s latest additionsuch as the bodykit, keyless entry, push-button start, auto-folding door mirrors and exterior trunk lid – all limited to the new top-of-the-line Premium S variant.
The urge to attract customers is understandable. All these features are really popular with Malaysians and adding them to a car they didn’t have to be designed with (remember, the Saga can be traced back to its roots. 2008 model) cost much more money than if they were done early in development. And it’s true that the Saga is noticeably more comfortable than the Bezza, with better handling at launch.
But we also know Malaysian buyers will pay more for safety – enough that a sensible, left-minded automaker like the Perodua can match the AEB on all but the base variant. of the Myvi. And it’s not just the chip-cheap Saga that’s affected by Proton’s current strategy – the bigger, the more expensive Iriz and Persona AEB isn’t available either, although they did receive significant upgrades of their own last year.
Even on X50 and X70 SUVs, which compete in less price-sensitive segments, the system is only available on expensive high-end variants, priced above RM100,000. Opposite, Perodua Ativa has AEB as standard, and that car starts at RM61,500.
The message Proton sends is simple – vote with your wallet. Buy enough vehicles with AEB and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and the company will have no choice but to give in.
GALLERY: 2022 Proton Saga 1.3L Premium WILL BE
