It wouldn’t be fair if I gave some car manufacturers a hard time over safety and not others, so let’s get stuck into it.
The new Proton Saga entry-level sedan comes across as a generously specced vehicle — except it doesn’t have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). It does have a driver’s airbag, but many geeks who are well versed in how these technologies work will argue that ABS is more important than an airbag because ABS will ensure manoeuvrability during harsh braking to avoid being involved in an accident, whereas an airbag might prevent injury in the event of an accident.
Airbags and ABS are essential safety features and all passenger vehicles should have them but, if manufacturers can afford only one feature, then ABS should be prioritised.
In Proton’s defence the suits did say they are busy homologating an addition to this one-model range, which will have ABS. And that’s good news because the Saga offers decent value for money.
The one model available comes with a nicely energetic 1,3-litre petrol engine (70kW of power and 120Nm of torque), which revs all the way to about 7 000rpm before losing power.
The five-speed gearbox felt a little iffy and the car tended to pull to the right when harsh pressure was applied to the brake pedal.
However, the suspension felt comfortable enough to ensure that the ride wasn’t too rough, even on corrugated B roads.
The standard specs are pretty generous. For R119 995 you get electric windows and mirrors, central locking, aircon, height-adjustable seats and steering, a radio with CD player, power steering and, confusingly, you also get park distance control.
Fuel consumption is said to be about 5,5 litres per 100km, which means that if you drive really efficiently (read slowly) you should get 700km on a full tank of 40 litres.
All in all, the Saga is a pretty decent car in this segment, but it will be even more appealing when Proton launches the safer version.