Following the launch of the Proton X70 last December, Al-Haj Automotive has now launched the more affordable Saga sedan in Pakistan.

The Saga is being offered in five variants, including the Saga MT and AT, the range-topping Saga Ace AT, as well as the limited-edition Saga R3 with either an automatic or manual transmission.

In terms of equipment, both the Saga MT and AT have halogen headlamps, 14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, rear parking sensors, powered side mirrors with indicators and remote trunk release.

Stepping up to the Ace AT, Saga offers LED daytime running lights, a small boot spoiler, 15-inch alloy wheels, a multi-function steering wheel, a seven-inch touchscreen media system with smartphone mirroring, a reverse camera and a N95 cabin filter.

The Proton Saga is powered by a S4PE engine with a displacement of 1,299 cc and makes 91 hp and 120 Nm of torque, and comes with an Eco Drive Assist mode. The transmission pairings include a four-speed torque converter automatic and a five-speed manual.

Safety-wise, the base MT and AT variants receive two front airbags, ABS and EBD as standard, while traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is only found on the Ace AT. There are six colours to choose from – Armour Silver, Ruby Red, Rosewood Maroon, Jet Grey, Snow White dan Quartz Black.

Prices start at Rs1.975 million Pakistani rupees for the Saga MT, while the AT goes for Rs2.125 million. The Ace AT is priced at Rs2.225 million and the Saga R3 goes for Rs2.175 million with a manual, or Rs2.425 million with an automatic. Proton offers a five-year/150,000-km warranty is standard and is one of the first car brands in Pakistan to offer such a coverage package.

Only 100 units of the Saga R3 will be offered in Pakistan. According to Proton Pakistan marketing manager Ibad Jamal, to ensure a fair chance for customers to secure a unit, they must first register their interest online, after which a lucky draw will decide the lucky winners.