Proton Saga Cross engine name confirmed: i-HEV hybrid for upcoming AMA 02 model – 163 PS electric motor, no charging required

Proton has officially named its new hybrid powertrain i-HEV, an intelligent hybrid system that will make its debut in the company's upcoming model, currently known by its AMA 02 codename.

Announced on November 10, 2026, the system combines a purpose-built 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and a small battery, allowing the vehicle to operate on electric power under suitable conditions without requiring external charging.

The technology was previously showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) and Global Automotive Technology Expo earlier this year.

1.5-litre engine with 46.5% thermal efficiency

At the heart of the i-HEV system is a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE), producing 111 PS and 136 Nm.

The engine operates on the Atkinson cycle and achieves a claimed peak thermal efficiency of 46.5%, allowing it to extract more useful energy from fuel.

Other features include a 14:1 compression ratio, water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation, a variable-displacement oil pump and an electric water pump, all designed to improve efficiency.

The engine is paired with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) incorporating two electric motors.

The first motor, known as P1, starts the petrol engine and generates electricity. The second, P3, drives the wheels and recovers energy during braking, producing up to 163 PS and 220 Nm.

A Power Control Module automatically switches between four operating modes depending on driving conditions:

• EV Mode: Runs on electric power alone when conditions permit.
• Series Mode: Petrol engine generates electricity while the electric motor drives the wheels.
• Parallel Mode: Engine and electric motor work together to propel the vehicle.
• Direct Drive Mode: Petrol engine drives the wheels directly during suitable conditions, such as steady highway cruising.

Drivers do not need to manually select these modes, as the hybrid system manages the transitions automatically.

Small battery, no external charging required

Unlike a plug-in hybrid, Proton's i-HEV uses a relatively small 1.38 kWh battery, which is replenished through regenerative braking and electricity generated by the petrol engine.

This allows the vehicle to provide electric assistance during acceleration and electric-only operation in certain conditions, without needing to be plugged into a charger.

According to Proton deputy CEO Dato' Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, the technology is intended to deliver improved fuel efficiency and responsive performance while retaining the convenience of conventional refuelling.

"Malaysian car buyers want technology that makes their daily journeys easier," he said, adding that the system is designed to manage petrol and electric power automatically during city driving and longer journeys.

Hybrid engines and transmissions assembled in Malaysia

The vehicle widely purported to be the Saga Cross (AMA 02)

Proton also confirmed that its Tanjong Malim operations are assembling the Dedicated Hybrid Engine, Dedicated Hybrid Transmission and Electric Drive Unit locally.

The company says these activities will help develop Malaysia's capabilities in electrified powertrain manufacturing, including assembly, testing and quality control.

The i-HEV system will debut in the upcoming Proton AMA 02, although Proton has yet to announce the model's official name, launch date, fuel consumption figures or combined system output.

More details regarding the vehicle are expected closer to its introduction.