Proton Saga Standard vs Perodua Bezza 1.3 X: More power for less money, or lower running costs?

Proton has pulled off a bold move with the Proton Saga MC3 facelift. The entire range now comes standard with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder i-GT engine producing 120 PS and 150 Nm, with the entry-level Standard variant priced at RM38,990.

In comparison, the Perodua Bezza 1.3 X retails at RM43,980, powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 94 hp and 121 Nm.

The Saga is RM4,990 cheaper than the Bezza, yet offers an extra 26 PS and 29 Nm of torque. You are essentially paying less money for a car that packs significantly more punch.

However, the Bezza holds two trump cards: fuel efficiency and resale value.

The official fuel consumption of the 1.3 X is rated at 4.5 L/100 km, whereas the Saga Standard 4AT is rated at 5.1 L/100 km. In terms of residual value, the Bezza retains 82.9% after three years, compared to 71.6% for the Saga.

Behind this RM4,990 price gap lies a classic dilemma: do you prefer upfront savings or lower long-term running costs?

Specification Comparison

Fuel consumption for the Saga Standard is based on MDC data for the 4AT variant (Premium CVT variant is rated at 4.9 L/100 km). Fuel consumption for the Bezza 1.3 X is based on official combined figures. 

3-year resale values are based on used car market data; actual depreciation depends on vehicle condition, mileage, and prevailing market demand.

Performance

The Saga's 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine produces 120 PS and 150 Nm, while the Bezza's 1.3-litre four-cylinder unit generates 94 hp and 121 Nm. While an extra 26 PS might not feel dramatic in stop-and-go city traffic, the difference is night and day once you hit the PLUS Highway.

Overtaking from 80 km/h to 110 km/h in the Saga doesn't require flooring the accelerator, as the engine retains ample reserve power. In contrast, making the same overtaking move in the Bezza requires forward planning, along with sufficient time and road clearance.

In terms of torque, the Saga's 150 Nm beats the Bezza's 121 Nm by a healthy 29 Nm margin. When tackling steep inclines with a full load, the Saga clearly feels more effortless.

If you frequently drive the family back to the kampung or travel with five adults on board with the air-con running full blast, the Saga's extra power reserves will undoubtedly provide greater peace of mind.

That said, the Bezza's 1.3-litre engine has its own strength: sharp low-end throttle response. Its 94 hp output is more than adequate for daily urban commuting.

Furthermore, the Bezza is roughly 100 kg lighter than the Saga, giving it a sprightlier and more nimble character when pulling away from traffic lights and crawling in town. If your daily route consists strictly of congested city roads, the Bezza's power delivery is arguably more effortless to live with.

Transmission

Both cars feature 4-speed automatic gearboxes in their Standard and Executive variants, but their provenance differs.

The Saga uses an Aisin-sourced 4AT, whereas the Bezza utilizes Perodua's proprietary in-house transmission. Meanwhile, the higher-spec Saga Premium switches to a CVT, bringing fuel consumption down from 5.1 L/100 km (4AT) to 4.9 L/100 km.

The primary advantages of a conventional 4AT are its mechanical simplicity, high reliability, and low servicing costs. Over five years, servicing the Saga MC3 4AT is around RM105 cheaper than the CVT variant, mainly due to the lower cost of transmission fluid and filters.

The Bezza's 4AT requires an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) change every 40,000 km. Overall, maintenance for the Saga's 4AT is slightly lower than the Bezza 1.3 4AT, saving roughly RM140 over five years.

Additionally, the Saga's 1.5-litre i-GT engine uses a timing chain rather than a timing belt, eliminating the need for periodic belt replacements. This translates into tangible maintenance savings over extended ownership—a definite plus point for buyers looking to keep the vehicle for more than five years.

Fuel Consumption and Running Costs

Assuming an annual mileage of 20,000 km, the Bezza 1.3 X's 4.5 L/100 km figure translates to roughly 900 litres of petrol per year, while the Saga 4AT's 5.1 L/100 km uses about 1,020 litres.

Based on RON95 priced at RM2.05 per litre, the Bezza will cost around RM1,845 annually in fuel, compared to RM2,091 for the Saga—a difference of RM246 per year. If you opt for the Saga Premium CVT (4.9 L/100 km), that annual fuel cost gap narrows to approximately RM164.

On the servicing front, Perodua quotes a total 5-year scheduled maintenance cost of RM3,443.46 for the Bezza, versus RM3,983.60 for the Saga 4AT—making the Bezza roughly RM540 cheaper to maintain.

Combining fuel and routine servicing over five years, the Bezza will save you about RM1,770 compared to the Saga 4AT. Even so, because the Saga is RM4,990 cheaper to buy outright, that initial price advantage is not fully erased over a 5-year ownership period.

Cabin Space and Equipment

The Saga provides 420 litres of boot space, whereas the Bezza boasts an impressive 508 litres. That 88-litre surplus means the Bezza can comfortably swallow an additional cabin-size trolley bag or extra grocery loads.

For family buyers who frequently haul luggage or bulky items, the Bezza's cavernous boot is a decisive advantage.

In terms of kit, the Saga Standard at RM38,990 comes with LED projector headlamps, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, manual air-conditioning, dual airbags, and electronic stability control (ESC).

However, it misses out on an infotainment screen, reverse camera, daytime running lights (DRLs), and keyless entry.

The Bezza 1.3 X at RM43,980 is similarly basic in trim, though it adds rear parking sensors and a slightly more comprehensive audio setup.

Both models come with a 5-year or 150,000 km manufacturer warranty. Proton also includes three free labour service sessions, subject to prevailing dealer promotions.

Used Car Market

The Saga records a 3-year resale value of 71.6%, while the Bezza stands significantly higher at 82.9%. An 11-percentage-point difference means that over a 5-year ownership cycle, the Bezza will retain more cash when it comes time to trade in.

For context, a 2020 Bezza 1.3 X currently commands around RM28,000 to RM31,000 on the used market, whereas an equivalent 2020 Saga Premium fetches between RM25,800 and RM26,800. The Bezza's stronger residual value is undeniable.

Perodua's brand cachet in the Malaysian secondhand market is something Proton cannot easily overhaul in the short term. The Bezza's strong residual value, coupled with superior fuel economy and cheaper servicing, gives it a compelling edge in total cost of ownership.

On the flip side, the Saga requires less initial capital outlay. For buyers working with a tighter upfront budget or those planning shorter ownership cycles, the Saga's "cheaper to buy, affordable to run" proposition remains very sound.

Which One Should You Buy?

Go for the Proton Saga Standard if your budget is strictly capped below RM40,000, you prioritize performance and relaxed highway cruising, and you plan to hold onto the car long-term without rushing to upgrade.

At RM38,990, the Saga Standard gives you a punchy 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine (120 PS / 150 Nm), a 420-litre boot, and the proven reliability of an Aisin 4AT.

For the same money in Perodua's camp, you are limited to the Bezza 1.0 G AT, where the performance deficit is far more noticeable.

Go for the Perodua Bezza 1.3 X if your annual mileage exceeds 20,000 km, you are sensitive to weekly fuel bills, and you value strong resale value backed by Perodua's extensive after-sales network.

While the Bezza 1.3 X is RM4,990 more expensive at RM43,980, its lower petrol consumption, cheaper maintenance, and stellar residual value will steadily recoup that upfront premium over a 5-year ownership period.

If you intend to trade up within three to five years, the Bezza will return substantially more cash in hand.