If you have been thinking about buying a budget-friendly sedan in Malaysia, you surely have heard about the Proton Saga and the Perodua Bezza. For many Malaysians, choosing between these two models which dominate the affordable car segment is the first big financial decision in their car-ownership journey.
Both cars are practical, affordable, and promise to be reliable partners for daily driving. Some question might occured in your mind such as which cars are more saving money over the next five years, or which one actually gives you more value? The comparison is explained clearly and simply, allowing you to determine which option offers better long-term value.
What is Proton Saga And Perodua Bezza?
The Proton Saga is Proton’s entry-level compact sedan. It is designed for people who want a proper sedan without paying premium prices. Proton positions it as a “first car” choice because it delivers the essentials such as space, practicality, and a familiar driving feel.
On the orther hand, Perodua Bezza is Perodua’s compact sedan that focuses heavily on economy and practicality. Perodua created Bezza to appeal to people who value fuel savings, reliability, and low maintenance more than anything else.
Proton Saga vs Perodua Bezza: What’s The Difference?
| Category | Perodua Bezza | Proton Saga |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Smaller 1.0-L or 1.3-L engines | Larger and more powerful 1.5-L engine |
| Power Output | 1.0 L version you get roughly 67 horsepower and 91 Nm of torque. 1.3 L version, you get around 94 horsepower and 121 Nm of torque. | Higher output at around 120 PS and 150 Nm of torque |
| Fuel Efficiency | Extremely fuel efficient, ideal for long commutes | Moderate fuel efficiency, uses more petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or automatic | 4-speed automatic only (4AT) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | About 36 litres | About 40 litres |
| Boot Space | Bigger boot at about 508 litres | Smaller boot at about 420 litres |
| Kerb Weight | Around 865 kg to 940 kg. More lighter, and easier in city traffic | Around 1072 kg (Standard AT) to 1089 kg (Premium AT). Which more heavier, but more stable at higher speeds |
| Driving Feel | Easy to manoeuvre, light steering | More planted and confident on highways |
| Maintenance Cost | Generally cheaper long-term maintenance | Slightly higher maintenance cost |
| Resale Value | Typically stronger resale value | Moderate resale value |
Who These Cars Are Really Suitable For?
If you are a first-time car buyer, or a graduates with a limited budget around RM50k. Here’s a quick way to understand who should choose what:
Proton Saga Suits You If:
- You want a more stable and comfortable drive.
- You prefer a heavier car that feels solid on hightways.
- You like a sedan feel with better road grip
- You care about driving comfort more than fuel savings.
- You want a budget-friendly sedan with decent features.
Perodua Bezza Suits You If:
- You drive long hours daily (commuters, Grab drivers, delivery riders upgrading to cars).
- You want to save as much money as possible on fuel.
- You prefer a lightweight, easy-to-manoeuvre city-friendly car.
- You want lower long-term maintenance.
- You plan to sell your car after a few years and want stronger resale value.
Where Should You Visit If Interested?
For Proton Saga, you can visit the official Proton website or your nearest Proton authorised showroom. Proton often has updated OTR (on-the-road) prices, promos, and info about latest variants.
For Perodua Bezza, check the official Perodua website or a nearby Perodua showroom to view available variants, on-the-road prices (OTR), and any ongoing promotions (sometimes Perodua offers trade-in deals, accessories packages, etc.).
It’s always wiser to compare the OTR price rather than just the advertised “from RMXX,XXX” price because the real cost of owning the car includes several mandatory charges. If you’re planning to take a loan, it also helps to ask about financing options, monthly instalments, and insurance estimates so you can see the total commitment clearly before making your decision.
How to Get The Most Value Out of Your Choice
First, if fuel savings are the first thing you consider, Perodua Bezza is always the more economical choice. Many drivers report fuel consumption around 20 to 22 kilometres per litre. This means that if you frequently commute or drive long distances, the Bezza reduces your monthly petrol expenses quite significantly.
Next, consider the maintenance schedule and cost. The Bezza tends to have cheaper servicing, and its spare parts are widely available throughout the country. This helps keep long-term ownership stress-free. Although the Saga does not necessarily have expensive maintenance, some parts such as timing belts and specific replacements might cost more in the long run.
If you value higher resale value, the Bezza often performs better because of its reputation for low running costs. When you sell or trade in your car in the future, this difference can put a little extra cash back into your pocket.
Your real driving habits also matter. For example, if you spend most of your time in city traffic, the Bezza’s fuel efficiency gives you an advantage. But if you frequently travel on highways or prefer a more stable and comfortable drive, the Saga may feel better suited for you.
Another tip is to watch out for seasonal promotions. Proton sometimes offers very attractive rebates and packages, which can reduce the initial cost by a noticeable amount. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for these promotions can be rewarding.
So What is The Real Impact on Your Budget?
Let’s consider fuel consumption, because this is where the biggest difference usually appears.
Imagine you drive around 1,500 kilometres each month. That works out to 18,000 kilometres per year, or roughly 90,000 kilometres over five years.
If you drive a Perodua Bezza and average around 20 kilometres per litre, you would use about 4,500 litres of fuel during those five years. At an estimated RM2.05 per litre, your total fuel cost would be around RM9,225.
If you drive a Proton Saga and average around 15 kilometres per litre, you would use around 6,000 litres of petrol over the same period. This brings your cost to roughly RM12,300.
That means the Bezza saves you more than RM3,000 in petrol alone, without considering other savings such as servicing or depreciation.
Beyond fuel, the Bezza’s lower maintenance cost and higher resale value make it a financially stronger choice for long-term ownership. This reduces your stress and keeps more money in your pocket each year.
What Are People Saying In The Forums?
The online reviews and owner discussions highlight Bezza as the car that is cheap to run, maintain, and easy to live with. Several comparisons across blogs and automotive sites show that Bezza usually ends up costing less to own over 100,000 kilometres.
On the other hand, there are still many loyal Saga owners who prefer the way it drives. Saga has undergone several updates, and the newer models feel much more refined than older versions. Some drivers simply feel more confident driving Saga on long journeys.
Even though Bezza is often the financial winner, the Saga continues to attract Malaysians who value drive comfort and overall feel.
Final Verdict
Althought the price for Proton Saga and Perodua Bezza almost same, but:
- Proton Saga gives you slightly better build feel, possibly comfort, or newer “premium-feel” drives, but expect higher fuel and running costs over time.
- Perodua Bezza gives you lowest overall cost of ownership, fuel savings, and a fuss-free ownership experience, especially if you drive daily, commute, or have a tight budget.
So, your final choice should match your lifestyle, not just your budget.