Proton Saga (first generation)

Proton Saga First generation
Overview
Manufacturer	Proton
Production	1985–2008
Assembly	Malaysia: Shah Alam, Selangor (Proton, 1985–2008) (AMI, Iswara only) Malaysia: Pekan, Pahang (AMM, Iswara only)
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact / B-segment Compact / C-segment
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L 4G13 I4 1.5 L 4G15 I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Chronology
Successor	Proton Saga (second generation)

Proton Saga
Overview
Also called	Proton Saga Aeroback (hatchback) Proton 1.3 & 1.5 (pre-facelift, U.K.) Proton 12-Valve (post-facelift, U.K.)
Production	1985–1992
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,380 mm (93.7 in)
Length	4,311 mm (169.7 in) (saloon)
Width	1,635 mm (64.4 in)
Height	1,360 mm (53.5 in)
Kerb weight	n/a

Proton Saga Iswara
Overview
Also called	Proton Saga Iswara Aeroback (hatchback) Proton Iswara Proton Mpi (U.K.)
Production	1992–2003
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,380 mm (93.7 in)
Length	4,110 mm (161.8 in) (hatchback)
Width	1,655 mm (65.2 in)
Height	1,360 mm (53.5 in)
Kerb weight	970 kg (2,140 lb) (hatchback)

Proton Saga LMST
Overview
Also called	Proton Saga
Production	2003–Early 2008
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,380 mm (93.7 in)
Length	4,048 mm (159.4 in)
Width	1,626 mm (64.0 in)
Height	1,346 mm (53.0 in)
Kerb weight	960–970 kg (2,120–2,140 lb)

The first generation Proton Saga is the first car to be produced by Malaysian automobile manufacturer, Proton. It is based on the 1983 Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore saloon as a result of a joint venture between the Malaysian government and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan. The Proton Saga was officially launched on 9 July 1985 by the former Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad. It was initially available in a 4-door saloon guise, but was later complemented by a 5-door hatchback variant in 1987. The first generation Proton Saga was the longest reigning of all Proton cars, having been produced for 23 years until it was finally replaced by the second generation Proton Saga in early 2008. More than 1.2 million units of the first generation Proton Saga were sold, making it Proton's most successful offering to date.

The Proton Saga is best known to have been named after the tiny red seed of the saga tree (Adenanthera pavonina), commonly found in Malaysia. However, Ismail Jaafar, a retired military soldier who won the car's pre-launch naming contest claims Saga was originally an acronym for safety, achievement, greatness, ability. The Proton Saga is also a well-known national symbol of Malaysia.

The concept of a National Car was first conceived in 1979 by Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia with the goal of enhancing Malaysian industry. The National Car Project was approved by the Cabinet in 1982, leading to the official founding of Proton on 7 May 1983. The company was initially wholly owned by the government of Malaysia through Khazanah Nasional and was headed by its founder, Dr. Mahathir. Proton approached Mitsubishi Motors between 1983 and 1984 and brokered a joint venture between both companies for the production of the first Malaysian car. The result of the collaboration was the Proton Saga, which launched on 9 July 1985. It was based on the 1983 Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore saloon and was powered by a 1.3-litre Mitsubishi Orion 4G13 engine. The first known Proton Saga to roll off the production line in Shah Alam is preserved at the Muzium Negara as a symbol of the beginning of the Malaysian automotive industry. The Saga became an instant national symbol of Malaysia. Dr. Mahathir later drove a prototype Proton Saga fitted with a 2.0-litre Mitsubishi Sirius 4G63 engine and a Jalur Gemilang across the Penang Bridge during its opening ceremony on 14 September 1985.

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Wikipedia