Let’s face it – RM 50k may not seem like a lot of money these days, but for some car buyers, that’s as much as their budget can stretch.
And for that RM 50k budget, there are two new car options – the recently-launched 2026 Proton Saga MC3 and the second-generation D74A Perodua Axia. While we could’ve picked the Perodua Bezza as a direct comparison against the Saga, this A-segment sedan is a tad bit long in the tooth and doesn’t offer the same level of features the Axia offers (even when compared to the Saga, that is).
Overview
Starting with the Proton Saga, while the marketing materials call it an all-new model, bits and pieces of the Saga references MC3 (Minor Change 3), as what it really is, a minor change, or facelift if you would like.
After all, despite the swanky front and rear fascia, much of the Saga MC3’s hard points (mirror base, fuel lid, A-pillar etc) are unchanged from the earlier third-generation (BT3) model.
Then there’s the Perodua Axia, now in its second iteration. The second-generation Axia, codenamed D74A, sees the biggest improvements in both features and equipment.
Crucially, the Axia is now built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA-A) platform, shared with the Ativa and Alza. This new platform is not only stronger than before, but also allows Perodua to add new features to its entry-level model, like a tilt-adjustable steering column, six airbags, ADAS, and stability control. Additionally, the longer wheelbase (from 2,455 mm of the D88N first-gen model to 2,525 mm of the D74A second-generation model) means that ride comfort and handling is better than before too.
Exterior
Both the Saga and Axia (X onwards) feature automatic LED headlights – the former offers projector units, while the latter offers reflectors. Both cars also feature LED daytime running lights (DRLs) – Executive onwards for the Saga, and SE onwards for the Axia.
LED illumination continues to the rear of the Proton Saga, with its new full-width LED light bar. The Axia makes do with regular bulb-type tail lights, regardless of variant.
As for the wheels, the 2026 Proton Saga MC3, in the Premium trim, gets 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, which are a looker compared to the Axia’s 14-inch silver wheels (standard across the board).
It’s also worth noting that the Saga MC3 offers a rear demister, while the Axia only offers a rear wiper – a departure from hatchbacks that usually offer the combination of rear demister and rear wiper.
Interior
Credit to where credit is due, Proton has addressed some of the issues plaguing the cabin of the Saga – its dashboard.
In past generations of the Saga, the air-cond vents were uneven – the outer vents were marginally higher up than the middle vents, creating an uneven sensation when both are blowing at the same person.
This time around, Proton has managed to keep all four vents level, kudos to them.
Another party piece in the Saga MC3 is the dual integrated 16-inch display, replete with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment display measures 9.0 inches, while the digital instrument cluster measures 7.0 inches.
The Axia, in the top-spec AV trim, offers a 7-inch digital instrument cluster (shared with the Ativa, Alza, Vios) and a floating-style 9.0-inch infotainment display. That said, the latter does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, only ‘Smart Link’.
In terms of usability, the Saga offers 3 USB ports (1x data, 2x charging) and a ‘teh tarik’ hook on the passenger side. The Axia offers Perodua’s ingenious anti-snatch handbag hook, as well as two teh tarik hooks on the front seat backs. Additionally, the Axia’s air-conditioning is of the multi-mode type, which can divert airflow to the windshield or foot well – something the local-spec Saga continues to omit. Being able to direct airflow to the foot well is an underappreciated feature, as it can help to quickly dry the driver or front passenger’s shoes or feet after getting wet.
Both the Saga and Axia feature a folding rear seat, albeit a single-bench folding type; no 60:40 split folding here.
Powertrain
At the heart of the 2026 Proton Saga MC3 is a new 1.5-litre engine that does 120 PS and 150 Nm, hooked up to either a 4-speed automatic in the Standard and Executive variants, or a CVT in the Premium variant. If you’re hoping for a change in transmission, sorry, as it’s still the same Punch-sourced, clutch-based unit as before.
The Axia, on the other hand, gets a tried-and-tested 1.0-litre unit that does 68 PS and 91 Nm, mated to a Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT).
While power figures of the Axia may trail the Saga, bear in mind that the Axia tips the scales at just 890 kg (kerb weight) for the heaviest variant; the Saga is much heavier, coming in at 1,085 kg.
And as such, the Axia boasts a fuel consumption of 3.64 L/100 km (27.4 km/L with Eco Idle), miles ahead of the Saga’s claimed 4.9 L/100 km (20.4 km/L, CVT; 4AT 19.6 km/L or 5.1 L/100 km).
Safety
ASEAN NCAP recently released the crash test results of the 2026 Proton Saga MC3, in which the this new A-segment sedan scored 4 stars under the 2021 – 2025 protocol. The Saga MC3’s overall score is 66.70 points.
Looking closer at the results, the Saga MC3 scored:
- 23.73 points out of 32 points for Adult Occupant Protection
- 38.17 points out of 51 points for Child Occupant Protection
- 14 points out of 21 points for Safety Assist
- 7 points out of 16 points for Motorcyclist Safety
Moving on to the Perodua Axia. Perodua’s entry-level model also scored 4 stars under the same 2021 – 2025 protocol, with an overall score of 73.55 points.
Digging into the score of the D74A Axia:
- 25.65 points out of 32 points for Adult Occupant Protection
- 43.43 points out of 51 points for Child Occupant Protection
- 16.50 points out of 21 points for Safety Assist
- 7 points out of 16 points for Motorcyclist Safety
In terms of occupant protection, the Axia offers better adult occupant protection (32.06 vs 29.65), child occupant (with child seat) (17.03 vs 14.97), as well as scoring higher in safety assist (15.71 vs 13.33).
Maintenance Cost
In terms of maintenance costs, it would cost owners RM 4,865.07 to maintain the 2026 Proton Saga MC3 (CVT) over a 6-year / 120,000-km period. The 4AT variants of the Saga MC3 cost slightly less at RM 4,577.53.
The Perodua Axia, on the other hand, costs RM 3,916.28 over the same period. Coupled with its lower fuel consumption, the Axia should be the cheaper one to run and maintain in the long run.
Conclusion
Given the RM 50k budget, you’re getting a lot of car, be it with the Saga or the Axia. While the Saga is overall a larger car with a larger boot space, the Axia trumps with superior fuel economy and thanks to its longer wheelbase, more rear legroom for passengers.
While both models do feature a CVT-type automatic transmission, the driveability of the Saga and Axia are worlds apart – the Saga’s CVT, still being a Punch-sourced unit with a clutch-based system, isn’t the most refined one out there. The Axia’s Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT) has been deployed in almost every other Perodua model (barring the Bezza and Aruz), and has been a relatively problem-free unit for most owners.
Moreover, the cost to maintain the Axia is cheaper in the long-run versus the Saga – road tax is cheaper, and the price of 14-inch tyers are also cheaper than the 15-inch tyres on the Saga.
Between the two, which is your pick? Let us know in the comments section!
