Proton Saga vs Perodua Bezza — Budget Sedan Comparison
· Roda Editorial · Updated
The Proton Saga and the Perodua Bezza are the two national sedans at the entry level of the market. Both are common on the used market, both have wide parts availability, and both are serviced by national dealer networks across the country. This guide compares them on engines, gearboxes, warranty and running costs, and lists what to check on a used one.
Generations on the used market
Proton Saga
Based on paultan.org's model history:
- 2011: facelift of the earlier BLM Saga.
- 2016: new generation (P2-13A).
- 2019: facelift.
- 2022: update (MC2).
- November 2025: the current Saga (MC3), with a new 1.5-litre engine.
Perodua Bezza
- July 2016: launch of the Bezza (D63D).
- January 2020: facelift (D42L), the current model.
Engines and gearboxes
Proton Saga
- Current (from November 2025): a 1.5-litre engine rated at 120 PS and 150 Nm, according to Proton's model page. Check Proton's page for the gearbox of each variant.
- 2016 to 2025 models: a 1.3-litre engine. The 2016 car used a CVT, which the 2019 facelift replaced with a four-speed automatic, as reported by paultan.org at the time.
Perodua Bezza (current model, according to Perodua's model page)
- 1.0-litre (1KR-VE) with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
- 1.3-litre (1NR-VE) with a four-speed automatic.
Warranty
As of October 2026, according to the brands' official pages:
- Proton Saga: 5 years or 150,000 km from first registration, whichever comes first. Proton lists exclusions including missed periodic services, servicing at non-authorised outlets, and non-genuine parts or lubricants not approved by Proton.
- Perodua Bezza: basic warranty of 3 years or 100,000 km, and major parts for 5 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first. Perodua's FAQ says servicing at a non-authorised centre voids the warranty.
Neither brand's page states whether the warranty transfers to the next owner. If the car is still within its warranty period, ask an authorised service centre in writing before you buy.
Road tax
Road tax for petrol saloons in Peninsular Malaysia is based on engine capacity. Using JPJ's rate guide for privately owned cars:
- 1.0-litre (up to 1,000 cc): RM20 a year.
- 1.3-litre (1,201 to 1,400 cc): RM70 a year.
- 1.5-litre (1,401 to 1,600 cc): RM90 a year.
Rates in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan differ. Check JPJ for your car before you renew. See road tax renewal online.
Which suits you?
- Lowest running cost: a Bezza 1.0 has the lowest road tax of the two, and a manual option if you prefer one.
- More power: the current Saga's 1.5-litre engine has more output than the older 1.3-litre engines.
- Longer full warranty: the Saga's 5-year warranty covers the whole car; Perodua splits basic and major parts cover.
- Budget used buy: for older cars of either model, condition and service history matter more than the badge.
Test drive both. Sit in the back seat, open the boot and drive on the roads you use every day.
What to check on a used Saga or Bezza
- Paperwork: the name on the registration record matches the seller's IC, and the chassis and engine numbers match the car.
- Loan: any loan will be settled at transfer.
- Service history: stamps or receipts for regular services. Both brands tie the warranty to their service schedule.
- Gearbox: on automatics, check for smooth gear changes and no slipping or harsh engagement when you select drive.
- Body: look for repainted panels and uneven gaps. Some were used for e-hailing or in fleets, so check the mileage against the age and ask how the car was used.
- Air-conditioning: it should stay cold after fifteen minutes in traffic.
- Flood signs: silt or water marks under the carpets and in the boot.
Then book an inspection and complete the JPJ ownership transfer. Our PUSPAKOM guide explains the inspection.
Certified options
Both brands run certified used car programmes. According to their official pages, Proton's includes an inspection and a 12-month or 25,000 km extended warranty on the engine and transmission, and Perodua's lists a 165-checkpoint inspection and up to 18 months of extended warranty. See certified pre-owned cars.
Find one
Browse used Proton Saga and used Perodua Bezza ads on Roda. For other budget options, see used cars under RM30,000 and the Perodua Myvi buying guide.
Sources
- Proton — Saga
- paultan.org — Proton Saga model history
- paultan.org — 2019 Proton Saga facelift review (16 August 2019)
- Perodua — Bezza
- paultan.org — Perodua Bezza model history
- Proton — Warranty
- Perodua — FAQ (warranty)
- JPJ — Garis panduan pengiraan kadar LKM
- Proton — Certified Pre-Owned buyer guide
- Perodua — Certified pre-owned vehicles
