Subcompact car is a North American classification for cars smaller than a compact car . It is broadly equivalent to the B-segment (Europe), supermini (Great Britain) or A0-class (China) classifications.
44-423: The second generation Proton Saga is a 4-door subcompact sedan produced by Malaysian car manufacturer Proton which launched on 18 January 2008. It succeeds the first generation Proton Saga as the company's flagship model. The second generation Proton Saga is based on a stretched Proton Savvy platform and was developed in-house by Proton with technical support from Lotus Cars and LG CNS . Proton launched
88-613: A 3 year or 100,000 km warranty. On 30 November 2010, Proton unveiled a mid-life facelift of the Proton Saga at the Thai International Motor Expo 2010. It was called the Proton Saga FL , where 'FL' stood for facelift. The Saga FL received mostly exterior changes such a redesigned front and rear bumper, grille, rims, head lamps and tail lamps among others. The turn signal indicators were fused into
132-714: A balance between ride comfort and handling performance. A new colour option, Elegant Brown was made available and the Saga FLX is competitively priced between RM38,370 and RM45,220. The exterior of the Saga FLX is identical to the Saga FL. Proton participated in the RAC Future Car Challenge on 6 November 2011 with plug-in electric versions of the Saga, Exora and Persona , in which the company claimed 2 awards despite their shortcomings. The Proton Saga FLX SE
176-562: A group of younger buyers who otherwise shop for used cars. While fuel prices at the time were increasing, the small cars were planned before fuel prices soared; for example, Honda had announced that it would release a subcompact model as early as 2004. By 2008, sales of subcompact cars had dramatically increased in the wake of a continuing increase of fuel prices. At the same time, sales of pickup trucks and large sport utility vehicles had dropped sharply. By April 2008, sales of Toyota’s subcompact Yaris had increased 46 percent, and Honda’s Fit had
220-623: A higher average transaction price. Models that were no longer sold in the United States by the end of the decade include the Mazda 2 (discontinued after 2014), Scion xD (2016), Toyota Prius C (2017), Ford Fiesta (2019), Smart Fortwo (2019), Fiat 500 (2019), Toyota Yaris (2020), Honda Fit (2020), and Chevrolet Sonic (2020). Clarion (company) The Faurecia Clarion Electronics Co., Ltd. ( フォルシアクラリオン・エレクトロニクス株式会社 , Faurushia Kurarion Erekutoronikusu kabushiki gaisha )
264-594: A limited edition model called the Proton Saga 25th Anniversary Edition was unveiled. Priced at RM54,500, it offered leather upholstery, dual airbags and quad power windows along with a custom set of alloy rims and paint job. Only 25 examples were made, in-line with Proton's 25 years of automotive history. In Indonesia, two variants are available in two variants: M-LINE MT and M-LINE AT with the choice of seven colors: Solid White, Tranquility Black, Chili Red, Granite Grey, Genetic Silver, Mountain Blue and Zircon Green. It comes with
308-680: A mid-life facelift model called the Proton Saga FL on 30 November 2010. A further improved model called the Proton Saga FLX was launched eight months later. The second generation Saga was succeeded by the third generation Saga in September 2016. Over 500,000 units of the second generation Saga were produced. The second generation Proton Saga , also called the Saga BLM (Base Line Model) launched on 18 January 2008. Previously,
352-497: A record month with an increase of 54 percent. However, low fuel prices and the added room in SUVs impacted subcompact sales negatively in the late 2010s. During this period, industry executives and analysts said that the subcompact car market was returning to historical norms after an unusual period when manufacturers had expanded small car lineups in anticipation of rising demand fueled by rising fuel prices, which has since eased. In
396-482: A second vehicle for use around town, not as a primary car. The Volkswagen Beetle was marketed with advertising pointing out the car's unconventional features as strengths and to get buyers to "think small." Prompted by the British government for exports, Ford was one of the first companies to try and sell inexpensive small cars in volume. From 1948 to 1970, approximately 250,000 economical English Fords were imported to
440-520: Is a Japanese manufacturer of car audio , automotive navigation systems , AutoPCs , visual equipment, bus equipment, and communication equipment. It is since 2019 fully owned by Faurecia Clarion Electronics. Up until the end of 2005, products in Japan were marketed under the brand name AddZest , while outside Japan the same product typically carried the Clarion name brand. This was changed in 2006, and
484-603: Is fitted with two front airbags and three-point seat belts on all five seats, but it lacks ABS and EBD. There are no significant mechanical changes; the 1.3 litre CamPro IAFM+ four-cylinder engine with 94 hp at 5,750 rpm and 120 Nm of torque, paired to either the 5-speed Getrag manual or the Punch CVT gearboxes carry on unchanged from the Saga SV. The Saga Plus is produced in five colours, namely Tranquility Black, Fire Red, Genetic Silver, Solid White and Elegant Brown. Despite
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#1732793600794528-599: The A-segment/city car category (such as the Chevrolet Spark and Smart Fortwo) are sometimes called subcompacts in the U.S., because the EPA's name for this smaller category — "minicompact" — is not commonly used by the general public. The prevalence of small cars in the United States increased in the 1960s due to increased imports of cars from Europe and Japan. Widespread use of the term subcompact coincided with
572-686: The Ford Mustang II temporarily downsized from the pony car class to become a subcompact car for its second generation. The Monza with its GM variants Pontiac Sunbird , Buick Skyhawk , Oldsmobile Starfire , and the Mustang II continued until the end of the decade. The Chevrolet Chevette was GM's new entry-level subcompact introduced as a 1976 model. It was an 'Americanized' design from Opel , GM's German subsidiary. Additionally, subcompacts that were imported and marketed through domestic manufacturers' dealer networks as captive imports included
616-575: The Renault Le Car and the Ford Fiesta . In 1977, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began to use a new vehicle classification system, based on interior volume instead of exterior size. Sedans with up to 100 cubic feet of passenger luggage volume were classified as subcompact. There was not a separate subcompact station wagon class with all up to 130 cubic feet of volume classified as "small." In 1978, Volkswagen began producing
660-715: The Suzuki Cultus (a three-cylinder hatchback, badged as the Chevrolet Sprint) and the Isuzu Gemini (a four-cylinder hatchback/sedan badged as the Chevrolet Spectrum). Subcompact cars were highly popular in the 1990s due to their affordability and fuel efficiency. These cars typically had engines under 1.6 liters and were ideal for city driving. During the 1990s GM offered the Geo brand featuring
704-462: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) car size class definition, the subcompact category sits between the "minicompact" and " compact " categories. The EPA definition of a subcompact is a passenger car with a combined interior and cargo volume of 85–99 cubic feet (2,410–2,800 L). Current examples of subcompact cars are the Nissan Versa and Mitsubishi Mirage . The smaller cars in
748-716: The electric vehicle conversion version called the Saga EV Concept in Universiti Putra Malaysia , Serdang . It is powered by a 125 kW (168 hp) DC motor only mated to a 5 speed manual transmission, it had a maximum range of 109 kilometres (68 miles) and could be charged over a standard household outlet. On the Christmas eve of 2009, Proton launched the S16 in the Australian market. There
792-645: The "Rabbit" version of the Golf — a modern, front-wheel drive design— in Pennsylvania. In 1982, American Motors began manufacturing the U.S. Renault Alliance — a version of the Renault 9 — in Wisconsin. Both models benefiting from European designs, development, and experience. To replace the aging Chevette in the second half of the 1980s, Chevrolet introduced marketed imported front-wheel drive subcompact cars:
836-756: The Malaysian market but to note that the Saga sold in Egypt is left-hand drive. A batch of Proton cars including the Saga departed Malaysia in September 2018 and arrived in Egypt in October 2018. It is unknown when the Egyptian market Saga's were assembled. Based on the outgoing Saga FLX platform, the third generation Proton Saga was officially launched on 28 September 2016 at Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam , Malaysia. Subcompact According to
880-696: The Perodua MyVi SE 1.5 automatic. The Saga FLX entered the Australian market in June 2012, where it was renamed the S16 FLX . It replaces the old S16 in Proton Australia's fleet. The S16 FLX comes in two variants, the GX and GXR, each with manual and CVT drivetrain options respectively. Dual airbags, ABS and EBD and ESC are standard on all S16 FLX variants, and a new colour, Solid Red was introduced. ESC
924-530: The Proton Saga 1.6 B-Line was launched. It shared the engine found in the Saga taxi variant, but lacked many features, including a driver's airbag . One month later, the Proton Saga SE was unveiled. Priced between RM43,000 and RM45,500, it was sold as a premium variant with just 2 colour options and a unique body kit, mated to the CamPro 1.3 engine found in the other models. On 16 July 2009, Proton unveiled
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#1732793600794968-606: The Saga FLX Standard 1.3. Despite the reduction in price, the Saga SV offers improved safety standards with dual airbags and a reinforced frame with only minimal exterior changes when compared to the Saga FLX Standard. On 14 August 2015, Proton unveiled the Saga Plus , the latest variant in the Saga FLX family. The Saga Plus replaces the Saga SV and incorporates cosmetic upgrades from the more upmarket Saga Executive and Saga SE variants. The cosmetic enhancements include
1012-628: The Suzuki-built Metro subcompact. Subcompact cars of the 1990s typically featured a small footprint, lightweight design, and engines with displacements generally under 1.6 liters. They were designed to provide maximum interior space while maintaining a compact exterior, making them ideal for city driving and parking. Several models defined the subcompact car market during the 1990s. Some of the most notable include: The 1990s focused on fuel efficiency and emissions, leading to innovations in fuel injection and aerodynamics. These subcompacts set
1056-595: The U.S. in limited volumes, including the 1930 American Austin (later called the American Bantam) and the 1939 Crosley . From the 1950s onwards, various imported small cars were sold in the U.S., including the Nash Metropolitan , Volkswagen Beetle , and various small British cars. The term subcompact did not yet exist, so the Metropolitan was labeled a "compact or economy car" and marketed as
1100-544: The US while over 235,000 went to Canada. Models such as the 1960 Ford Anglia were promoted as "The world's most exciting light car." Due to the increasing popularity of small cars imported from Europe and Japan during the late 1960s, the American manufacturers began releasing competing locally-built models in the early 1970s. The AMC Gremlin was described at its April 1970 introduction as "the first American-built import" and
1144-420: The United States, the segment experienced a 50 percent drop in sales in the first half of 2020 compared to 2019. In Canada, the subcompact share of the car market shrank to 1.6 percent for the year ending 2020, down from 2.4 percent in 2019. As a result, manufacturers stopped offering subcompact models and focused on larger cars instead, including subcompact crossover SUVs which offer higher profit margins and
1188-561: The added cosmetic upgrades, prices for the Saga Plus remain unchanged from the Saga SV, ranging from RM33,242 for the manual with solid paint to RM36,577 for the CVT with metallic paint, all of which are on-the-road prices with insurance. A three-year or 100,000 km warranty is also offered. The second generation Saga FLX is also sold in Egypt in a sole executive variant with either manual or CVT transmission. The specifications mirror those of
1232-475: The body-coloured bodykit, bootlid spoiler and 14-inch six-spoke alloy wheels from the Saga Executive, as well as a painted rear bootlid garnish and a 'Plus' badge on the upper left side of the boot. However, the Saga Plus lacks front fog lights, painted door handles, Bluetooth connectivity, powered mirrors and steering wheel controls, all of which were previously offered on the Saga Executive. The Saga Plus
1276-544: The brand "Clarion" along with a redesigned logo are now used worldwide. It is known for its close relationship with Nissan , which uses Clarion products almost exclusively in its vehicles. Nissan once owned a 6.25% share in Clarion, although that was reduced in 2002. Clarion has an OEM relationship with many automotive companies, providing car headunits and components to them for their production vehicles. Clients include Saab Automobile , Suzuki , Ford , Volkswagen , Proton , Toyota , Subaru , and Peugeot . A contest
1320-569: The early 1970s increase in subcompact cars built in the United States. Early 1970s subcompacts include the AMC Gremlin , Chevrolet Vega , and Ford Pinto . The term subcompact originated during the 1960s. However, it came into popular use in the early 1970s, as car manufacturers in the United States began to introduce smaller cars into their line-up. Previously, cars in this size were variously categorized, including "small cars" or "economy cars". Several of these small cars were produced in
1364-688: The first U.S. built subcompact car. Also introduced in 1970 were the Chevrolet Vega and Ford Pinto . Plans for the subcompact AMC Gremlin pre-dated Vega and Pinto by several years because of AMC's strategy to recognize emerging market opportunities ahead of the competition. Sales of American-built "low weight cars" (including subcompacts) accounted for more than 30% of total car sales in 1972 and 1973, despite inventory shortages for several models. The Gremlin, Pinto and Vega were all rear-wheel drive and available with four-cylinder engines (the Pinto
Proton Saga (second generation) - Misplaced Pages Continue
1408-516: The first generation Saga was Proton's most successful model, having a 23-year-long lifespan, the longest of all Proton models to date. The second generation Saga was indigenously designed and became the first model to wear Proton's new corporate logo. It launched with 3 variants, the N-Line, B-Line and M-Line which were priced between RM31,498 and RM39,998 respectively. All variants were powered by Proton's 1.3 litre CamPro IAFM engine. Also showcased during
1452-497: The launch ceremony was a concept model called the Proton Saga RED. The new Saga was a great sales success for Proton, having received over 23,000 bookings in less than two weeks since launch. Furthermore, it replaced the older Saga Iswara as Malaysia's taxi of choice from 2008 to 2010. These taxi variants were equipped with more powerful 1.6 litre 110 bhp CamPro engines and were later converted to NGVs . In June 2009,
1496-531: The previous iteration, the FLX is available in Standard and Executive trim lines. Both versions are equipped with the updated CamPro IAFM+ engine which can mated to a choice of either manual or CVT drivetrains. The Belgian-made Punch Powertrain CVT provides smooth, shiftless acceleration in addition to better fuel economy compared to the older 4-speed automatic. Furthermore, the old 5-speed Aichi Kikai manual transmission
1540-483: The stage for modern small cars, emphasizing efficiency and reliability. Because of consumer demand for fuel-efficient cars during the mid- to late-2000s, sales of subcompact cars made them the fastest growing market category in the U.S. In 2006, three major subcompact models were introduced to the market, the Toyota Yaris , Honda Fit , and Nissan Versa . These models were released by their manufacturers to aim at
1584-537: The wing mirrors and the brake lamps utilised LED technology. Interior wise, the Saga FL included power windows for all four doors, a new Clarion audio system with USB and AUX ports, steering wheel audio controls, and dual airbags . The technical specifications for the Saga FL remain mostly unchanged from the pre-facelift Saga. Also present during the Saga FL launch in Thailand was the Saga R3 Concept . It
1628-699: Was also available with a V6 engine, and the Gremlin was also available with I6 and V8 engines). The Pontiac Astre , the Canadian-originated re-badged Vega variant was released in the U.S. in September 1974. Due to falling sales of the larger pony cars (such as the Chevrolet Camaro and first-generation Ford Mustang) in the mid-1970s, the Vega-based Chevrolet Monza was introduced as an upscale subcompact and
1672-496: Was designed by Proton's Race, Rally, Research (R3) division and featured a sporty body kit, unique rims and custom paint job. Its technical specifications are not known. A couple of days later, the Proton Kasturi Concept was showcased at the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show. The Saga FL- based Kasturi was created by Proton Design and many of its features later materialized in upcoming models. The Saga FL
1716-533: Was launched in Malaysia two weeks after its Thai unveil. It was available in two trim lines for the Malaysian market, the Standard and Executive variants respectively. Both trim lines were available in 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmissions. Every Proton Saga FL came standard with 4 power windows, a feature which was warmly welcome. Later in May 2011, a more powerful model called the Proton Saga FL 1.6 Executive
1760-557: Was launched on 30 November 2011. It is powered by a 108 hp CamPro IAFM+ 1.6 litre engine, paired to a CVT. Driver and passenger airbags as well as ABS with EBD come standard. A new body kit, smoked rear lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels give the FLX SE a sportier, more aggressive look. Leather upholstery and red stitching is present on the interior. It is only available in two colours, Solid White and Fire Red, and tentatively priced at RM49,899, around RM6,500 less than its primary competitor,
1804-468: Was launched. As its name implies, it was powered by the 110 bhp CamPro IAFM 1.6 engine which could only be mated to the 4-speed automatic transmission. The Saga FL 1.6 came with unique alloy rims and body stickers to help distinguish it from the crowd. Eight months after the launch of the Saga FL, Proton added to its line-up the Saga FLX , codenamed P2-11C. The additional 'X' stands for extra. As with
Proton Saga (second generation) - Misplaced Pages Continue
1848-539: Was never made available in Malaysia delivered Saga FLX's. It is priced between AUD$ 13,990 and AUD$ 16,990. On 15 June 2013, Proton introduced a new sub-variant of the Saga FLX, called the Saga SV . SV is an acronym for Super Value , with prices starting from just RM33,438 for the manual transmission variant, making it over RM8,000 less than its closest rival, the Perodua Myvi 1.3 SX and around RM5,000 cheaper than
1892-586: Was no official reason why Proton chose to rename the Saga as the S16 in Australia. Nonetheless, the S16 is identical to its Malaysian counterpart, but featured the newer 110 bhp CamPro 1.6 engine instead. At the time, it retailed for AUD$ 11,990, making it the cheapest new car in the Australian market. That title has since been passed on to China's Chery J1 . The launch of the S16 was endorsed by Miss Universe Australia beauty pageant Rachael Finch , Proton's official Australian ambassador for 2009. In July 2010,
1936-434: Was replaced with a newer 5-speed Getrag manual. Safety wise, the Saga FLX now comes with dual airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) . However, these features are only available in the more expensive Executive variant. The handling has been vastly improved with a new suspension setup which features stiffer springs, a thicker front anti-roll bar and revised shocks which strike
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