Proton Malaysia has added a SE version of the Saga FLX to the range which is in the showrooms from today.

Priced at RM49,449 (US$ 15,500) Peninsular Malaysia, the new version is available only with a 1.6-litre CAMPRO IAFM engine and CVT transmission.

"The introduction of the Saga FLX SE effectively expands the range of the Saga model by providing customers with a vehicle that has a higher engine capacity while at the same time, reaffirming the Saga as the people's car, given its exceptional affordability and value for money attributes that include better fuel economy, greater performance, and superior ride and handling characteristics," said Proton Group MD Dato' Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

He added that the Saga FLX SE is designed to appeal to the younger generation of car buyers who now have the option of owning an entry-level vehicle which offers not only affordable ownership and upkeep, but also exceptional performance in line with Proton's brand promise of "Committed to be better."

The 1.6-litre Campro IAFM engine, which gets its extra displacement by having a longer stroke than that in the 1.3-litre CAMPRO engine, produces 108 bhp at 5750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4000 rpm. It has a claimed top speed is 165 km/h while 0 to 100 km/h takes 12.5 seconds. The CVT helps reduce fuel consumption which factory tests have shown to be almost 15 kms/litre.

Costing RM 2,900 more than the Saga 1.6 FL automatic, the Saga FLX SE features eight exterior and three interior differences. The car is fitted with 15-inch inch alloy wheels, a custom-designed body kit, fog lamps and rear lights with a smoke finish.

The cabin has leather trimming for the seats, steering wheel, door ornament, parking brake and gearshift lever. Safety features includes front passenger and driver airbags.

Available in two colour choices Solid White and Fire Red the Saga FLX SE comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty (whichever comes first). Customers who have ordered a Saga and are still waiting for their car to be delivered can opt to change their booking to the Saga FLX SE at the respective showroom in which the booking was originally made.

Since the New Saga was launched in January 2008, it has been the second best-selling car in Malaysia (sometimes occupying No.1 position too). Currently, an average of 6,500 Sagas are sold each month.

Dato' Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin expects sales of the new Saga FLX SE to be in region of 500 units a month. Proton's target is to sell some 78,752 units of the Saga in its current 2011/12 financial year.