Proton Saga CKD in Egypt launched – from RM56k; Marine Blue colour; 5k-unit production target for 2025

Following the start of local assembly (CKD) of the left-hand drive Proton Saga in Egypt last November, the sedan has now officially gone on sale there. Assembly of the Saga is handled by Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF), which operates a plant located in Cairo.

The ESAF facility was completed with an investment of USD50 million (about RM222 million) and has an annual production capacity of 40,000 vehicles. According to a release, the facility uses locally sourced components and there are plans for future expansion, including electric vehicle (EV) production, in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030.

According to Egyptian media outlets such as Al-Masry Al-Youm and Egypt Telegraph, ESAF aims to produce 5,000 units of the Saga in 2025. It was also mentioned that assembly of a new Proton sedan will start in 2026, with an SUV set to join the mix by 2027.

Reports also indicate the Saga starts from EGP629,900 (RM56k) in Egypt, which is EGP120,000 less than the imported version, but only comes in one variant. A five-year, 150,000-km warranty comes as standard.

Mechanically identical to the previous imported model, the Saga is powered by a 1.3 litre four-cylinder VVT engine that serves up 95 PS and 120 Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

A seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, four speakers, ABS, EBD, brake assist, two airbags, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera are part of the kit list. Unlike the Saga we have here, the CKD Egypt model is also available in Marine Blue.

“Egypt’s strategic positioning, bridging the Middle East and Africa, coupled with its vast population and promising market recovery, presents Proton with an exceptional opportunity for growth,” said Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton. He added that the Saga is currently the brand’s main focus for the Egyptian market, with other products being considered when market conditions are right.

Prior to this, the Saga was exported from Malaysia to Egypt, with the latter playing a key part in Proton’s export growth by 31.1% to achieve 4,765 units total last year. Export sales for the Saga increased 34% year-on-year to 2,906 units in 2024 from 2,164 units in 2023.

“For the past 20 years, the partnership between Proton and Ezz Elarab Automotive has successfully introduced over 18,000 vehicles to the Egyptian market. Many of these models have proven their efficiency and reliability, making them a preferred choice for customers. We remain committed to delivering the highest levels of safety, comfort, and modern technology in our vehicles, and we look forward to seeing the new Proton Saga on Egyptian roads as it continues Proton’s legacy of success in the country,” commented Eng. Bassem Ashmawy, general manager of Proton Egypt.