We’re now in the third week of 2023 and while the market is saturated with brand-new cars, there are some of these of the new cars are actually rather old underneath the pretty new body.

Here, we will take a look at some 10-year-old new cars you can still buy today.

2023 Proton Saga

The current-generation Proton Saga, codenamed P2-13A, has been around since 2016. Proton gave its A-segment sedan its latest update last year, whereby the model gained new features like keyless entry and engine push start button, revised air-conditioning controls, and other small enhancements.

However, under the new skin and features, the current-generation Saga traces its roots back to the 2008 Proton Saga BLM.

In the context of the Saga, is that necessarily a bad thing? Hardly. Most buyers won’t even notice that the Saga is that old; so long as the car gets them from point A to point B without hassle.

Plus, it won’t be cheap for Proton to develop a new Saga from the ground-up. Recall that Proton spent RM 150 million to develop the current-generation model, and that was achieved by reusing the previous generation model’s platform. Geely’s BMA platform is too expensive for the Saga’s target market, leaving Proton in a rather tight spot.

The current-generation Proton is currently priced between RM 34,800 to RM 44,800.

Also Read: Current P2-13A Proton Saga to soldier on for a foreseeable future, no Geely-based model yet

2023 Proton Exora

The second Proton on this list comes as no surprise. Launched in 2009, the Proton Exora, like the Saga, has underwent a number of updates over its 14-year lifecycle.

However, unlike the Saga and its redesigned exterior, the Exora’s design remained largely the same since its debut in 2009.

The Exora’s most recent update was in August 2022 when the model received stability control as a standard fitment for both variants.

Whether or not Proton introduces an Exora replacement model remains to be seen. Instead of rebadging the Geely Jiaji, Proton opted to rebadge the Geely Haoyue instead as the Proton X90. Following that, the next rebadge model is widely believed to be based on the Geely Emgrand, a sedan, tipped to be called the Proton S50.

Also Read: Proton V70 (Geely Jiaji) might be dropped in favour of Proton X90 (Geely Haoyue)

The updated Proton Exora retails between RM 62,800 to RM 69,800.

Also Read: 2023 Proton Exora updated with subtle changes, what can you spot?

2023 Toyota Vios

The current-generation Toyota Vios may appear like a new model to most buyers, but under the skin of this handsome B-segment sedan, it's actually the same Vios from 2013, albeit heavily redesigned.

​The first update came in 2017 whereby the B-segment sedan received the new 1.5-litre 2NR-FE 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to a CVT automatic transmission. ESC also made its debut here.

Then in 2018, the Vios received its biggest redesign, featuring a big gaping smiling face. It was also during update that the model received 7 airbags, a massive bump in its safety department.

That said, the current-generation Vios will soon be bowing out, replaced by the new-gen Vios (D92A project name, AC100 codename). The AC100 Vios has already debuted in countries like Thailand, Laos, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. Malaysia’s launch should be happening later this year.

Also Read: Hybrid D92A Toyota Vios all but confirmed for Malaysia; updated powertrain, coming to ASEAN 'very soon'

2023 Toyota Hiace

Toyota may have unveiled the sixth-generation Toyota Hiace back in 2019 for selected markets, but for some markets like Malaysia and Japan, the previous generation Hiace is still in production and on sale.

Malaysia started local assembly work (CKD) of the fifth generation Hiace around 2006, across two body styles: High Roof Window Van and Panel Van. Over the years, only the Panel Van variant remained.

The sole Hiace variant is priced from RM 113,000.

Also Read: 2023 Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, Hiace also see price increments; circa RM 3k to RM 5k

2023 Mazda 6

Arguably one of the best-looking models in this list is also a bit long in the tooth. Mazda launched the third-generation 6 back in 2012 and has given its D-segment model no less than 2 updates over its now-11-year-old lifecycle.

Perhaps the best-looking update came in 2018, grafting on Mazda’s current fascia on the ageing sedan.

While rivals like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are at least two generations ahead, the future of the Mazda 6 remains up in the air. Akira Tamatani, the chief designer of the Mazda CX-60 mentioned that the new FR architecture that underpins Mazda’s “Large Product Group” is mainly developed for SUVs and isn't suitable for the next-gen 6.

At the moment, the 2023 Mazda 6 is priced between RM 176,159 to RM 223,351.

Also Read: Plans for RWD, next-gen Mazda 6 canned, CX-60 platform not suitable

Conclusion

For some of these models mentioned here, a replacement model is already underway, but for others, they could still soldier on for a foreseeable future, owing to market demand and/or high development costs.