PETALING JAYA, Malaysia: The new Proton Saga launched by the Prime Minister on Friday is making waves, as far as bookings are concerned.

A check by The Star yesterday showed that bookings had increased since Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi posed with the car at the KL Convention Centre.

Proton Edar Mutiara Damansara branch operations manager Zalizan Zainan said to-date, Proton had received 6,000 bookings for the car, adding that the branch received 47 orders since the launch.

Total bookings at the branch since Jan 1 stood at 60.

"This weekend, visiting hours at our showroom have been extended till midnight," he said. Two models of the car were on display at the showroom.

Businessman William Law, who came with his family, was among those who placed their bookings.

"I decided to buy the car as it has a better look, is roomy and has an economical engine."

"With reasonable maintenance costs, Proton is our choice," he added.

Site supervisor Nasiruddin Ahmad and his wife Jamilah Jamil came to buy their second Proton vehicle. The couple now drive a Proton Iswara.

"I travel more than 100km daily so I need a car that is economical," added Nasiruddin, who travels between Shah Alam and Putrajaya.

The new Saga model is priced between RM31,500 and RM39,998.