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Proton Saga in Australia Proves the Malaysia Boleh Spirit Runs on Pepsi Too


By Aiman Maulana October 29, 2025

Malaysian engineering has once again drawn global attention after a 2008 Proton Saga—known in Australia as the Proton S16 Saga, reached an impressive top speed of 156km/h at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. The surprising twist? The car was running with Pepsi used as its coolant.

The unconventional test was conducted by popular Australian YouTuber Garbage Time, renowned for his daring and often outrageous automotive experiments. The video, uploaded to his channel last month, has since amassed over 250,000 views, sparking fascination and amusement among car enthusiasts worldwide.

From Nutella to Pepsi: The Proton Saga That Won’t Quit

Proton Saga in Australia Proves the Malaysia Boleh Spirit Runs on Pepsi Too

This particular Proton Saga, affectionately nicknamed “Goober”, has seen its fair share of bizarre experiments. In a previous stunt, the YouTuber filled the engine with Nutella instead of motor oil, a move that, unsurprisingly, destroyed the engine instantly.

Despite the previous mishap, the car was repaired, cleaned, and brought back to life for another wild test. This time, Garbage Time opted to replace the coolant with Pepsi, pushing the car’s limits on one of Australia’s premier racetracks, also known as the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park.

During the test, the Proton Saga hit 152km/h on a straight before ultimately reaching its peak speed of 156km/h. Despite some understeering at corners and a minor loss of control, the car held up impressively well given its unconventional setup.

Me and Goober really bonded that day. People are always talking about Toyotas, but Protons, mate, there’s magic under there. My first ever track experience was in a Proton S16 Saga. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Garbage Time YouTube

A Viral Moment for Malaysian Automotive Pride

The stunt not only entertained millions but also reignited global interest in Proton, Malaysia’s iconic car manufacturer. While the experiment was purely for fun, many viewers praised the car’s durability and performance, even under such extreme and unconventional conditions.

With the video continuing to gain traction online, this unique test has become yet another testament to the resilience and reliability of Malaysian-made vehicles, even when fueled by pure creativity and a bit of carbonated cola.

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