Proton Exora 1.6 (A) Review
14 Nov 2009|50,231 views
The local MPV market can be a scary place for a new kid like the Proton Exora, having to contend with giants like the Toyota Wish that has the majority MPV pie squarely in its coffers. Thankfully for the Exora, being priced at an affordable $68,999 puts it nearly $20,000 out of the Toyota’s target range.
Although the Exora won’t be compared directly with the undisputed ‘king’ of local MPVs, it can still expect stiff competition from MPVs in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. But its size, engine and seating capacity has it in the sights of Suzuki’s APV.
The Exora is a significant development for Proton as a company. For the first time, a design was developed solely by the national manufacturer without any hand holding from other manufacturers. At long last, Malaysians can now choose an MPV that’s been produced by the national manufacturer but not only that, it is one that they can truly call their own.
Although the Exora won’t be compared directly with the undisputed ‘king’ of local MPVs, it can still expect stiff competition from MPVs in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. But its size, engine and seating capacity has it in the sights of Suzuki’s APV.
The Exora is a significant development for Proton as a company. For the first time, a design was developed solely by the national manufacturer without any hand holding from other manufacturers. At long last, Malaysians can now choose an MPV that’s been produced by the national manufacturer but not only that, it is one that they can truly call their own.
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On first impressions, the Exora looks to be a clone of the Mazda 5. Not only do they look similar in terms of side profile, they’re practically identical from a front quarter perspective. Although to accuse Proton of swiping design cues from Mazda would be crass.
 |
Where the Mazda 5 has slimmer headlights adorning the front fascia, the Exora possesses larger triangular lamps that create a more striking appearance than the Mazda.
To add to the visual spectacle, a pair of waist high contour lines originates from the headlamps and traces the length of the Exora’s body to create a svelte and racy appearance.
In the rear, the Exora moves forward into the 21st century with LED taillights embedded into the D-pillars of the MPV. A rectangular tailgate ensures that even the bulkiest load will fit in the back of the Exora.
Interior
Once you’ve manually adjusted the seat to your liking, you would notice that the driving position is actually quite comfortable. Albeit it sits a little too high for my personal tastes as it makes high speed commutes a little hairy especially during lane changes where body roll is made obvious by the high position.
The interior plastics are of a lower quality than I would’ve liked. Obvious plastic sink marks and excess plastic appear in the cubby holes and glove compartments. The drab grey used on the plastics brought back memories of the Perodua Viva I tested not too long ago. They weren’t happy memories mind you.
To add to the visual spectacle, a pair of waist high contour lines originates from the headlamps and traces the length of the Exora’s body to create a svelte and racy appearance.
In the rear, the Exora moves forward into the 21st century with LED taillights embedded into the D-pillars of the MPV. A rectangular tailgate ensures that even the bulkiest load will fit in the back of the Exora.
Interior
Once you’ve manually adjusted the seat to your liking, you would notice that the driving position is actually quite comfortable. Albeit it sits a little too high for my personal tastes as it makes high speed commutes a little hairy especially during lane changes where body roll is made obvious by the high position.
The interior plastics are of a lower quality than I would’ve liked. Obvious plastic sink marks and excess plastic appear in the cubby holes and glove compartments. The drab grey used on the plastics brought back memories of the Perodua Viva I tested not too long ago. They weren’t happy memories mind you.
Look to the back and you’ll be greeted with fabric seats that are upholstered in the same drab grey as the plastics. Although the seats are fabric, they do their intended roles of cradling you comfortably. Even so, fabric seats seem to belong to a bygone age where only cars from the People’s Republic and Russia’s Lada are still advocating.
Rear bootspace in the Exora is respectable without compromising the full seven seater capacity and with the last row of seats folded, the MPV will swallow a good amount of your shopping from IKEA. If you’d like to bring home that self-assembled bookshelf yourself however, it becomes a realistic possibility with the second row of seats stowed.
Proton focused a significant amount of engineering into the Exora’s safety design. Using a high tensile steel frame for the body cage, the car provides better stability and impact absorption during a collision. Doors reinforced with side-impact beams also protect occupants from any lateral assaults.
The car is also equipped with front driver and passenger airbags with pre-tensioner seatbelts that tighten the belts when it senses an impact is imminent.
On top of the Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake Force Distribution systems, the Exora also uses front impact sensors in concert with accelerometers for airbag activation.
Rear bootspace in the Exora is respectable without compromising the full seven seater capacity and with the last row of seats folded, the MPV will swallow a good amount of your shopping from IKEA. If you’d like to bring home that self-assembled bookshelf yourself however, it becomes a realistic possibility with the second row of seats stowed.
Proton focused a significant amount of engineering into the Exora’s safety design. Using a high tensile steel frame for the body cage, the car provides better stability and impact absorption during a collision. Doors reinforced with side-impact beams also protect occupants from any lateral assaults.
The car is also equipped with front driver and passenger airbags with pre-tensioner seatbelts that tighten the belts when it senses an impact is imminent.
On top of the Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake Force Distribution systems, the Exora also uses front impact sensors in concert with accelerometers for airbag activation.
 |
After subjecting 32 Exora’s to all manner of Euro NCAP equivalent tests, the private testing facility in Spain awarded the Exora with a 4 star rating. Considering that the tests were similar to the Euro NCAP, we should expect a similar result once official testing is done by Euro NCAP.
Driving Impressions
On acceleration, you notice that the 1.6-litre Campro CPS powerplant struggles to get the Exora’s 1,400kg bulk underway. The MPV struggles to build velocity despite having only its front seats occupied. Once at highway cruising speeds, overtaking is still a painfully arduous process as the car slowly increases speed.
By the time you’ve built up enough speed, the purpose of overtaking would already have been negated and you’re left bleeding from the ears while the engine secedes its aural assault. The brakes on the car feel as if they’ve been plundered from a smaller, lighter car as they struggle to reel in the Exora’s bulk every time you use them.
Driving Impressions
On acceleration, you notice that the 1.6-litre Campro CPS powerplant struggles to get the Exora’s 1,400kg bulk underway. The MPV struggles to build velocity despite having only its front seats occupied. Once at highway cruising speeds, overtaking is still a painfully arduous process as the car slowly increases speed.
By the time you’ve built up enough speed, the purpose of overtaking would already have been negated and you’re left bleeding from the ears while the engine secedes its aural assault. The brakes on the car feel as if they’ve been plundered from a smaller, lighter car as they struggle to reel in the Exora’s bulk every time you use them.
Lotus might’ve signed off on the Exora’s handling but on the highway at three digit speeds, the car gave a floating sensation that felt precarious. Even so, the front Macpherson Strut and rear Torsion Beam suspension performed well off the highway absorbing road irregularities with ease.
Conclusion
The Exora’s lack of horsepower experienced in Jakarta is unfortunately the same in Singapore despite running on a higher octane fuel. But although the car doesn’t provide the oomph, it is still a viable people carrier with an excellent safety rating.
Even with its weak engine, it still gets the job done, in reasonable comfort and safety that will make some MPVs higher up the financial scale blush. Nevertheless, this car is still good value for money.
Conclusion
The Exora’s lack of horsepower experienced in Jakarta is unfortunately the same in Singapore despite running on a higher octane fuel. But although the car doesn’t provide the oomph, it is still a viable people carrier with an excellent safety rating.
Even with its weak engine, it still gets the job done, in reasonable comfort and safety that will make some MPVs higher up the financial scale blush. Nevertheless, this car is still good value for money.
The local MPV market can be a scary place for a new kid like the Proton Exora, having to contend with giants like the Toyota Wish that has the majority MPV pie squarely in its coffers. Thankfully for the Exora, being priced at an affordable $68,999 puts it nearly $20,000 out of the Toyota’s target range.
Although the Exora won’t be compared directly with the undisputed ‘king’ of local MPVs, it can still expect stiff competition from MPVs in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. But its size, engine and seating capacity has it in the sights of Suzuki’s APV.
The Exora is a significant development for Proton as a company. For the first time, a design was developed solely by the national manufacturer without any hand holding from other manufacturers. At long last, Malaysians can now choose an MPV that’s been produced by the national manufacturer but not only that, it is one that they can truly call their own.
Although the Exora won’t be compared directly with the undisputed ‘king’ of local MPVs, it can still expect stiff competition from MPVs in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. But its size, engine and seating capacity has it in the sights of Suzuki’s APV.
The Exora is a significant development for Proton as a company. For the first time, a design was developed solely by the national manufacturer without any hand holding from other manufacturers. At long last, Malaysians can now choose an MPV that’s been produced by the national manufacturer but not only that, it is one that they can truly call their own.
|
On first impressions, the Exora looks to be a clone of the Mazda 5. Not only do they look similar in terms of side profile, they’re practically identical from a front quarter perspective. Although to accuse Proton of swiping design cues from Mazda would be crass.
|
Where the Mazda 5 has slimmer headlights adorning the front fascia, the Exora possesses larger triangular lamps that create a more striking appearance than the Mazda.
To add to the visual spectacle, a pair of waist high contour lines originates from the headlamps and traces the length of the Exora’s body to create a svelte and racy appearance.
In the rear, the Exora moves forward into the 21st century with LED taillights embedded into the D-pillars of the MPV. A rectangular tailgate ensures that even the bulkiest load will fit in the back of the Exora.
Interior
Once you’ve manually adjusted the seat to your liking, you would notice that the driving position is actually quite comfortable. Albeit it sits a little too high for my personal tastes as it makes high speed commutes a little hairy especially during lane changes where body roll is made obvious by the high position.
The interior plastics are of a lower quality than I would’ve liked. Obvious plastic sink marks and excess plastic appear in the cubby holes and glove compartments. The drab grey used on the plastics brought back memories of the Perodua Viva I tested not too long ago. They weren’t happy memories mind you.
To add to the visual spectacle, a pair of waist high contour lines originates from the headlamps and traces the length of the Exora’s body to create a svelte and racy appearance.
In the rear, the Exora moves forward into the 21st century with LED taillights embedded into the D-pillars of the MPV. A rectangular tailgate ensures that even the bulkiest load will fit in the back of the Exora.
Interior
Once you’ve manually adjusted the seat to your liking, you would notice that the driving position is actually quite comfortable. Albeit it sits a little too high for my personal tastes as it makes high speed commutes a little hairy especially during lane changes where body roll is made obvious by the high position.
The interior plastics are of a lower quality than I would’ve liked. Obvious plastic sink marks and excess plastic appear in the cubby holes and glove compartments. The drab grey used on the plastics brought back memories of the Perodua Viva I tested not too long ago. They weren’t happy memories mind you.
Look to the back and you’ll be greeted with fabric seats that are upholstered in the same drab grey as the plastics. Although the seats are fabric, they do their intended roles of cradling you comfortably. Even so, fabric seats seem to belong to a bygone age where only cars from the People’s Republic and Russia’s Lada are still advocating.
Rear bootspace in the Exora is respectable without compromising the full seven seater capacity and with the last row of seats folded, the MPV will swallow a good amount of your shopping from IKEA. If you’d like to bring home that self-assembled bookshelf yourself however, it becomes a realistic possibility with the second row of seats stowed.
Proton focused a significant amount of engineering into the Exora’s safety design. Using a high tensile steel frame for the body cage, the car provides better stability and impact absorption during a collision. Doors reinforced with side-impact beams also protect occupants from any lateral assaults.
The car is also equipped with front driver and passenger airbags with pre-tensioner seatbelts that tighten the belts when it senses an impact is imminent.
On top of the Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake Force Distribution systems, the Exora also uses front impact sensors in concert with accelerometers for airbag activation.
Rear bootspace in the Exora is respectable without compromising the full seven seater capacity and with the last row of seats folded, the MPV will swallow a good amount of your shopping from IKEA. If you’d like to bring home that self-assembled bookshelf yourself however, it becomes a realistic possibility with the second row of seats stowed.
Proton focused a significant amount of engineering into the Exora’s safety design. Using a high tensile steel frame for the body cage, the car provides better stability and impact absorption during a collision. Doors reinforced with side-impact beams also protect occupants from any lateral assaults.
The car is also equipped with front driver and passenger airbags with pre-tensioner seatbelts that tighten the belts when it senses an impact is imminent.
On top of the Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake Force Distribution systems, the Exora also uses front impact sensors in concert with accelerometers for airbag activation.
|
After subjecting 32 Exora’s to all manner of Euro NCAP equivalent tests, the private testing facility in Spain awarded the Exora with a 4 star rating. Considering that the tests were similar to the Euro NCAP, we should expect a similar result once official testing is done by Euro NCAP.
Driving Impressions
On acceleration, you notice that the 1.6-litre Campro CPS powerplant struggles to get the Exora’s 1,400kg bulk underway. The MPV struggles to build velocity despite having only its front seats occupied. Once at highway cruising speeds, overtaking is still a painfully arduous process as the car slowly increases speed.
By the time you’ve built up enough speed, the purpose of overtaking would already have been negated and you’re left bleeding from the ears while the engine secedes its aural assault. The brakes on the car feel as if they’ve been plundered from a smaller, lighter car as they struggle to reel in the Exora’s bulk every time you use them.
Driving Impressions
On acceleration, you notice that the 1.6-litre Campro CPS powerplant struggles to get the Exora’s 1,400kg bulk underway. The MPV struggles to build velocity despite having only its front seats occupied. Once at highway cruising speeds, overtaking is still a painfully arduous process as the car slowly increases speed.
By the time you’ve built up enough speed, the purpose of overtaking would already have been negated and you’re left bleeding from the ears while the engine secedes its aural assault. The brakes on the car feel as if they’ve been plundered from a smaller, lighter car as they struggle to reel in the Exora’s bulk every time you use them.
Lotus might’ve signed off on the Exora’s handling but on the highway at three digit speeds, the car gave a floating sensation that felt precarious. Even so, the front Macpherson Strut and rear Torsion Beam suspension performed well off the highway absorbing road irregularities with ease.
Conclusion
The Exora’s lack of horsepower experienced in Jakarta is unfortunately the same in Singapore despite running on a higher octane fuel. But although the car doesn’t provide the oomph, it is still a viable people carrier with an excellent safety rating.
Even with its weak engine, it still gets the job done, in reasonable comfort and safety that will make some MPVs higher up the financial scale blush. Nevertheless, this car is still good value for money.
Conclusion
The Exora’s lack of horsepower experienced in Jakarta is unfortunately the same in Singapore despite running on a higher octane fuel. But although the car doesn’t provide the oomph, it is still a viable people carrier with an excellent safety rating.
Even with its weak engine, it still gets the job done, in reasonable comfort and safety that will make some MPVs higher up the financial scale blush. Nevertheless, this car is still good value for money.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Car Information
Proton Exora Bold 1.6 CPS (A)
CAT A|Petrol|13.5km/L
Horsepower
93kW (125 bhp)
Torque
150 Nm
Acceleration
15.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Proton Exora
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