2019 Proton Exora: First impression

As we all know, the very first Proton Exora reared its head all the way back in 2009, which is exactly ten years ago. At its launch, the Exora earned the prestige of being the country’s first mass-produced, in-house compact MPV. It didn’t take long for it to become popular among the masses, and Proton has managed to sell ship-loads of them in Malaysia. Along the way, the Exora was given a couple of facelifts to ensure it doesn’t lose traction to other cars in the segment.

Finally, this week saw the introduction of the new 2019 Exora, which will soon go on sale and starts at RM 59,800. Also, you can book the MPV online for RM 9.99 The local automaker claims that they have incorporated significant changes to the interior of the 2019 Exora, but admits that the exterior hasn’t been tampered with. So, let’s dig a little deeper and find out what makes this model stand out from its predecessor.

Exterior

Many were hoping Proton would execute some visibly apparent cosmetic changes on the 2019 Exora. Unfortunately, however, it seems like the carmaker hasn’t really bothered doing anything on the front, at all. Obviously, that also means that there have been zilch alterations made to the MPV’s overall exterior dimensions. This means that it still measures 4,610 mm in length, 1,809 mm in width, 1,691 mm in height, and retains its 2,730 mm wheelbase as before.

Styling-wise, the 2019 Exora features the same sharp, tapered nose that the MPV is famous for. The large, rakish headlamps are joined by the familiar sleek and angular front grille from older Proton models. Meanwhile, the sporty design of the chiselled front bumper means you still get those fancy, vertically-arranged mesh vents, plus there are some plastic trim bits on it as well to add to the Exora’s already ‘sporting’ personality. Along the sides as well, there are the same 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels, piano black wing mirrors and roof, sporty side skirts, flared wheel arches, and blacked-out D-pillars. The lack-of-change tour continues onto the back where you will find the same roof-mounted spoiler, glossy black trim on the tailgate, vertically-aligned clear lens tail lamps, and a protruding rear bumper with some more of that plastic trim garnish, along with the integrated rear fog lights.

Interior

For the interior, Proton has not only picked up on some of the new styling and design cues from the recently revamped Iriz and Persona but also from the X70 crossover. The most apparent design characteristic here which is staring you in the face is the revised infotainment head unit and centre stack. The Geely-sourced 7-inch touchscreen system now integrates Proton’s new voice command feature, and also brings with it high-speed internet connectivity with up to 1GB of free monthly data allowance. The latter is applicable for up to a period of five years, which is quite impressive and thoughtful. This new infotainment system comes packing some nifty features such as dual USB ports, live navigation, WiFi hotspot, smartphone connectivity with mirroring function for Android devices, and even online music streaming services.

Proton has also gotten rid of the archaic dashboard clock, plus cleaned up the whole layout of the centre stack by inserting some premium-looking glossy black trim. This is further complemented by silver surrounds that have been applied around the upper half of the centre stack. The 2019 Exora also makes use of a more contemporary looking frameless rear-view mirror, which adds some sense of richness. That’s further boosted by the fresh new seat upholstery which now gets a quilted pattern and also uses a slightly better quality of faux leather. Last but certainly not the least, the 2019 Exora also sports a revamped instrument cluster that has been lifted straight from the recently facelifted Persona sedan. Engineers have also been able to reduce this new Exora’s noise, vibration and harshness levels. This was achieved primarily through higher use of sound-deadening materials along with the wheel wells and suspension, but the boffins have also tweaked the engine mounts to further improve the cabin ambience.

Powertrain and performance

Lifting up the bonnet reveals the same naturally-aspirated, 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which features dual overhead cams and multi-point fuel injection. It puts out 138 hp and 205 Nm of maximum torque, and is paired to a CVT gearbox. While the earlier version of this CVT had a simulated shift logic, on the 2019 Exora, Proton has quietly taken out that mechanism. However, this did not affect the performance or fuel economy of the MPV. It still takes this people-hauler north of 11 seconds to get past the tonne-mark, but we knew this aspect wouldn’t change, anyway. So, no harm no foul.

Safety equipment

 

On this front, the 2019 Proton Exora comes with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and parking sensors with a reversing camera.