2019 Proton Exora 1.6 Premium CVT Review

The 2019 Proton Exora 1.6 Premium CVT is a long-standing 7-seater family MPV in the Malaysian market, primarily focusing on balanced practicality and high cost-effectiveness. For families with multiple children or users who frequently need to carry 6-7 people, this car is one of the unavoidable choices within the budget of RM100,000. This test drive aims to examine whether its upgraded features and performance can still meet the needs of current family users.

In terms of exterior, the 2019 Exora continues the stable style of a family MPV without overly aggressive design. The front features a family-style Proton shield-shaped grille, complemented by chrome trim, which gives it decent recognition. The body lines are relatively straight, extending from the front to the rear, ensuring maximum utilization of the interior space. At the rear, the taillights use LED light sources, which are clear when lit up, and chrome decorative strips are added under the rear bumper to prevent the rear from looking monotonous. Regarding body dimensions, it measures 4610mm in length, 1809mm in width, and 1691mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2730mm. These dimensions belong to the mainstream level in similar MPVs, basically ensuring that the third-row seating space is not too cramped.

For the interior, the overall style leans towards practicality, without overly fancy designs. The dashboard adopts a layered layout, with a 7-inch touchscreen placed at the top, supporting basic multimedia functions and a reverse camera. The operation logic is relatively simple and easy to grasp. Below the center console screen are physical buttons for manual air conditioning; the knobs and buttons have a medium level of resistance, making them easy to operate without looking. In terms of materials, the top of the dashboard is hard plastic, but the inner side of the door panels and the seats are covered with fabric, offering a relatively comfortable touch. Regarding features, keyless entry, push-start system, 7-inch touchscreen, rear air vents, and a 220V power socket are standard configurations. These features are particularly practical for family users—for example, the rear air vents take care of third-row passengers, and the 220V power outlet can be used to charge a laptop or power a child seat.

Space performance is one of Exora's core selling points. As a 7-seater MPV, its 2730mm wheelbase ensures basic seating space for every row. The second-row seats support a 60:40 split fold and can slide back and forth. Once adjusted, a 175cm tall passenger would have about two fists' worth of legroom and sufficient headroom without touching the roof. The third-row seats support a 50:50 split fold, suitable for carrying two children or slim adults. Legroom in the third row is approximately one fist, which might feel a bit cramped for long trips but is completely fine for short distances. In terms of storage space, the front row has two cup holders, a center armrest box, and storage slots on the door panels; the second-row seats have cup holders in the middle, and there are small storage compartments on both sides of the third row. The trunk has a capacity of 132L with all seven seats in use, just enough to fit two cabin-sized suitcases. Folding down the third row significantly expands the capacity, making room for a stroller or large luggage.

In the power department, the 2019 Exora is equipped with a 1.6L turbocharged engine delivering a maximum output of 140PS and a peak torque of 205N·m (although the torque value isn't listed in the spec sheet, you can feel the low-end torque performance during the test drive), paired with a CVT gearbox. During start-up, the power response is relatively mild, with no obvious push-back feeling, but after the revs hit 2000rpm, the turbo kicks in, providing a torque boost sufficient for everyday overtaking needs—for instance, while accelerating from 80km/h to 120km/h on the highway. The CVT simulates gear shifts during this process, which feels relatively smooth without noticeable jolts. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 9.78L/100km. During the test drive, urban conditions (half congested and half smooth) resulted in around 10-11L/100km, while highway conditions landed between 8-9L/100km. For a 1.465-ton 7-seater MPV, this fuel consumption falls within an acceptable range.

The control and chassis performance are average. The steering wheel is relatively light, which makes it more suitable for female drivers or daily city driving. However, at high speeds, there is a bit of play, requiring frequent steering adjustments. The front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension. Although the rear suspension is not mentioned in the specifications, its actual performance leans towards comfort — it absorbs most of the bumps when going over speed bumps or rough roads, without feeling too harsh. However, during cornering, there is noticeable body roll. After all, it’s an MPV with a high center of gravity, making it unsuitable for spirited driving. As for braking, it features ventilated disc brakes at both the front and rear. The braking force is linear and gives you as much stopping power as you apply, which inspires confidence in daily driving.

In terms of driving and riding comfort, the seats are made of fabric material and provide decent support, so you won't feel too tired during long drives, though the wrap-around support is average. Noise control is good at low city speeds, with minimal engine noise and tire noise; however, at high speeds (above 120km/h), wind noise comes from the A-pillar and mirrors, and tire noise also becomes more pronounced. Nonetheless, it is considered normal among MPVs in its class. Additionally, this car features a manual air conditioning system. The front row cools down relatively quickly, and the rear air vents help cool the third row rapidly, making it convenient for summer use.

In terms of safety configuration, the 2019 Exora 1.6 Premium CVT comes standard with ABS, vehicle stability control, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and two airbags. Although the number of airbags is only two, which is fewer than some competitors, it has all the basic active safety features needed for daily driving.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2019 Proton Exora 1.6 Premium CVT are its 7-seat space, practical features, and affordable price (RM 66,800). Compared to its class competitor Perodua Alza, it has a longer wheelbase and a more practical third row. When compared to the Toyota Innova, it costs almost half as much while offering more features. It is suitable for budget-conscious families needing a 7-seater car — for example, families with 2-3 children or those who frequently need to take parents out. If you're looking for spaciousness, high value-for-money, and practical features and are not too concerned about power performance or a sense of luxury, then the Exora is a good choice.

However, it does have some shortcomings, such as the limited number of airbags, average comfort for long trips in the third row, and room for improvement in high-speed noise control. But given its price and positioning, these shortcomings are acceptable. Overall, the 2019 Proton Exora 1.6 Premium CVT is a pragmatic family-oriented MPV that can meet the daily needs of most families.