2022 Proton Exora 1.6T Executive CVT Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's C-segment MPV market has been intensifying, with family users focusing their demand for seven-seater models on space practicality and configuration balance. As the representative model of the local brand, the Proton Exora 2022 1.6T Executive CVT version enters the market with a price of RM 62,800, highlighting the combination of turbocharged power and basic intelligent configurations. In this test drive, we primarily focus on assessing its actual performance in daily household scenarios to see if this classic MPV still meets the core needs of today's users.

The 2022 Exora 1.6T Executive CVT continues Proton's family design language, characterized by a steady overall style. The front fascia features a large front grille with horizontal chrome accents, while the headlamp assembly, combining halogen and LED elements, is square-shaped, and the automatic headlamp feature adds convenience for daily use. The side profile is characterized by straight lines, with a 4615mm length and a 2730mm wheelbase that ensure the basic space required for a seven-seater layout. The 16-inch wheels paired with 205/55 R16 tires have a conventional design that fits the family-oriented positioning. At the rear, the tail lamp assembly features a horizontal design, with rear fog lights as standard. The overall recognition is decent, with a practical focus rather than extravagant designs.

Inside the vehicle, the interior predominantly uses dark plastic materials that feel somewhat firm to the touch, but the seams are well-finished. A multifunction steering wheel comes standard, supporting basic volume adjustment and phone control. The instrument panel uses an LCD segmented design, clearly displaying core information such as RPM, speed, and fuel consumption. The central control area does not feature a touchscreen but is equipped with a Standard Audio system, with four speakers providing basic audio needs. As for configurations, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, and rear-row air conditioning stand out, while the front-row manual air conditioning requires manual adjustment of temperature and airflow. A 220V/230V power outlet also allows rear passengers to connect external devices conveniently. Regarding seating, both the front and rear seats are manually adjustable. The second-row seats support a 60:40 split fold and flipping, while the third-row space belongs to the medium level within its class. Passengers with a height of 170cm will have a fist's worth of headroom, though the legroom is somewhat tight, making it suitable for children or short trips. In terms of storage space, the front door panels can hold two bottles of water, the center armrest box is of moderate capacity, and small storage compartments on both sides of the third row can accommodate daily scattered items.

Regarding performance, this Exora is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 140PS with a peak torque range of 2000-4000rpm, paired with a CVT gearbox. During startup, the power response is not overly aggressive, but once the turbo kicks in (around 2000rpm), it provides noticeable thrust. During daily urban driving and overtaking on city roads, stepping firmly on the accelerator causes the transmission to simulate gear changes. When the RPM rises above 3000, the power output becomes sufficient. Only a standard driving mode is available, with no sport or economy mode options, and the overall tuning leans towards smoothness. The chassis uses a front MacPherson independent suspension, which effectively filters out most minor vibrations on bumpy urban roads. However, when crossing speed bumps or deep potholes, the rear passengers might feel noticeable bouncing. The steering feel is relatively light with average accuracy, making it suitable for daily commutes. At high speeds, the steering wheel may feel slightly heavier, and the stability is acceptable. In terms of fuel consumption, testing under combined urban and highway conditions resulted in an average fuel consumption of about 9.8L per 100km, which is consistent with the official figure of 9.78L. The fuel tank capacity is 55L, offering a full tank range of approximately 560 kilometers, which meets the needs of daily commuting and short family trips.

In terms of driving comfort, the front seats have relatively firm padding, but lumbar support is adequate, making it less tiring for long drives. The rear seats have a fixed angle, offering acceptable comfort for short trips. Regarding noise control, wind and tire noise are not noticeable below a speed of 60km/h, but after exceeding 80km/h, wind noise enters the cabin through the A-pillars. Engine noise at high RPMs is also fairly noticeable, but still within an acceptable range. The absence of a central control screen is a minor drawback, as it cannot support smartphone connectivity, which may require adaptation for younger users accustomed to smart entertainment features. In terms of safety features, it comes equipped with standard ABS, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, and an active braking system. Two airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchors meet basic safety needs, but the lack of a parking camera system means reverse maneuvering relies on rear parking sensors.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2022 Proton Exora 1.6T Executive CVT lie in its 7-seater practicality, basic smart features (such as keyless entry and rain-sensing wipers), and the convenience of after-sales support from a local brand. Its pricing at RM 62,800 gives it an advantage in turbocharged power compared to its segment competitors like the Perodua Alza, and its configuration is slightly better than other MPV models at the same price point. However, the lack of a central control screen, manual air conditioning, and seat adjustment features reflect a compromise in comfort-oriented configurations. This vehicle is more suitable for families focusing on a balance between space and performance, especially those frequently accommodating 5-7 passengers for short trips. For younger users seeking smart technology and a sense of luxury, higher configuration versions might need to be considered. Overall, the Exora 1.6T Executive CVT is a practical family MPV that meets core family needs with basic functionalities, making it one of the high-value choices in the local market.