Proton Exora 2019 Review

When Malaysian families choose a 7-seater MPV, they often prioritize practicality in terms of space, rich configurations, and cost-effectiveness. The 2019 Proton Exora 1.6 Premium CVT, as the top model of the brand's C-Segment lineup, featuring a 140PS turbocharged engine, superior wheelbase performance, and convenient configurations like keyless entry, has become a popular choice at its price range. In this test drive, we focused on evaluating its actual driving and riding performance, whether its configurations meet daily family needs, as well as the balance between power and fuel consumption.

In terms of exterior design, the 2019 Exora Premium continues Proton's family-style design language, with an overall sturdy and stable outline. The front features a large intake grille, adorned with chrome trim, while the LED daytime running lights blend with the halogen main lamps on either side, offering high recognition. The body side lines are smooth, and the 16-inch wheels are of standard design. The anti-scratch panels on the lower part of the doors add to the layered detailing. At the rear, the LED taillight set adopts a horizontal layout, connected by chrome trim, visually broadening the rear; the rear bumper design is simple, complemented with rear fog lights and reversing radar sensors, ensuring high practicality. The overall exterior does not incorporate overly flashy designs, aligning with the positioning of a family MPV.

Inside, the interior adopts a dark theme, with the center console angled toward the driver's seat for easier operation. The upper part of the dashboard features hard plastic materials, but the texture is refined, avoiding a cheap feel. The 7-inch touchscreen on the center console is a highlight of the Premium version, supporting the Sound Plus function. The interface response is smooth, and daily navigation and multimedia operations are sufficiently efficient. The multifunctional steering wheel integrates basic control buttons, paired with an LCD segmented instrument panel that clearly displays information such as speed, RPM, and fuel consumption. In terms of configurations, Keyless Operation, a rearview camera, and electrically folding side mirrors are standard. Compared to the Executive version at the same price point, the Premium version adds a rearview camera, significantly improving convenience during parking for a 7-seater vehicle. The inclusion of a 220V/230V power socket allows rear passengers to charge their electronic devices conveniently, and rear sunshades enhance passenger comfort.

Spaciousness is one of Exora's core advantages. With a length of 4610mm and a wheelbase of 2730mm, it provides a solid foundation for a 7-seater layout. The front seats offer manual adjustments, and the seating space is generous, with a passenger of 175cm having more than a fist’s space for both head and legroom. The second row adopts a 60:40 split design, and the seats can slide back and forth, offering up to two fists of legroom at maximum. The floor is almost flat, ensuring no crowding even with three passengers sitting together. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or adults under 165cm in height, suitable for short trips but a bit cramped for long journeys. The trunk’s standard capacity is 132L, which expands significantly when the third row is folded down, meeting the storage needs for family travels. Rear air conditioning vents come as standard, allowing fast adjustment of the rear cabin temperature and enhancing the overall ride experience.

In terms of power, the 1.6T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 140PS, with peak torque unleashed at 2000rpm, paired with a CVT gearbox. The power response is brisk at start-up, making it effortless for city driving or overtaking. When switched to Eco mode, the power output becomes smoother, suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, throttle sensitivity increases, acceleration feels more direct, but the CVT's nature still lacks a pronounced push-back effect during sudden acceleration. At highway speeds, the engine maintains a rotation speed of about 2500rpm at 120km/h, with engine noise well-controlled, ensuring it doesn't disrupt conversations inside the cabin. In fuel consumption tests, actual fuel consumption was approximately 11L/100km under congested urban road conditions, dropping to around 8.5L/100km on highways, with an overall consumption close to the official figure of 9.78L/100km. For a 1.465kg 7-seater vehicle, this performance is considered middle-level among its peers.

The handling and chassis performance are tuned towards comfort, with the front MacPherson independent suspension effectively filtering small road bumps. Vibrations when passing speed bumps are softly managed, ensuring rear passengers don't feel obvious jolts. The steering wheel has a moderate weight with minimal free play, making it easy for daily driving. Body roll in corners is controlled within reasonable limits, avoiding the "big boat" feel typical of MPVs. The braking system adopts ventilated discs at the front and rear, with linear braking response. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable without noticeable veering. In terms of noise control, tire noise becomes slightly noticeable at high speeds, but engine and wind noise suppression are excellent. Overall quietness meets family car standards.

Compared to the similarly priced Executive variant, the Premium version adds a 7-inch touchscreen and a reversing camera, which are more practical for family users. Although it costs RM7000 more, the upgraded features directly address daily usage pain points. Compared to other MPVs in the same category, the Exora's wheelbase is significantly advantageous, offering superior space. The 5-year/150,000km warranty policy also provides additional peace of mind for users.

Overall, the 2019 Proton Exora 1.6 Premium CVT's core strengths lie in its spacious interior, abundant practical features, and balanced power and fuel consumption performance. It is suitable for families prioritizing travel, requiring a 7-seater layout, and desiring convenient configurations. It is particularly beneficial for families frequently traveling with elderly and children, as the rear space, power outlets, sunshades, and other features cater well to their needs. If on a tighter budget, the Executive version can meet basic requirements, but the reversing camera and infotainment screen on the Premium version make it a better choice. All in all, the Exora Premium is a cost-effective family MPV that balances daily commuting and family travel needs excellently.