Proton Exora 2022 Review

In recent years, the demand for 7-seater MPVs among Malaysian household users has remained stable. Such vehicles need to meet daily commuting needs while also handling the spatial pressure of family outings on weekends. As one of the brand's main models in the C-segment MPV market, the 2022 Proton Exora 1.6T Executive CVT is priced at RM 62,800, with standard active safety features and a flexible 7-seater layout as its core selling points, attracting many budget-conscious consumers seeking practicality. In this test drive, we focus on verifying two key questions: Does its space really accommodate 7 passengers for short-distance trips? Is the 1.6T turbo engine paired with a CVT gearbox sufficient for fully loaded scenarios?

From the exterior, the Exora Executive retains Proton’s family design language, with an overall style leaning towards steady practicality. The front face features a large grille connected with chrome trim to the brand logo. The Halogen+LED combination headlights on both sides have sharp shapes, and the automatic headlight function conveniently lights up automatically when entering tunnels or during the evening. The body side lines are smooth, and the waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear ensures the body does not appear bulky. The 16-inch wheels are perfectly proportioned to the body and do not look undersized. At the rear, the LED tail lights are arranged horizontally, offering good recognizability when illuminated. The addition of rear fog lights also enhances driving safety on rainy days. Overall, the design is not overly flashy, aligning with the MPV’s primary family-oriented positioning.

Inside the cabin, the interior predominantly features dark tones. The dashboard layout is simple and straightforward, with most physical buttons concentrated in the central control area. The operation logic is clear, making it easy to get accustomed to even on the first use. The multifunctional steering wheel is designed with buttons on the left for adjusting audio volume and skipping tracks, while the right side is for answering phone calls and toggling through dashboard information, allowing the driver to operate without lowering their head. The seats are made of fabric material with decent support. The front seats offer manual adjustment, making it possible to find a relatively comfortable driving position. Notably, the standard 220V/230V power outlet is highly practical for users who need to charge laptops or small appliances in the car. The addition of rear air conditioning vents allows second- and third-row passengers to quickly feel the cooling, enhancing the rear seating experience. However, it’s worth noting that the Executive version does not come with a central touchscreen, featuring only a Standard Audio system, which might be inconvenient for users who rely on CarPlay or Android Auto.

Space performance is one of Exora’s core advantages. The vehicle dimensions measure 4615mm×1809mm×1691mm, with a wheelbase of 2730mm, which is above average compared to other MPVs in the same class. The second-row seats support sliding forward and backward as well as reclining adjustments. A passenger of 175cm height can have about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring a comfortable experience. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or smaller adults, being fine for short trips, though they might feel cramped for longer journeys. In terms of storage, the cabin features multiple compartments. The inner door panels, area under the dashboard, and the sides of the second-row seats can all accommodate water bottles or small items. With the third-row seats in use, the trunk space can fit approximately two 20-inch suitcases. If the third-row seats are folded down in a 60:40 split, the cargo space can be expanded significantly, ideal for accommodating a stroller or a foldable bicycle.

In terms of power, the Exora Executive is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power of 140PS and a peak torque output between 2000-4000rpm. During daily commuting, the power response during start-up is relatively smooth. After pressing the accelerator, the turbo kicks in around 2000rpm, providing a noticeable power boost. When overtaking or changing lanes in urban areas, as long as you step on the accelerator deeply, the transmission can quickly adjust its gear ratio to provide sufficient power support. The CVT transmission performs decently, with a good shifting smoothness that makes gear changes almost imperceptible; however, during rapid acceleration, there is a slight "lagging sensation," which is a common characteristic of CVT transmissions. The official combined fuel consumption is 9.78L/100km. While driving 50km in urban congested areas and 50km on highways, the actual fuel consumption was approximately 10.5L/100km. In a fully loaded condition, the fuel consumption rises to 11.2L/100km. This performance meets expectations for a 1.6T MPV.

In terms of handling and chassis, the front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort, filtering out most minor bumps when passing over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and the vehicle does not exhibit significant bouncing. The steering wheel is relatively light, making it easy for female drivers to handle. However, the steering precision is not particularly high, with a slight dead zone, which makes it more suitable for daily family use rather than aggressive driving. The braking system uses front and rear ventilated disc brakes, with a moderate pedal stroke and linear braking force. During emergency braking, the body remains stable without significant nose-diving. In terms of noise control, when driving at 60km/h in urban areas, tire and engine noise are relatively low. At 110km/h on the highway, wind noise becomes slightly noticeable but does not affect normal conversation among passengers inside the cabin.

Safety configuration is one of the highlights of the Exora Executive, as it comes standard with ABS anti-lock braking, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, and an autonomous emergency braking system. These features are not commonly found in vehicles of the same price range and can effectively enhance driving safety. However, the number of airbags is limited to just two, which is somewhat lacking compared to competitors offering four or six airbags. Additionally, the Executive version does not include a reversing camera and only comes with rear parking sensors. For novice drivers, extra attention to the surroundings might be necessary when reversing.

Overall, the 2022 Proton Exora 1.6T Executive CVT's core advantages lie in its flexible 7-seat space, practical active safety configurations, and affordable pricing. Compared with competitors in the same class, its price is about RM 6,000 lower than the Perodua Alza 1.5 AV (RM 68,800). Although it lacks a central control screen and reversing camera, it features lane change assist and an autonomous emergency braking system. Compared with the Proton Exora Premium variant (RM 69,800), the Executive version is RM 7,000 cheaper. The main differences are the absence of a central touchscreen, HUD head-up display, and reversing camera, making it more suitable for users with lower entertainment configuration requirements.

This car is most suitable for families with a budget between 60,000 to 70,000 Malaysian Ringgit, who focus on practicality and safety. If your daily needs involve picking up and dropping off children, taking family on short trips during weekends, and occasionally transporting large items, the Exora Executive is fully capable of meeting these scenarios. It does not have particularly notable shortcomings, and its performance is relatively balanced, making it a cost-effective family MPV.

Overall, the 2022 Proton Exora 1.6T Executive CVT is a "pragmatic" family MPV that provides adequate space, practical configurations, and reliable safety assurance at an affordable price. Although it compromises slightly on entertainment features, it is still a worthy option for families seeking good value for money.