Proton Exora Review

In the local C-Segment 7-seater MPV market, family users' demand for space practicality and basic configurations has always been dominant. As a model deeply rooted in this segment, the Proton Exora's 2022 Executive CVT version, priced at RM 62,800, focuses on balanced performance and value for money. In this test drive, we mainly evaluated its 7-seater space performance, daily usability of the powertrain, and whether the new active safety features are practical, to see if it can still meet the core needs of today’s family users.

From the front view, the 2022 Exora Executive continues Proton's family design language. The front grille is moderately sized, paired with chrome accents and the brand logo, creating an overall steady style. The side profile of the vehicle features smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, adding layers to the design. The anti-scratch strip at the bottom of the doors ensures practicality. At the rear, the LED taillight assembly adopts a horizontal layout, offering good recognition when illuminated, and the rear bumper design aligns with the overall style of the vehicle. As for the lighting system, automatic headlights come standard, making everyday use more convenient, though the low beams still use halogen bulbs, providing average nighttime visibility.

Sitting inside, the interior primarily adopts a dark tone, with the dashboard layout being simple and the position of buttons and knobs clear, making them easy to operate. Regarding materials, the top of the dashboard is made of hard plastic, but the armrest areas on the door panels are wrapped with soft materials, enhancing comfort during daily use. As for features, the multi-function steering wheel supports basic volume adjustment and telephone control. The instrument cluster features an LCD segmented design, clearly displaying information such as speed, RPM, and fuel consumption. The front row comes with manual air conditioning, and rear-seat independent air conditioning vents are standard, which is particularly useful for a 7-seater model. Notably, the interior includes standard 220V/230V power outlets for the convenience of rear passengers using electronic devices. However, the central control screen is limited to a basic audio system without a touchscreen, which is one of the key differences between the Executive version and the Premium version.

Space is a core advantage of MPVs, and the 2022 Exora Executive, with its 2730mm wheelbase and 4615mm body length, ensures ample interior space. The front seats offer manual adjustment with moderate support, providing around two fists of headroom for a passenger with a height of 175cm. The second-row seats support forward and backward sliding and reclining adjustments, with a maximum legroom of up to three fists, ensuring no crowding even when a child safety seat is installed. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or adults on short trips, offering about one fist of legroom and adequate headroom when the second-row seats are adjusted to a middle position. In terms of storage, the door panel storage slots can hold two bottles of water, the central armrest box has a medium capacity, and the third-row seats can be split 60:40 and folded down, expanding the trunk space to meet daily cargo needs.

For performance, this car is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine, producing a maximum power of 140PS and a maximum torque range of 2000-4000rpm, paired with a CVT gearbox. During daily driving, the power response is smooth at the start, and after the RPM exceeds 2000, the turbo comes into play, significantly enhancing acceleration. When overtaking and pressing the throttle hard, the gearbox simulates gear changes, offering continuous power output. The vehicle only offers a standard driving mode, with no sport or eco modes available, and its overall tuning leans towards home comfort. The chassis employs a front MacPherson independent suspension, and while the rear suspension was not explicitly stated, it is inferred to be a torsion beam non-independent suspension given its model positioning. It performs well in filtering out minor bumps on city roads; however, when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the rear passengers can feel considerable vibrations. The steering is light, suitable for daily commutes, and the steering wheel becomes slightly heavier at higher speeds, offering decent stability.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 9.78L/100km. During the actual test drive, the fuel consumption in urban congestion was about 11L/100km, while on highways it was about 8.5L/100km. Overall, the performance aligns with the level of a 1.6T 7-seater MPV. Regarding braking performance, the vehicle is equipped with ventilated disc brakes at both the front and rear, providing linear braking response and sufficient confidence in daily braking. For safety features, it comes standard with ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Autonomous Emergency Braking. However, it has only two airbags, which is fewer compared to some competitors.

As for ride comfort, the vehicle's noise control is at a mid-level within its class. At high speeds, wind and tire noise can be heard inside the cabin, but it does not hinder normal conversations. The seat padding is moderate, ensuring no significant fatigue even after long durations of sitting. However, the third-row seat support is slightly lacking. It's worth noting that this model does not have an automatic parking brake feature, requiring manual engagement of the handbrake on inclines, which is slightly inconvenient.

Overall, the key advantages of the 2022 Proton Exora 1.6T Executive CVT lie in its practical 7-seater space, comprehensive basic features (such as rear air conditioning and a 220V power outlet), and relatively affordable pricing. Compared to competitors in the same class, its space performance is on par, and its active safety features are relatively rich. However, the lack of a central touchscreen and fewer airbags are its shortcomings.

This vehicle is more suitable for families who value space and cost-effectiveness, especially those who frequently travel short distances with 5-7 passengers. If you require a central touchscreen or more airbags, you can consider upgrading to the Premium version for an additional RM 7,000. Overall, the 2022 Exora Executive CVT is a practical MPV that meets basic family needs, and its balanced performance gives it certain competitiveness in the local market.