2023 Proton Exora

Proton Exora 2023 Review

It is the first of its kind, although perhaps it may also be the last of its lineage for Proton. The Proton Exora can lay claim to be Malaysia’s first MPV developed from the ground up and manufactured locally – although technically the Proton Juara lays claim to being Proton’s first MPV. It was first unveiled back in 2009 with two variants, both powered by the now discontinued 1.6-litre CamPro CPS engine.

In 2010, Proton launched the first of its facelifts for the Exora. and the following year there were the first of the Exora variants with the turbocharged 1.6-litre CFE powerplant. A second facelift was brought forward by 2015, with further enhancements introduced in 2017. The most recent update for the Proton Exora was finally introduced in the second quarter of 2019, with two variants on offer that continue until today.

While there were two engine and transmission variants across the range, that eventually was streamlined to just one powertrain on offer – and this is also part of Geely’s work in paring down the number of options to improve production efficiency, and optimizing costs.

Proton Exora 2023 Specifications

There is but a singular engine that powers the Proton Exora, and it just so happens that the Proton Exora is the only Proton model which still uses this engine. We’re talking about the turbocharged 1.6-litre CamPro CFE engine which was included in models like the Proton Preve and Proton Suprima, and has outputs of 138 hp and 205 Nm of torque.

All of that power is delivered solely to the front wheels through a CVT-type automatic transmission, for efficiency and smoothness (though the latter is debated at times). The chassis of the Proton Exora is not the multi-link design you might expect based on the Preve and Suprima, but instead a torsion beam rear axle which affords it better bootspace and legroom. The front suspension design is a simple MacPherson strut as you would expect.

Dimensions for the Proton Exora are consistent across the range, with a wheelbase of 2,730 mm, a length of 4,610 mm, and a width of 1,809 mm. Kerb weights are a little hefty due to the nature of construction – like most of Proton’s homegrown vehicles – and start at 1,447 kilograms, going up to 1,465 kilograms.

Proton Exora 2023 Exterior

Rather surprisingly, the Proton Exora is flat across the range in terms of exterior design. Yes, it’s a very typical MPV shape. All models have 16-inch alloy wheels and halogen headlights, as well as a stubby shark fin antenna and door mirrors with integrated turn signal lamps. The entry level 1.6T Executive CVT does without the side skirting, rear spoiler, black rear garnish, and black roof top of the other variants – the 1.6T Premium CVT and the Black Edition. Daytime running lights are also only limited to the two higher variants, while rear fog lamps are available only on the 1.6T Premium CVT. Over the years, 17 different paint colours have been offered for the Proton Exora – of these, only six colours remain.

Proton Exora 2023 Interior

The interior of the Proton Exora is unfortunately still rooted in models from two generations ago, though attempts have been made to modernize it and bring it up to scratch. The seats in particular have been updated with some better material and nicer stitching, as well as quilted design for the door trims. The rear seats can fold forward to expand boot space should you need more cargo room – though with all three rows up there is still a modest amount of room. The 1.6T Executive CVT gets a regular standard audio head unit, while the 1.6T Premium CVT and Black Edition variants get a seven-inch touch screen monitor in its place.

The 1.6T Executive CVT gets a urethane steering wheel wrap and fabric seat material, while the 1.6T Premium CVT ups this to a leather steering wheel wrap and semi-leatherette seat materials. Limited to the Black Edition is a full leatherette setup for the seats.

Proton Exora 2023 Safety Features

Being a model that hails from an older time, the Proton Exora doesn’t have much in the way of active or advanced safety systems. All variants still get front airbags, ABS with EBD, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear parking sensors, and an immobilizer and anti-theft alarm. Omitted from the entry level 1.6T Executive CVT variant is electronic stability control, and a reverse camera.

This isn’t the fault of Proton, not is it the fault of the Exora. It falls into the same category as cars that happened to be launched around the mid 2010s, or have had their lifespans extended well beyond what you would commonly expect – the timing simply doesn’t suit the adoption and integration of advanced driver assistance systems like autonomous emergency brake or blind spot monitoring.

Proton Exora 2023 Strengths & Weakness

The Proton Exora is far from a new model, and it is far from fresh. It also doesn’t happen to have much in the way of interior and exterior styling or features that makes it a particularly standout candidate – and ultimately that is the reason why it’s finding it difficult to remain competitive in this day and age when there are so many options on the market.

But it is still a Proton – which means great ride and handling. It also does have a robust powertrain – perhaps not the CVT transmission which can be a bit of a drag, but it is the last model still available with Proton’s turbocharged CFE 1.6-litre engine. It’s also perhaps the last relic of its time, as every other model has been replaced by entirely new generations, and there are entirely new models on the range introduced since the initial launch of the Exora.

Proton Exora 2023 Price

Of the three variants from which you can choose for the Proton Exora, the cheapest would be the 1.6T Executive CVT which runs you RM 59,800.00 and is available in both metallic and solid colours. The 1.6T Premium CVT will cost you RM 66,800.00 and is also available in either metallic or solid colours. The limited-run Black Edition variant costs RM 69,800.00 and is, as you guessed it, only available in black metallic.

Proton Exora 2023 Features

A lot of the functionality that you may find in the Proton Exora is related to the actual head unit that is present – which means the entry level 1.6T Executive CVT model doesn’t get a lot of it What it does retain is Bluetooth connectivity and a four speaker setup. The other two variants get voice command, online music streaming, online navigation, online weather forecasting, and smartphone connectivity – like Apple Car Play or Android Auto. There is also a 4G and Wi-Fi setup, similar to the most modern Proton onboard systems. Also surprising is the inclusion of cruise control on the top two variants.

Proton Exora 2023 Fuel Consumption

There is no current manufacturer quoted fuel consumption figure for the Proton Exora, but the last known figure was roughly 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres, which works out to 12.8 kilometres per litre if you’re light on the pedal. Being turbocharged and coming with a CVT-type automatic transmission, that figure can vary quite wildly if you happen to be a little heavyfooted.