Essential Motoring 101

There has been endless buzzing on Proton’s debut in the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment with its Exora (sounded after an exotic flower Ixora, in a naming contest organised by the manufacturer) and what seemed to be the determining  factor for Proton to regain its customers’ trust and, hopefully,  its sales volume in view of the current economic slump.

Introducing Malaysia’s first-ever MPV, the Proton Exora!

Love it or hate it, the Exora has been long-waited by Malaysian folks and now with the heated competition from the Japanese carmakers, Proton looks confident in giving these competitors a run for their money, what with the brave market penetration into the already-tough Chinese market. However, the Middle East market would be the best playing field for Proton to shine in volume and profits, but we’ll see..

It’s no simple matter in creating the Exora

I haven’t test driven the Exora yet but according to media sources, the MPV is quite a performer for a huge people-carrier that seats seven. Using the enhanced 1.6L  Campro engine, there are remarks that the somewhat puny engine (for its size) wouldn’t be able to haul full loads but it proved to be otherwise. In the rumour mill, Proton would be releasing a diesel-powered Exora some time end of the year but for now lets just remain it a hearsay.

All the workings that keeps the mind at ease

The Exora’s tight nemesis would be the best-selling MPV from Nissan, the Grand Livina 1.6L. Although there is a 1.8L variant, the Grand Livina 1.6L is by far the most affordable MPV to exist ever since the demand for MPVs started where Toyota brought in the Avanza at an opportune time, then.

It’s not a mammoth of a size compared to its rival

For anyone to buy a vehicle, pricing is the main factor followed by the features of the car but then the aesthetics value of the vehicle goes almost hand-in-hand with the overall offering. Affordability will be the main concern here in deciding which car to buy but since the Exora will be priced below RM80K, I think we have a winner here.

The chart is a comparison between the Exora and the Grand Livina. With both having the same engine capacity but defers in terms of body size, the Exora wins hands-down with its body length of 4592mm versus the Livina’s 4420. Six-footer passengers would not feel opressed  in the Exora because of its cabin height of 1691mm, which is way much higher than the Livina’s.

The man on the street would question whether the Exora’s 1.6L engine would be able to withstand the pressures of weight. Looking at the figures, the 125bhp from the Exora outperforms its rival by 20 horsepower, an evident sign of positive power-to-weight ratio, perhaps.

Not the most sexiest butt but it serves a purpose

Price-wise, the Exora takes pole position with a starting price tag of RM72,000 and based on scoops from other blogs, the Exora comes packed with lots of goodies for the driver and passengers, in what looks like an effort by Proton to win back its customers with the little nitty gritty comfort-making creations inside the vehicle.

A first for  a Proton – indicators for unclosed doors

I am not endorsing that the Exora is the best MPV to own as compared to the Grand Livina but if both models were to launch at almost the same time, pricing would be the determining factor to go ahead buying the car.

Simple but it is practical

And looking at the suitability of if these vehicles for the mass market, sometimes pricing takes a backseat if the vehicle is able to fulfill the needs of the buyer. You will not fork out money to buy a car that do not give you the extra edge in putting in the correct piece of  jigsaw into the picture that you envisioned.

The dashboard with integrated gear lever

There are 6 colour choose – Pyrite Brown, Gaia Blue, Genetic Silver, Tranquillity Black, Blue Haze and Solid White.

Prices are RM 69,998 for Medium-Line and the High-Line is RM75,998 and both are on-the-road without insurance. For peace of mind, Proton is offering an extended warranty of 175,000km or 5-year warranty, or whichever comes first.

I love the tail lights, really. (Pic by A.Lim)

So here we have it, the few things, my opinion, one needs to consider in making the purchase of one’s second most expensive item after a house. If you think the Exora is made for you and your family, go ahead and book one today.

For more details or a test drive, key in PROTON TD and send it to 016-2054088. You will receive a call from the sales advisor.