A new video is out on our YouTube channel. This time its our experience trying out the slightly refreshed 2019 Proton Exora Premium 1.6 T(Turbo) CVT during the recent media test drive up to Bukit Tinggi, Pahang and back to Shah Alam. It was short, but we did manage to find out some new things about the C Segment 7 Seater MPV.
The 2019 Exora Premium and its lower priced Executive variant are the lowest priced MPVs or SUVs that can carry 7 full grown adults comfortably. Priced from RM59,888 onwards, these two variants really bring good value for your money. There are not many changes from the 2017 model as on the exterior, only a shark fin antenna is new as well as an extra colour - that nice copper/bronze brown colour. Other than that, the same alloy wheels and the LED driving lights are as per the 2017 facelift.
Inside, you now get the GKUI infotainment system that you can issue voice commands to - change radio stations, ask about the weather etc. It would not change air conditioning temps or lower the windows but the more basic connectivity and internet stuff. Still impressive as Proton are still the only car manufacturer locally offering such an infotainment system at this low price. There are new nice looking seat and door panel trimmings also.
While the prices of the Exora is now lower, Proton has actually added some stuff like those mentioned above but they have also removed two side airbags which were offered. The Exora variants now have two front airbags but no more side airbags. These means that the Exora offers as much protection as offered by its rivals - the Perodua Alza, Aruz, Toyota Avanza, Rush all offer two airbags. What Proton has done is just give you what their competitors are giving you in terms of airbags.
Another notable point is that the ESC is only offered in the Premium variant and not with the more basic Executive Exora variant. So again, they have given what is industry average and not more than that.
I do think that this is the case of having equipment levels on par with their competitors and not more than that. They are still offering better driving performance from that nice chassis and that torquey turbocharged engine 140PS and 205Nm torque via a CVT gearbox driving the front wheels. They are also offering a talking infotainment system which their competitors still do not have. So right now, Proton has given, and also taken back some.
I still think that it offers great value due to its lower entry price, more space than other MPVs and SUVs..... and the fun to drive factor which you still can never find in a MPV at this price. One has to go see, try the MPV and then weigh the pros and cons against the Exora's competitors before making a final decision to purchase.
Go watch the video folks. Do subscribe for more content like this over on YouTube.
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