KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 — National car maker Proton has launched newly facelifted variants of the Exora, the country’s first home-grown multi-purpose MPV that was first launched in 2009. Available with a choice of two 1.6-litre engines, either naturally aspirated or turbo-charged and three types of transmissions, manual, automatic or CVT, the new Exora range now has five variants, kitted up in various combinations of engines, transmissions and trim.

The value-buy of the range, with a naturally aspirated engine (1.6 CPS) and manual transmission is offered at RM56,888, which is RM4,100 lower than its predecessor. The best offer is probably the next-in-line naturally aspirated 1.6 with an automatic transmission that sells at RM59,888.00, which represents an RM4,710 price reduction. The next three variants are the turbo-charged units in three trim levels, the Executive, the Premium, and the Super Premium, with prices RM3,100.00 lower than before. The Super Premium retails at RM81, 888.00. The turbo-charged variants all come with CVT.

Outputs of the engines are unchanged from before; the CPS, Proton’s first engine with cam phasing technology, makes 125hp and 150Nm, while the CFE offers 138hp and 205Nm.

Conveniently located and easy to see displays with the new Exora steering column. — Picture courtesy of Proton

Safety leads the way with enhancements applied to the new Exora. All variants come standard with dual frontal airbags, ABS, EBD, and reverse camera, while the Premium and Super Premium models additionally get side airbags, electronic stability control, daytime running lights, and rear fog lights.

For convenience and comfort, all-round power windows are standard, while the Premium and SP trims additionally get auto cruise, steering wheel audio switches, rear air-cond vents, ergonomic leather seats, and a DVD player.

The new Proton Exora variants are officially open for booking and test drives are available at all showrooms nationwide. Test drive units are the Premium version while the Super Premium variant can be viewed in selected dealerships. Seven colours are available for the new Exora: Solid White, Elegant Brown, Cocoa Grey, Genetic Silver, Tranquility Black, Luxury Blue, and Indiana Grey, the latter two being new colours introduced with this facelift.

“We have sold a total of 128,824 units to the public since we launched it in 2009 and the Exora is not only a popular choice in Malaysia but our neighbour countries, Thailand and Indonesia as well. We are optimistic to sell 2,000 units Exora a month and customers get to enjoy manufacturer's warranty of three years or 100,000 km, whichever occurs first,” said Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.

On-the-road prices of the new Proton Exora for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia with insurance and metallic paint are as follows: 1.6 CPS Standard MT RM56,888 (RM4,100 lower); 1.6 CPS Standard AT RM59,888 (RM4,710 lower); 1.6 CFE Executive CVT RM66,888 (RM3,100 lower); 1.6 CFE Premium CVT RM75,888 (RM3,100 lower); 1.6 CFE Super Premium CVT RM81,888 (RM3,100 lower).

Ample and neat interior in the forward section of the new Exora. — Picture courtesy of Proton