Motorstop Review Summary
| Styling |  | Roominess |  | |
| Handling | | Running Costs | | |
| Comfort | | Value for Money |  | |
| Quality + Reliability | | Equipment | | |
| Performance |  | Environment | |
Styling
Styling an MPV is never easy. The large dimensions often lead to boxy, awkward designs. And to be frank, we were worried that Exora might turn out too similar to Proton Juara. Fortunately, our concerns were quickly dismissed when we saw Exora in the flesh. Longer than Toyota Innova, Exora appears modern and well-proportioned. No, the styling is not the most exciting, but for Proton's first MPV, we think it is a job well done.
Handling
Proton makes generally good handling cars. And Exora is no exception, possessing the kind of dynamics that put more expensive rivals to shame. Exora handles with fluency, controlling body movements and gripping on relatively well through corners. The soft setup brings more body roll than we are used to in Proton sedans, but it is never excessive. Also, the well-weighted steering provides good feedback—an important feature that most of Exora's rivals fail to proffer.
Comfort
Like the handling, the ride quality is impressive, proving to be smooth and comfortable over most road imperfections.. The well-damped suspension smothered bumps and potholes, which would have most definitely caught out Exora's rivals. Cruising refinement is commendable, too, with little engine, road and wind noise intrusion. The driving position affords a nice-to-hold steering wheel and seat-height adjustments, although the steering column only adjusts for height. All-round visibility benefits from the high seating position, while the fronts seats are properly supportive.
Quality + Reliability
As is the case for many Protons, the cabin quality is often the area that puts customers off. Exora's dashboard has all controls clearly laid out, and they work as intended. Ergonomics are sound, too, as everything including the driving controls is well-positioned. The problem is that the dashboard looks and feels second-rate; Neither the material quality nor the fit-and-finish can hold a candle to rivals'. Then comes the key issue of reliability: The underlying mechanicals such as the engine and transmission have been proven over time, but will the electricals and cabin construction withstand the rigours of family life? Time will tell.
Performance
Exora is driven by the familiar 1.6-litre Campro CPS engine, mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearboxes. On the roads, the 125 bhp, 150 Nm engine struggles to move Exora's substantial mass along—due to the lack of low-end to mid-range grunt—therefore requiring constant downshifting to gain speed for overtaking. And that is before a full load of passengers and luggage. The automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, though the manual gearbox offers one more gear ratio and better control over which gear to be in, which would improve the overall drivability.
Roominess
An MPV has to be spacious and practical—something that Exora can live up to. Being a full-size MPV, Exora has far more space than rivals such as Nissan Grand Livina and Toyota Avanza, rivalled only by Toyota Innova. Along with ample storage compartments and ten cup-holders, every row comes with air-conditioning vents for maximum comfort (except for B-Line). The 60/40 split-foldable middle row seats and 50/50 split-foldable rearmost seats can each be folded down in a fuss-free, convenient manner.
Running Costs
The 1.6-litre is reasonable in terms of fuel consumption. But while that holds true for Proton sedans, Exora would require more trips to the petrol stations. Being heavier and carrying up to seven passengers plus luggage on board mean the 1.6-litre engine will be pushed hard more of the time, which would increase fuel intake. Servicing should be affordable, however. Due to Exora's increasing numbers and Proton's image/reliability issues, depreciation is yet another area of concern. Proton will have to convince the public that Protons are quality, reliable cars before resale values have a chance of recovering.
Value For Money
Proton has good reason to be proud because they got so much of Exora right; all the more impressive since this is their first attempt at a body style away from sedan/hatchback. There are areas to improve on, such as the lacklustre cabin build quality that does not do the rest of Exora justice. The weak on-road performance needs attention, too. But from the looks, ride-handling, refinement, ergonomics, practicality, spaciousness to the equipment level, Exora matches or outperforms rivals. Bring in the price factor, and Exora just represents excellent value for money.
Equipment
M-Line gets standard equipments including 15" alloy wheels, electric windows and side mirrors, steering wheel audio switches, radio/CD/MP3/WMA/Bluetooth audio system, keyless remote entry, reverse sensors, central locking, dual airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and ABS with EBD. Hi-Line adds leather seat/door trim, front fog lamps, rear spoiler, cruise control, tinted glass, and roof-mounted DVD player with flip-down LCD monitor and SD/MMC/USB connectivity. The latest B-Line loses a number of items—notably the alloy wheels, second-row air-con blowers, third-row headrests, reverse sensors, ABS with EBD, front passenger airbag and front passenger seatbelt pretensioner—while some other items such as the side mirror housings, outer and inner door handles, gear knob, panel shift lever and centre panel finishing are all finished in matte black.
Environment
The carbon dioxide emissions level is on the high side for a 1.6-litre engine, and the fuel economy is not likely to be great with the constant pushing of the engine in order to gain speed. However, Exora's capacity for seven lessens the environmental impact caused per person.
