My blog has been getting a lot of search from the search engines on Proton Exora. Most of them are questions asking about Exora’s performance.

• Are there any problem with the new Proton Exora
• Proton MPV underpower
• Problem with Exora MPV pick up
• etc … etc …

I am not an engineer, so it is difficult for me to explain from an engineer’s point of view. I can only be near the engine , but still … I have no idea how to explain Proton Exora’s performance as a whole. I don’t own one either. The best thing I can do is ask someone who owns one. Maybe he can help to explain his experienced with the MPV in a layman’s term. Since I know a person (and also a blogger) who recently purchased one. I asked him a few questions and maybe the answers will help you to decide further whether to get a Proton Exora or not.

Zaki, how long have you been the proud owner of a Proton Exora?
Since end of May 2009.

How often do you use Exora? Daily to work, or only during the weekends when travelling with the whole family?
On daily basis. To work and to anywhere.

What’s the current mileage?
Nearly 20,000KM

Any problems with Exora so far?
When Exora reaches 7000 – 8000 KM, standby for the air cond to be not cold. This is due to the thermostat which is not following the correct specification, but if you buy Exora now, that problem I presumed have been settled by Proton. This problem only applies for the earliest batch of Exora.

How’s the performance in terms of handling and pick up? For someone who used to drive a more powerful car will always say the Exora is under power, but since you drive a Waja, how is Exora’s performance?
In terms of pickup, for an auto … I consider it is good. It is better than my mother’s Proton Wira Auto. That’s what I fell. This MPV is not for those who wants speed, or to race. It’s a comfortable family MPV. Acceleration is good for a 1.6 MPV. I have no complains. I can accelerate to overtake other cars when needed. Again, if you want speed and power, this is not the car for you. Get yourself a Mitsubishi EVO or maybe the cheaper Pesona. I’m saying this because I’m a family man and speed is not what I’m searching for.

How about Exora’s fuel consumption?
I have recorded and analyzed my Exora’s performance. After 6 refills, early analysis indicates that for city driving, for 1 litre of petrol, it can go about 10 KM. A full tank ranges between RM85 – RM89. A full tank can go from 405 KM to 420 KM. For long distance drive, it can go up to 530 KM for a full tank (with 6 people in Exora). Recorded on June 5, 2009, when driving from Johor Bahru to Trengganu. Hope the info helps.

There you go. An experience with Proton Exora after 7 months. If you have more question, you can directly ask the proud owner of a white Proton Exora, here.

p/s
If you are divided between Exora and Alza, here’s what you can do. If you prefer to get a bigger Myvi, get Perodua ALZA but if you want an MPV, get Proton Exora. The rule only applies for those who plan to get a national car and money is a factor. If you don’t like national cars and you have lots of money to throw away, don’t get either. You are better of with other manufacturers.

If this is the real thing, and the price is between RM71K to RM76K, I have only 1 word for it. Wow!

[Update 16 April 2009]
It’s true! The Proton Exora picture above is the real thing. Missed the launch yesterday. Did drop by a Proton Edar showroom at 6:30PM, but the car was still covered.

The close encounter was during lunch today. The Exora looks more spacious than other MPVs in its engine class. Even spacier than my 2.0 Citra.

From the front, it looks similar to a Honda, don’t you think?

The Proton Exora, is powered by a 1.6-liter CamPro CPS engine while the transmission is by Mitsubishi. For a MPV that size, not sure how’s the performance. I just hope that it will not be a big letdown like toyota Avanza 1.3. You have to test to find out, but make sure you bring along the whole family.

First impression – for the price between RM69,998 and RM75,998 with good looking exterior design, plus the spacious interior and extended warranty of 175,000km (or five years), this car will be a hot item.

The current Proton Exora price list for the H-Line and the M-Line, effective 15 April 2009, which I got from Proton Edar. The price differences is due to the accessories, and the H-Line comes with a GPS.

This is the interior and exterior differences among Exora CPS, Grand Livina 1.6 and Avanza 1.4. Find a place where you can find a Proton, Nissan and Toyota showroom next to each other, then you will really know the actual differences

Now that you have seen the pictures, head over to your nearest Proton showroom and book one