Proton Exora Tested

privileges that no likeness

It's already been a while since the Manual Transmission launch, finally I called up the Sales Supervisor of Pelantar Sistem S/B (a comprehensive Proton dealer) to arrange for a real test drive session.

I am proud to post my personal comments as it is different from typical Malaysian way of assessing a car (they normally trust rumours, knock the panels, slam the doors as well as justify by brands, which is shallow i think).

Here's the process, i brought wife along and expect showroom to allocate 2 more people to tag along so that tests can be performed with at least 4 human beings onboard, they have a very good test route by nature with a combination of bumps, potholes, uphill and slopes (go behind Plaza Phoenix and you'll know what i mean). The engine was started around 7pm, once online i was greeted by fully illuminated meter panel (looks better than optitron IMHO), and my first move was to reverse this 7-seater out from the canopy, i was kind of worried to familiarise myself to this lengthy MPV but at that moment i found myself worried too much, it was easy.

Due to so many rumours flew around about underpowered and problematic powertrain, i had put my main focus into the power delivery in the session, and it seems the cruise was very smooth even i had to slow down for speedbumps on a steep uphill, we felt happy as it didn't have any problems to regain torque, certainly this CamPro 1.6 CPS is very impressive to move 1.4 tonne of weight gracefully.

Public was easily misguided when they actually liked to drive A/T models, power output was scaled down by torque converter whilst this could be barely felt on smaller cars, became obvious when engine capacity is just enough for the weight, in this case the Exora, i had many discussions with a lot of people about mismatched configuration by putting 1.6 A/T for such a heavy MPV, therefore it is natural for the automatic gearbox to continuosly change gears or being reluctant to move, and this is not a fault but rather imperfect configuration.

It is suffice to say that real intended buyers of MPV will not look for excessive horsepower so that they can spin the wheels at traffic lights, therefore by choosing the manual version already put the issue far becoming irrelevant.

Back to drive and comfort:
- Cabin is quiet, suspension is nicely balanced (soft enough for comfort seating but not bouncy either upon rough roads), the well known Lotus drive and handling.
- Air-conditioning was mind blowing from speed-2 onwards, freezing cold for all 3 rows.
- Noise is very minimum and better than Persona, cabin fittings are good and quiet, engine sound during acceleration was muffled so nothing much of noise disturbance.
- I notice some slight improvements over the first production batch, steering wheel materials changed to better ones as well as the thicker compartment cover.
- Tried a short distance sprint and 1.6 CPS gave amazing response, for a 1.4 tonne thing with passengers.
- Found the audio player links seamlessly with bluetooth phones for handsfree via vehicle's sound system, plus answering buttons on steering wheel.
- BCM (body control module) is very thoughtful, doors don't unlock during powerdown to prevent destination hijacks, loads of user programmable AI features.

To summarise in fewer words: worth every cent for RM64,998.00