Monday's launch of the updated Proton Exora was followed by a media test-drive of the MPV from Shah Alam to Bukit Tinggi Resort.

Here's what you get for the 2019 Exora. It offers running changes that includes improved components and a touchscreen infotainment system similar to the units in the 2019 revised Proton Persona and Iriz.

The national carmaker’s seven-seat MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) is priced on-the-road without insurance at RM59,800 (Exora 1.6T Executive) and RM66,800 (Exora 1.6T Premium).

Both the Exora variants get new stuff like a shark fin antenna for a sportier look, a meter cluster, and a borderless rear view mirror.

The Exora now has two USB ports and a 12V power socket, while Rosewood Maroon is also a new colour option.

Also standard on the Exora is a four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, two airbags, and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).

READ MORE: New Proton Exora launched


Only the Exora Premium gets a 7-inch touchscreen display with voice command, and an embedded eSIM card and apps for music streaming, online navigation and weather updates as well as smartphone connectivity and a mirror function for Android devices.

The voice recognition app is accessed by saying "Hi Proton!".

Also exclusive for the Exora Premium are Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a reverse camera, as well as side skirtings, a rear spoiler, black rear garnish and black roof top.

Extra kit on the Exora Premium include steering wheel audio switches, cruise control, semi leatherette seats, front row seat armrests, powered folding wing mirrors, daytime running lights and rear fog lamps.



The Exora is still powered by a 1.6-litre Campro VVT turbocharged engine with 140ps and 205Nm of torque, which is mated to CVT (continuously variable transmission).

However, Proton vehicle programme executive (engineering and technical) Gao Feng, seconded from Geely Auto, said the powertrain in the Exora was re-calibrated for a smoother drive and improvements were also made for lower NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).

So what's the drive like? 

For the motoring media, Proton organised a 83km drive from Proton Centre of Excellence, Shah Alam to Bukit Tinggi resort in the 2019 revised Exora.

All the test drive units were the Premium variant fitted with the new touchscreen infotainment system.

We tried the voice command feature with the now familiar "Hi Proton!" greeting, and found the system responding well when commands are spoken clearly in a quiet environment.

The system understands quite a number of voice commands such as "Navigate to Bukit Tinggi", "Frequency 92.9", "Volume up" and "Tomorrow's weather".



We had three adults in the car and there was plenty of grunt when we stepped hard on the accelerator pedal on the uphill highway streches.

The Exora never felt underpowered and power delivery was linear and responsive.

Handling was decent and most drivers did not find it difficult to keep up with the fast-moving convoy of Exora units, on the uphill and downhill sections of the Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway.

The Exora felt planted on the winding and curvy highway, and also tackled the twisty, hilly road with sure-footed composure when we made the steep ascent up to the resort.

In summary, our quick drive experience served to underline Proton's claim of class-leading performance and handling for the Exora.

2019 updated Proton Exora 1.6T Executive

- 1,561cc 16 Valve DOHC, VVT Turbo
- 140ps at 5,000rpm
- 205Nm at 2,000 - 4,000rpm
- 55 litre petrol tank
- CVT (continuously variable transmission)
- Hydraulic Power Steering
- MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser Bar / Torsion Beam Axle
- front ventilated disc / rear solid disc brakes
- 205/55 R16 alloy wheels
- 1,447kg kerb weight
- 4,610 x 1,809 x 1,691 (Length x Width x Height in mm)
- 2,730mm wheelbase
- 155mm ground clearance
- Halogen headlamps
- Manual Fold wing mirrors with turn signal lamps
- Shark Fin Antenna
- Urethane Steering Wheel Material
- 12V Power Socket
- 2nd & 3rd Row Air Conditioning
- Fabric seats
- 4 audio speakers with standard audio system
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 2 USB ports
- Front SRS Airbags
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
- Rear Parking Sensors

2019 updated Proton Exora 1.6T Premium (extra kit)

- 1,465kg kerb weight
- Daytime Running Lamps
- Rear Fog Lamp
- Electric Fold wing mirrors with turn signal lamps
- Side Skirting
- Rear Spoiler
- Black Rear Garnish
- Black Roof Top
- Leather Steering Wheel Material
- Steering Switches for Audio & Hands-Free Telephone
- Cruise Control
- Semi Leatherette seats
- Sunvisor with Vanity Mirror for driver
- Front Row Seat Armrests
- 7” Touch Screen Monitor with
- Voice Command
- Online Navigation
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Reverse Camera

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