Proton Exora - tested by Autocar UK

Our homegrown baby has been tested by Autocar UK and today 19/7/2011, the car is the prominent feature of this UK website. They were testing a Malaysian-spec car and have quoted that the UK-spec will be slightly differs in specification. In a nutshell, their verdict are:

-Price as tested is GBP 14,500

-Interior design looks modern, but made with uninspiring plastic

-Exterior not exactly a looker, however some angular fascias give it some road presence

-UK spec will get 16 inches wheel

-LOTUS contribution to chassis tuning is not clear to be felt, was said to be re-tune for UK-bound car

-Weak engine paired to archaic transmission, however, importantly, turbo and CVT combo to follow suit in 2012 and diesel to join the fray in 2014- this last fact is doubted as by then, Exora is already 5 years old

-It isn't a driver's car, it is however is a simple, inoffensive and comfortable MPV with plenty of kits and space for seven

-It needs a patience to be with it. Can't resist this last sentence

Full text from Autocar UK after the jump or through this link.

The following text is quoted directly from Autocar UK websites:

What is it?

This is our first drive of Proton’s seven-seat MPV, the Exora. The car was first introduced in Malaysia in 2009 and from 2012 becomes the fifth model in Proton UK’s line-up.

The car we’re testing here is the Malaysian-spec 1.6-litre petrol version, mated to a four-speed automatic. When it arrives in the UK, however, the engine will be turbocharged and paired with a CVT ’box instead. A diesel variant will follow in 2014.

What’s it like?

“Priced to sell” is how Proton describes the Exora. We’d agree. Inside, the quality of the plastics doesn’t inspire but there are a decent number of cubbyholes and the dash looks modern. This top-spec 1.6-litre H-line gets comfortable leather seats, reversing sensors, electric mirrors and windows, wheel-mounted switches and roof-mounted DVD as standard.

Outside, the Exora isn’t much of a looker, but angular front and rear bumpers and a neat front grille at least help to give it road presence.

Although Proton-owned Lotus has been involved in the engineering and dynamic development of this car, it’s hard to see and feel exactly where. The steering feels numb, and should you show it a tight corner, the tall body rolls precariously on its 15-inch alloy wheels. The UK version will get 16-inch wheels as standard, but it would also benefit from a chassis retune to tighten the handling

The archaic four-speed ’box works the engine hard and seems slow to swap ratios, partly because it has only 111lb ft of torque to feed off.

Should I buy one?

This is a car you’ll have to be patient with; it isn’t a driver’s car. What it is, however, is a simple, inoffensive and comfortable MPV, offering plenty of kit and space for seven. Priced to sell? Most definitely.