Proton Exora Turbo Now Cheaper at RM69,000

Fancy a turbocharged Proton Exora to haul those 6 passenger in hurry but can't quite afford the Exora Bold Premium? Your prayer has been answered quietly by Proton with the introduction of the Proton Exora Bold CFE Standard, effectively displacing the CPS-powered Exora Bold Executive. The new variant of the Proton Exora slipped quietly to the showroom, and it is priced from RM68,550. The Premium version is priced at RM79,562, while the Exora Bold Executive (CPS) was RM66,762.

Externally, the Exora Bold Standard wears the facelifted body like the rest of the range, but with the fog lamp, rear spoiler and alloy wheels eliminated. Meaning that it will look like the rest f the updated Exora with the bolder (no pun intended) front bumper, updated rear bumper and smoked rear light. Interior-wise, it is on par with the Exora Bold Executive, meaning that it is fabric upholstered, silver-lined centre console, no DVD player and the auto-cruise and reverse camera deleted. Steering wheel-mounted audio switch is gone too. No bid deal though.

Safety wise, the 4,592mm long Proton MPV is still protected by dual SRS, and the ABS and EBD is retained too. There are no mechanical change to the setup offered on the more expensive Bold Premium.

For a reminder, the turbocharged CFE engine produced a healthy 138hp@5,000rpm and 205Nm of torque from 2,000-4,000rpm. Read more about Proton CFE engine HERE.

The only drawback is the color choice. You must like the lighter hue to Proton Exora or else you have to pick up the other variant. For Proton Exora Bold CFE Standard, only Solid White and Genetic Silver are offered. However, at only RM68,550 do you think it is still smart to buy a RM69,503 Perodua Alza Advanced or RM64,203 Alza Premium? Think about it...Proton Exora deserves a bigger share of pie....

Malaysia Motoring News thinks Proton Exora Turbo drives like a dream for an MPV. Read about it HERE.

Photo source: BluePearlAuto
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Proton Exora Bold and Prime enter Indonesian market

Proton Edar Indonesia today launched two updated Exora models to Indonesian market, namely the Exora Bold H-Line and Exora Prime. Both model are powered by the turbocharged 1.6L engine called CFE which is capable of delivering the 2.0L performance upon needs. The pre-updated Exora has been on sale in Indonesia since August 2009, and so far about 2,000 units has been delivered.

For the Indonesian market, only the two highest grade of the facelifted Exora will be sold. This means that the facelifted model with CPS engine won't be available. Hence the differentiation comes in seating configuration where the Bold H-Line is full 7-seater while the more expensive Exora Prime is 6 seater. The reduction in one passenger comes from the courtesy of the captain seat for the second row.

For our Indonesian reader, MMN has written a comprehensive write-up about the new 1.6L turbocharged engine, the CFE so you can read it HERE, while we also has tested the turbocharged 7 seater Exora and we conclude that it delivers a punchy drive thanks to a responsive throttle response and excellence steering feel. The articles can be found HERE. We even think it is gutsier than the newer Preve sedan.

For the Indonesian market, Proton Exora Bold H-Line is priced at Rp 248m while the 6 seater Prime is 10m more at Rp 258m. With today exchange rate the price is not too different from Exora domestic market.

Proton unveiled Preve and Exora models at Australia International Motor Show

Proton has introduced  its latest two product into the Australian market with the debut of the Preve C Segment sedan and the Exora 7 seater MPV. For Preve, multiple variant will be offered, encompassing the entry level naturally-aspirated model and a range topper light pressure turbocharged unit. Exora MPV meanwhile will only be offered in the turbo guise.

Proton Preve is Proton's first C Segment sedan engineered with global homologation standard in mind. It was introduced in Malaysia in April 2012 (Read the Malaysian launch story HERE). For Australian market, the engine range is similar to Malaysian market. The entry level GX model is powered by Campro IAFM+ displacing 1.6L producing 108bhp@5,750rpm and 150Nm@4,000rpm. The drive is channelled to the front wheel with a choice of 5 speed manual or CVT gearbox with 6 preset ratios. Later in mid-2013, Preve range will be joined with the 1.6L CFE (Details on Proton's CFE engine HERE) engine which, thanks to its turbo-charger, punching out a healthy 138bhp@5,000rpm and 205Nm from 2,000rpm. Equipment level for the GX base model is generous, including the Stability Control, ABS, Front Active Headrest, Bluetooth and iPod-enabled audio system, as well as a truly spacious cabin with 508L of boot volume thrown in. The turbocharged GXR model gets an additional features such as paddle shifter, leather upholstery, sat-nav, auto headlight and wiper, cruise control and push start button. Preve measures 4,543mm long, 1,786mm wide and 1,524mm tall, while wheelbase is 2,650mm. More details and photos of Proton Preve can be seen HERE and HERE. The price for GX range starts from $18,990 for the manual and $20,990 for the CVT. Price for the GXR will be revealed closer to its launch.

Proton Exora MPV actually has been hanging around Malaysian market since 2009. However, the model that Australian market is getting actually is the revised and facelifted version introduced late in 2011, called Exora BOLD in Malaysian market. While there is a range of engine choice in Malaysia, Australian market will only get the top line version powered by the 1.6L CFE engine as per Preve, coupled with the CVT gearbox, and will be offered in two trims, GX and GXR. The higher-line model will gets reverse camera, daytime running light, roof mounted DVD player, as well the customary ABS and ESC. Both Preve and Exora comes with 5 years warranty or 150,000km warranty.

Proton Exora Bold and Prime launched

Proton has unveiled their much awaited Exora BOLD and PRIME today. The updated Proton Exora can now be have in 5 versions. The Standard model is essentially the base-line model, which is devoid of the updated styling package (except that it still gets the smoked head and tail lamps) and is manual-geared only. Next-up in the line is the Exora Bold range, which kicks from Executive (5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic). The Exora Bold is the real facelifted model, as it gets the updated styling package consists of new front bumper and full skirting including rear valence. These three models soldiers on with the proven Campro CPS engine as per current Exora. The range starts to get interesting with the Proton Exora Bold Premium, which is powered by the new CFE engine, and drive its new-found power through the now-customary CVT gearbox. The range is topped by Exora Prime, which is a luxuriously-trimmed 6 seater version. 

As for the price, the manual Standard model now costs RM59,998, Bold Executive MT at RM70,998, Bold Executive 4AT at RM74,998, Bold Premium (CFE + CVT) at RM79,998 and finally the Prime at RM88,998. For direct comparison with the current Exora, the Standard model is only RM1,000 dearer. Meanwhile the Bold Executive MT is  RM5,450 more than current M-Line manual, while Bold Executive 4AT is RM4,450 dearer than the M-Line AT it succeeds. It is unfair to draw a comparison between Exora Bold Premium as it gets a host of improvement consisting of new soft-turbo engine, CVT, 4 wheel disc brakes and electrically folding side mirror.

Proton Exora BOLD Premium front end - a complete fascia makeover

The enhanced styling for Bold model onward deserved special mention here. The new front bumper has successfully removed the visual bulk that has long defecting the frontal appearance of the current model. The boxy bumper lines has been punched by the vertical air intakes on the outer edge of the front bumper. The lower radiator grille adopt a wide horizontal opening, which virtually widened the car look. The new grille is more formal looking than the current one, and blends really well with the new front fascia. This new grille is set to be a signature grille for current crops of Proton cars, starting from P3-21A. Smoked headlamp completes the frontal makeover.The Prime model gets a chrome housing for its fog light. 

Proton Exora Prime features additional touch of class over the BOLD model

Since the launch of current Exora, I have always felt that the rear light is overdone. In an effort to signify the presence of LED lighting, and in the midst of creating the so-called character in the constraint of space, the designer was probably fighting among his own ideas and ended up implementing all his ideas! Fortunately, all those tacky detailing has been blurred by the dark smoked effect. The bumper is c/o item, but has been given a new lease of live by the fitment of lower garnish which,due to the contrasting black color, has removed the visual mass from the rear. It appears lighter to the eye.Kudos to Proton for really transforming the look of their MPV in this styling exercise!

Identical rear end for BOLD and Prime. Rear combi drastically better than the overdone item on current Exora

The biggest news that public has eagerly waited all this while is the much lauded turbocharged engine. Dubbed CFE, stands for Charged Fuel Efficiency, the new powertrain started its life some years back as Project Pheonix. The major objective of this project was to create an engine for high-torque application, while at the same time have to be fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. The engine is not merely a turbo-charged Campro, as adding a turbocharger results in higher combustion pressure in the cylinder, thus necessity a total revision to the cranktrain systems, coolant and lubricant circuit, as well as stronger cylinder head, block and bedplate. Even the stroke is 2mm shorter at 86mm, resulting in 36cc less in capacity at 1,561cc while maintaining a high (for turbo engine) compression ratio of 10.0. The engine is rated for Euro 4 and 5 too. The results is 138bhp@5000rpm and 205Nm is available between 2000-4000rpm. As can be seen below, there a fat chunk of maximum torque available between the afore-mentioned engine speed, and this range is precisely what the driving rpm is for most drivers. So one can imagine the CFE-equipped Exora can be more move around more swiftly at around town driving.

The new heart gives the Exora Bold Premium the extra pace to accelerate to 100 km/h in 13.3 seconds, much faster than the CPS 4AT Exora which sprint (or crawl?) to the similar speed in pedestrian-like 15.7 seconds. Top speed for this turbo version is 185 km/h, compared to 165 km/h for the auto-geared CPS. Fuel consumption however has suffered a little bit, at a constant 90 km/h, the claimed figure for CFE CVT is 7.8 l/100km compared to 7.4l/100km achieved for non-turbo engine. Complementing the added performance, the Premium version is equipped with rear disc brake. The Premium version rides on larger 205/55 R16 as opposed to 195/65 R15.

Proton Exora Bold Premium interior. More brightwork than current model

There are some variation in the interior trim among the 5 model on offer. There's not much to talk about regarding the Standard Line, which soldiers on its black door inside handle and platingrau color in its centre console. The Bold like gets a liquid silver door inside handle, while the Executive model centre console is finished in same liquid silver replacing the platingrau scheme found on Standard model. The seats are finished in refreshed fabric scheme too. As for entertainment systems, the Executive version is now equipped with the DVD player which was only found on Hi-Line previously. The Premium version of Exora Bold gets all the bells and whistles in the form of leather upholstery for the seat and door trim, electric folding side mirror, rear camera projected in rear view mirror, cubic motif on centre console, auto-cruise, leather wrapped steering and liquid silver finishing on aircond vent surround. The Premium version meanwhile gets individual captain seat for the second row seat, whole occupants can enjoy the DVD integrated in front seat headrest. The liquid silver centre console finishing on the Premium has been replaced with simulated walnut in the Prime, together with different leather finishing on the seats and door trims. All model, bar the Standard, are equipped with ABS and EBD. The Standard model gets driver airbag, while other model are dual-SRS equipped. Read more after the jump.

Proton Exora BOLD ready for distribution

Proton Exora BOLD is due to be launched in January 2012. As depicted by Proton immediate launching plan is the last post, both Exora BOLD and Exora PRIME will be the curtain opener for Proton 2012. I think all the empty slots around the MVF plant now surely being filled by the new facelifted Exora. After all, those MPV looks lorry-bound already.

The new front end is more menacing looking compared to current angular lookout. The vertical side intake is inline with headlamp lines projected downward. The front grille is similar in design to the Proton P3-21A that we have seen so far. The only missing information right now is the detail technical detail on the new turbocharged Campro and the CVT gearbox. One more photo of older spyshot after the jump.

The shape of things to come from Proton in the near term

There's a continuous stream of leaked uncovered new Proton lately. This sets the precedence in building up public anticipation and eagerness of the much awaited product. Although the leaked is "unofficial", and perhaps is against the law especially those photoed inside the Proton premise, they do create an excitement for the buying market. The keyword such as Proton P3-21A, Proton Exora Turbo and Proton Saga FLX 1.6 are hot stuff nowadays. Thanks to blogsite like funtasticko, the photos are now can be seen online.

The immediately coming up launch is the Proton Saga FLX SE. Aping the Perodua Myvi SE strategy, the SE version of the Saga comes with bigger engine, as experimented a while back in limited edition Saga FL 1.6l. However, this time around, the bigger capacity car comes with a host of aesthetic enhancement such as more pronounced skirting all around, bigger 15" alloy wheel. A ducktail rear spoiler and smoked rear light complete the exterior makeover. In the cabin, the seats are now upholstered in leather trim.

The 1.6l Campro IAFM engine is paired with the CVT transmission, just like the Saga FLX 1.3l. The launch is said to be either end of this month or in December. The price will definitely be cheaper than the smaller-bodied and smaller-engined Perodua Myvi SE/Extreme but the final figure remained to be seen.

Another coming up model is the updated Proton Exora MPV. In less than 3 years in its life-cyle, the not-so popular Proton MPV is sets for its mid-life facelift and will gained a new drivetrain too. There's have been so much talked about the Campro Turbo engine, so this is the first model to receive such powertrain. Drive is expected to be channeled via the CVT gearbox too as the Saga FLX. The drivetrain will preview what we will see in the Proton P3-21A, a global car. Apart from the revised engine, the MPV will received a facelift too. New front bumper is already seen with different air intake arrangement. Rear disc brake will be featured too. Rear bumper will be garnished with blackened lower panel like the Proton Inspira. The revised MPV is rumoured to be called Exora BOLD. If  this is true, perhaps it is the disease infected from Perodua, a trend in calling the car with certain petname behind the main naming system. More after the jump.

Proton Exora Turbo - spied at NKVE

Arenakereta reported that the turbo-ed version of Proton Exora has been spotted at NKVE along Jalan Duta to Subang exit. The news was shared by its reader gurunmaju.

More details after the jump.

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.