Lotus has been helping Proton for quite some time now. Their strengths are in the area of creating a chassis that hugs the road and soaks up the bumps without unsettling the car’s poise. Proton’s brand new Exora sets them walking in new territory; the territory that sees families and small businesses gazing at their exciting new product. The Proton Exora has been designed for carrying more cargo and more people about. And with Lotus on-board, the end result is a nice looking seven-seater that is capable of a fun drive.

A close look at the Proton Exora chassis shows that there is solid componentry underneath which gives the Exora a nimble feel on the road. A torsion beam at the rear links with a Macpherson set-up at the front, and out on the open road the small, sharp-looking MPV flows nicely through the corners and provides good steering feedback to the driver. ABS with EBD balances braking actions to help stabilise the Exora well, even on slippery roads.

A choice of four Proton Exora models and two petrol engines help to give the Proton buyer a range of options. Top the line-up is the Proton Exora Premium CVT. In this model you’ll find the powerful CFE engine that boasts 103 kW of power from its 1.6-litre displacement. Quick response and a healthy level of torque (205 Nm @ 2000 – 4000 rpm) allow for strong performance for everyday action. You’ll find the Exora highly capable for carrying seven in comfort. Forced induction technology helps the 1.6-litre engine pull strongly – much like a 2.0-litre car.

Inside the Exora Premium is a spacious seating arrangement that’s lined with a classy leather upholstery as standard. Auto cruise control and a reverse camera are a couple of the features saved for the top model. DVD entertainment in the Premium model ensure the kids will enjoy any long excursion around Australia, while the GPS navigation system helps you and the kids follow key points along the trip.

All other Proton Exora models boast a smart seating fabric that looks elegant and hardwearing. The base model Exora 1.6 comes with an MP3 audio system, an adjustable tilting steering column, central locking, an alarm with keyless entry, electric windows and an LED indicator for both wing mirrors. The engine immobiliser helps stop theft, while, being equipped with a manual transmission as standard, the Exora 1.6 base model (93 kW) is actually as quick as the more powerful CVT model from 0-100 km/h.

Exterior design and detailing is excellent on the new Proton Exora. Certainly a good-looker from any angle, the sleek bonnet lines and pointed, triangulated headlights give a stylish edge to the cars sporty appearance. A low front air dam houses some nicely designed vents for engine cooling, while the Premium model gets front fog lamps and a rear spoiler. Side skirts and flared wheel arches complete the fine Exora appearance.

I think the extra little bit of money spent on the Executive and Premium Exora models is money well spent. If only one person is driving the base model all the time, the single airbag for the driver and front pre-tensioning seatbelts is fine, but I reckon if you are taking the family about a lot the dual SRS airbags in the Executive and Premium models is the way to go.

All-in-all, the Proton Exora is a well presented vehicle that should sell well – given the competitive pricing and high level of luxury features.

The current Proton Exora models include the:

• Exora 1.6 (Manual Transmission)
• Exora 1.6 Executive (Manual Transmission)
• Exora 1.6 Executive (Automatic)
• Exora 1.6 Premium (CVT, 103 kW)

For any more information on the Proton Exora or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Proton dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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