As teased by the carmaker yesterday, the 2019 Proton Exora RC (RC for running change) has been launched. This is the third update for the seven-seater MPV that has been around since 2009 – the Exora Bold made its debut in 2011, followed by an enhancement two years ago.

Unlike the recently-facelifted 2019 Iriz and Persona, there’s no comprehensive rework for the long-serving MPV that’s into its last legs now, just enhancements in terms of equipment. Most of the new stuff is in the cabin, and we’ll start there.

The Exora is the latest recipient of the seven-inch touchscreen head unit based on Geely’s Global Key User Interface (GKUI), with “Hi Proton” voice commands and 4G internet connection via an embedded eSIM card (1GB free data per month for five years). A version of the system that made its debut on the X70 SUV, it has functions such as online music streaming, live navigation, smartphone connectivity, mirroring for Android and WiFi hotspot, among other things.

The MPV (a full-size C-segment one, Proton reminds) also gets the new instrument cluster as seen on the Iriz and Persona facelifts, and there’s ‘Proton’ lettering on the lower section of the new headunit housing.

Speaking of that, the centre stack has been redesigned – the dashtop clock is gone and the whole panel is now rendered in piano black with a silver bezel for a classier appearance. Below that, there are now two USB ports in front of the cupholders, and a 12V socket – an improvement on the previous single USB port.

There’s also a “borderless” rear view mirror, as found on the latest top-tier Iriz/Persona. The seats get new semi-leatherette upholstery with a quilted pattern, which is repeated on the door cards. The exterior receives a new Rosewood Maroon colour option and a shark fin antenna on the existing black-painted roof.

The Exora – which rolls on 16-inch two-tone wheels – is powered by the familiar 1.6 litre Campro turbocharged engine making 140 PS and 205 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, paired with a CVT. The SAT (stepped automatic transmission) button for the latter has been deleted as Proton found that few used it. Other under-the-skin improvements not listed in the brochure are improved suspension tuning and engine mounts for lower NVH. Proton also worked to reduce cruising wind noise.

While the improvements are welcome, the biggest news is the price reduction and packages from Proton. The Exora is available in two variants – the Executive at RM59,800 and the Premium for RM66,800, OTR without insurance. That’s a RM2,208 and RM2,547 reduction in price, respectively, compared to the outgoing Executive/Executive Plus.

Proton is throwing in a service package with three times free labour service, and free 1GB of data for five years. There’s also a special insurance coverage package and low interest rates from 2.76% per annum. Check out the images of the slides below for details.

That’s not all. Those buying the Exora this year (before 31 December) will get five years (or 11 times) of free labour service. In addition, the first 1,000 buyers get a bonus of two years free road tax (one year for company registration). Include the value of the freebies and packages, the lower OTR price, and the early bird bonus, and the total value added over the previous Exora is RM4,233 for the Executive and RM5,652 for the Premium.

On the safety kit front, there are two airbags, ABS and EBD. ESC is only for the Premium. Opting for the Premium over the Executive also gets you LED daytime running lights, a rear fog lamp, electric fold wing mirrors, side skirts, rear spoiler, black roof/rear garnish, leather steering, steering buttons, cruise control, semi-leatherette seats, driver’s vanity mirror (vs front passenger only), front row seat fold-down armrests, reverse camera and the seven-inch “Hi Proton” head unit.

For the full list of specs, and to compare the 2019 Exora side-by-side with other budget MPVs, check out CarBase.my.

GALLERY: 2019 Proton Exora RC Premium



GALLERY: 2019 Proton Exora RC Executive

GALLERY: 2019 Proton Exora RC official photos