2022 Proton Exora coming soon with minor updates

2022 Proton Exora coming soon with minor updates

With the Saga having just been updated, the Exora is now Proton’s oldest model, untouched since the 2019 running change (RC). The seven-seater MPV is also the only one in its lineup not to feature the company’s new circular logo, meaning that it sticks out like a sore thumb.

Asked point blank at the 2022 Saga launch whether the Exora will receive a similar refresh this year, deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah simply said yes. The 2022 model will come with new features, he added, although they “will be less than the Saga,” so don’t expect any big changes for the ageing model. This certainly won’t be a facelift in the traditional sense.

As such, the 13-year-old Exora will remain largely unchanged since its 2011 facelift, during which it also received the 1.6 litre turbocharged Campro CFE engine and CVT. Roslan acknowledged that the car has survived on minor updates for some time now but said that while sales volumes are low (consistently between 400 to 500 units a month), there is still demand for the car, justifying its continued survival.

He also reiterated the company’s awareness of the oil cooler hose (OCH) issue that has plagued the CFE engine, saying that Proton’s engineers are in the midst of designing a new version of the part that he hopes will be more durable. He added that the company is still actively looking for customers who have actually experienced the problem.

Roslan said a more substantial facelift is indeed in the works for the Exora, involving not just visual changes inside and out but also potentially a new powertrain. He stopped short of mentioning which engine is being considered, but we can assume it will be either the X70‘s 1.8 litre turbocharged four-cylinder or the X50‘s 1.5 litre turbo three-pot.

He added, however, that the company is still having an internal discussion about the extent of the redesign, saying that the management has to be convinced the revisions will have to generate enough sales volume to justify the additional investment.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Knightrider on May 12, 2022 at 7:30 pm

    Since 2009 till now, still to sell this junk…Dont buy this old mpv or you’ll face problems can’t be corrected!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 82 Thumb down 24
    • Mohd Suhaimi Ismail on May 12, 2022 at 8:06 pm

      Yup, agreed. Proton has no other idea than face-lifting of ageing models. Tired of very minimal or no value added at all drama.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 4
      • Raja Celup on May 13, 2022 at 5:17 pm

        Theopilus Chin did this render, looks like Toyota Wish / Innova. Very simple yet attractive and still using same body. Why can’t Proton think about it ??

        https://paultan.org/2014/10/23/rendered-proton-exora-facelift-iriz-like-styling/

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
        • Because it is a render and not an original design? Duhh….

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
        • Anonymous on May 19, 2022 at 4:07 pm

          As you can see in the comments section there are haters of that design too.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Kancil Hybrid on May 12, 2022 at 11:30 pm

      Berapa banyak kali mau update da..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
    • Muhammad Najmi on May 13, 2022 at 12:03 am

      Yeah i agree, it’s too old though just like P2 Alza

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
    • Spin Too Much on May 13, 2022 at 1:23 am

      Reality: Since 2009 it has been the Csegment MPV market leader in fact the MPV market leader consistently throughout the years. This model personified the adage; if it’s not broken no need to fix it and hence why it can still sell well til today.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 3
      • Tortilla on May 13, 2022 at 10:57 am

        Exora been downgrading for closer price to Proton Preve,
        up to the stage removed 6 airbags.
        Lowered price, so you achieved Best Selling C segment MPV.

        If they introduce a sliding door, re-use 1.6 Campro NA engine, CVT-> 4AT, remove 2 seats,
        Even lower price, so It also can achieved Best Selling Van in Malaysia.

        Nissan NV200 and Daihatsu Gran Max will be competed against.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 7
        • Casual reader on May 15, 2022 at 10:31 am

          Incorrect. The base price essentially remained the same with 2011 FL and merely discontinued the top Bold spec variant since they had Ertiga in that price range.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
    • Sleepless on May 13, 2022 at 9:10 am

      P2 selling outdated Alza nobody complains? Oh wai..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 1
      • Mr Mar on May 16, 2022 at 1:08 pm

        at least they will replace it next month, they acknowledge that its time already

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Alza have underpowered brakes, underpowered engine to climb even a busut anai2 high. My 2021 exora even its thirsty when demanding speed or heavier load at least it’s up to my preference.

        I can have quite cheap fuel usage if I’m not having a heavy foot for that size of mpv. It has it’s own kinks, nothing is perfect but it’s perfect enough for the size I’m looking, at good price, decent power… well I have a cps 2010 version now a turbo 2021 RC, there is a difference in power. I can confirm it. For alza, not so fuel efficient if you bring 6ppl family inside, its not comfortable with a luggage for 6ppl too. Your choice. Don’t condemned this mpv. It serves me and my family very very well and reliable. Fuel consumption is not a question.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
    • The turbo is the issue

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • 13 years still their engineer cant solve the och problem n still designing ,ermmm…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 40 Thumb down 7
  • 2019 – premium spec no more 6 airbags, executive spec no VSC
    2022 – CVT to 4AT like Saga?

    Maybe a cheaper 5 seater, Ling Long Atlas Tyres, good for Pasar Malam,
    It should able keep the monthly target of 500/month.

    There is a gap in the market while ppl trying to do business post covid 19 now..
    Altough ppl make compare it to other better equipped 2nd hand MPV/SUV too.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 3
    • 4G63T DSM on May 13, 2022 at 11:04 am

      Actually you are right.

      Old platform like this, they should make a “lite” or commercial version. Not everyone needs or can afford a 110k HiAce.

      But its way overdue for Proton to bring in the Jiayi rebadge already. The Alza being just as old, still seems to sell at decent numbers so it shows Proton got its fundamentals wrong themselves.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Annoynimouse on May 12, 2022 at 10:37 pm

    Gosh… enough already!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • hahaha
    more than 10years..yet he only hopes but not solved the problem..
    “oil cooler hose (OCH) issue that has plagued the CFE engine, saying that Proton’s engineers are in the midst of designing a new version of the part that he hopes will be more durable”

    due to proton so called national status..msian have no option other than continue buy this junk.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 6
    • Bob Mal on May 13, 2022 at 11:03 am

      The CFE engine was launched since 2012 and it is right at the end of its 10 years life cycle > Will anyone still thinks Proton are honestly trying to solve the problem since there is no Lawsuit (unlike the USA Korean Brand cars).

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • Ruslan Bahari on May 13, 2022 at 4:32 pm

      No option? Where is the statement that says one MUST buy the Exora?

      If the market wants it, they buy it.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Huck Phin on May 12, 2022 at 10:49 pm

    I just feel disappointed. Yes 400 500 units a month is an accomplishment but it could be so much more. (Untapped potential) imagine if the money that was invested into the Perdana for civilians was invested instead into a sub 100k 7 seater MPV model.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Intriguing on May 12, 2022 at 11:37 pm

    If they were to actually utilize this facelift, maybe a proper seat belt for the middle rear passenger, more airbags, a smooth and efficient powertrain, better refinement and NVH.

    A “facelift” exora could be amazing with the pricing not fluctuating since the model is so outdated.

    Of course add in more convenience features and I would be interested in a comfortable and competent driving MPV

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • David on May 12, 2022 at 11:54 pm

    Wanna be Sea champion. Dream

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • Huck Phin on May 12, 2022 at 11:55 pm

    I imagine… if Proton was better managed and has other models sharing a common platform with the Exora in production today, then investment into updates, could be recuperated faster and thus more easily justifiable since more models = large sales. common platform = 1 update can be applied to different cars.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
  • Muhammad Najmi on May 13, 2022 at 12:01 am

    And If You Guys are going to make the Facelift Again for Exora, Please fix the OCH / use a better technology for the OCH issue …

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 3
  • Guess what. 2022 Exora FL will come with the:-
    i. new roundel Tiger in front, rear, and steering wheel.
    ii. new boring design rim with roundel Tiger logo
    iii. new colours and also discarded colours
    iv. new centre console (especially the 3 knobs aircond to the latest iriz, persona, saga 2 knobs)
    v. new OS for the LED panel
    vi. new steel based OCH (cilok those custom design one)
    vii. not forgetting the red essence on top specs

    and finally a RM2k price bump.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 1
  • Why is Proton still trying to keep this Exora alive? Just kill this thing. The car is no longer competitive. Lack of modern tech while maintaining old prices is ridiculous. Now SUV is dominating the market, and yet still trying to nurse this car until god knows when.

    I do believe that Proton has already achieve the ROI of this car. Doesn’t make any sense to keep this crap alive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 8
    • Raja Kamarul on May 13, 2022 at 4:34 pm

      And yet it still in excess of 500 units a month, outselling even the Innova. Yep, it is no longer competitive.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • Ben Yap on May 13, 2022 at 9:30 am

    cool! continue to whip an old horse.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Asrul Jaz on May 13, 2022 at 10:01 am

    It’s normal for MPV with longer shelf-life than car. Looking VW with Sharan till now same platform change only engine / gbox, same as well Estima same platform more than 10 years also just change facelift external and little bit internal. I think Exora is good MPV, the big issue is OCH, if they can go using 1.8tgdi or 1.5tgdi and adjustable middle seat can slide to front and back it’s already good enough. My personal opinion Exora have very good handling MPV in the same segment. The CFE also is older engine, need new fresh engine.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 1
    • Anonymous_C on May 13, 2022 at 11:47 am

      Yes, those whom complaint about MPV still make use same platform had wrong expectation.

      If comparing to Estima, Alphard, Serena (etc…) YES but these manufacturer did some improvements along the way. Proton approach was to take the “OCH” issue in a maintenance manner where customer should direct to service center to get proper original replacement.

      To many consumer, it is manufacturing deflect which Proton will never admit.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • seancorr on May 13, 2022 at 1:53 pm

    Hahaha the Alza is no longer in the market but this fella still on sale!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
  • Add in seatbelt height adjustment mechanisms please. Nice car, but the seatbelt is like a choker

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • “Proton Engineers still designing to improve OCH”..
    “Dont use aftermarket OCH because not properly design”..

    Last last nanti tengok tengok new OCH design by Proton actually improved copy version of aftermarket OCH.. So long Proton Engineer cannot brain how to settle, copy saja at last..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Again? Yet another update? Its already not economical to continue the production….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
    • Chong Or Pei on May 13, 2022 at 4:35 pm

      And you of course know this because you know the economics of it all.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
      • uzair on May 15, 2022 at 8:56 am

        1st, now is not MPV market anymore like the last 15 years. SUV rule.
        2nd,at 500 output per month at RM15k profit, Exora is a money printing machine for Proton at RM7.5m per month and easily RM90m for the whole year!
        Minus those new model capital.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Shiro on May 15, 2022 at 6:06 pm

    My dad drove the exora without turbo, only problem underpower, his friend bought the turbo complaint it consume a lot of fuel . Seems to me like proton need to change the engine technology or even get a new engine to replace the current one.

    It would better if Proton could introduce more of Geely’s powertrain,
    maybe 1.4T (4 cylinder) which has similar power with the current 1.6T now,
    or 1.8 without turbo (if possible),
    or just use the 1.5T from X50, habis cerita.

    Geely also introduced the 6speed AT transmission which placed in the imported X70, can also be considered if the DCT is to expensive to be used.

    Adding new styling exterior and interior, different gearbox, new engine can still make the exora viable.
    Exora still a good car, just some new make over and resolve the OCH please.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
    • the cfe turbo engine is ok but not great, could had been better with 6 speed gearbox…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • arelone on May 20, 2022 at 9:05 pm

    Outdated model with never ending OCH issues. Owners keep complaining and so far no actions from proton.Rehat&Duduk saja lol!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Jason Ng on Jul 02, 2022 at 5:00 pm

    Bought and used my Proton Exora since 2012 with some minor faults but without any major problems, like to say it’s quite a good mpv as far as I’m concerned..!
    thinking of whether it can be upgraded/over hauled to the new version or replacing in whole with the upgraded Exora version?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • NURIZAM KHALID on Aug 16, 2022 at 8:22 pm

    keyless system still not implemented on previous released model, this one? come on!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • pengayuhbasikal on Aug 19, 2022 at 11:32 am

    today…i can only see change to logo/emblem…….ekekekekekekekeke

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Norman on Aug 21, 2022 at 11:50 am

    Just put in the 1.5T basic with 147hp/225nm will do or the TGDI 177hp/255nm…Change to full led headlight and sell it extra RM10k and i will place the booking..Just don’t use the CVT gearbox or just change it to 6 speed DCT gearbox

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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