Proton will be attempting to stave off Perodua’s attack with a smaller but cheaper Perodua D46T MPV combined with a more desirable Toyota-associated brand because of the original model (it will be derived from the Toyota Passo Sette) this coming November.
The D46T is no secret, we’ve already seen the exterior and interior of what the Perodua version will look like, and the Toyota Passo Sette has already been around for quite sometime for all to see. In fact, one of the Passo Sette we’ve seen on Malaysian roads on road tests may in fact be likely to be owned by Proton.
The weapon of choice will be a cheaper version of the Exora. Right now the Exora is only available in M-Line and H-Line variants, with the only differences between them being creature comforts and minor styling differences.
A cheaper Exora will be further downgraded in terms of equipment, and will likely feature a manual gearbox, which actually could be more of a blessing for the Exora, as the auto while capable of taking the vehicle up to cruising speed and keeping it there, is rather sluggy to move around at city speeds.
Reader Kenneth spotted this Exora on the Penang bridge. It has light disguises on but we all know it’s an Exora. The LED tail lamps are still there but if this is a version of the production B-Line or manual model, we can see some evidence of downspeccing in the form of steel wheels with a cover instead of proper alloy wheels.
Look after the jump for the rest of the spy photos and a video.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express anticipation and curiosity about the Proton Exora B-Line manual, with many hoping it will be priced below RM65k and feature better specifications such as airbags, ABS, and a turbo engine. Several commenters mention good fuel efficiency and note that the vehicle is suitable for family use, emphasizing the importance of size and space. There are debates over its power, with some claiming it’s underpowered, especially on hill climbs like Genting Highland, while others say it handles well in real-world use. Enthusiasts discuss the significance of racing technology in automotive development, criticizing Proton's current efforts but encouraging investment in R&D and motorsports to enhance quality and brand image. Overall, many support developing a competitive local MPV, emphasizing Malaysian pride and the potential for improved quality and performance.