Car Buyer's Guide

Proton Exora: Mk1 Facelift vs Mk1 RC

Proton Exora Mk1 Facelift

Proton Exora Mk1 Facelift

Proton Exora Mk1 RC

Proton Exora Mk1 RC

Verdict

The Proton Exora Mk1 RC is the meaningful step up for a Malaysian family: its 1.6-litre turbo makes 138 hp and 205 Nm from 2,000 rpm, against the facelift’s 125 hp and 150 Nm at 4,500 rpm, and it swaps the five-speed manual for a CVT. At RM59,800, it costs RM1,138 more than the RM58,662 facelift, but adds 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and a five-year/150,000-km warranty. The facelift remains the cheaper, lighter choice, with a quoted 7.2 L/100 km figure and 12.9-second 0-100 km/h time.

Mk1 Facelift

Pick the Proton Exora Mk1 Facelift if you want the lower entry price, a five-speed manual and quoted 7.2 L/100 km fuel economy.

Mk1 RC

Pick the Proton Exora Mk1 RC if you want 205 Nm of turbo torque, CVT convenience and the longer five-year/150,000-km warranty.

Key differences

  • Price: Proton Exora Mk1 Facelift RM58,662; Proton Exora Mk1 RC RM59,800.
  • Engine output: Facelift 125 hp and 150 Nm; RC 138 hp and 205 Nm.
  • Transmission: Facelift five-speed manual; RC CVT automatic.
  • Kerb weight: Facelift 1,400 kg; RC 1,447 kg.
  • Wheels and tyres: Facelift 15-inch steel wheels with 195/65R15 tyres; RC 16-inch alloys with 205/55R16 tyres.
  • Warranty: Facelift three years/100,000 km; RC five years/150,000 km.

Mk1 Facelift

  • RM1,138 cheaper to buy.
  • Quoted 7.2 L/100 km economy.
  • 47 kg lighter with a five-speed manual.
  • Less power and torque: 125 hp/150 Nm versus 138 hp/205 Nm.
  • No Bluetooth, front foglamps or rear parking sensors.
  • Shorter three-year/100,000-km warranty.

Mk1 RC

  • 138 hp and 205 Nm turbo engine.
  • CVT automatic for easier town driving.
  • Bluetooth, four speakers, front foglamps and two rear parking sensors.
  • Costs RM1,138 more.
  • 47 kg heavier than the facelift.

What the Mk1 RC has over the Mk1 Facelift

Seatbelt ReminderFront FoglampsBluetoothParking Sensor RearInstrument ClusterParking Brake

Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.

Price & overview
PriceRM58,662✓RM59,800
Body typeMPVMPV
SegmentC-SegmentC-Segment
AssemblyCKDCKD
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM120RM120
Monthly instalment (est.)RM600/mo✓RM610/mo
Insurance / year (est.)RM1,805✓RM1,834
Fuel / year (est.)RM2,866—
Energy cost / 100 km (est.)RM14.33—
5-year running costs (est.)RM23,951—
Powertrain
Engine Tech16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing16-valve DOHC, turbocharged
Capacity1,597 cc1,561 cc
Horsepower125 hp at 6,500 rpm138 hp at 5,000 rpm✓
Torque150 Nm at 4,500 rpm205 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓
Cylinder ArrangementInline 4Inline 4
FuelPetrolPetrol
Bore × Stroke76 mm × 88 mm76 mm × 86 mm
Compression Ratio108.9
Drivetrain
TransmissionManualCVT Automatic
Transmission Name5MTCVT
Gears5—
Transmission ManufacturerJatcoPunch Powertrain
DrivelineFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h12.9 seconds—✓
Rated Economy7.2 L/100 km—✓
Top Speed170 km/h✓—
Dimensions
Length4,592 mm4,610 mm
Width1,809 mm1,809 mm
Height1,691 mm1,691 mm
Wheelbase2,730 mm2,730 mm
Weight1,400 kg1,447 kg
Fuel Tank55 litres55 litres
Doors55
Seats77
Boot Space132 litres132 litres
Front Tyre195/65R15205/55R16
Rear Tyre195/65R15205/55R16
Spare TyreFull-size 15" SteelFull-size 16" Steel
Factory Tyres—Goodyear Assurance
Chassis
AssemblyMalaysia (CKD)Malaysia (CKD)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionTorsion BeamTorsion Beam
Front Wheels15" Steel16" Alloy
Rear Wheels15" Steel16" Alloy
SteeringRack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering)
Crash Safety Ratings
ANCAP4 stars — With 4 airbags and stability control—
Safety
Airbags2 (Driver and Passenger)2 (Driver and Passenger)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer✓✓
Child Safety LockManual for rear doorsManual for rear doors
Seat Belts6 Three-point, 1 Lap-belt on Middle Row6 Three-point, 1 Lap-belt on Middle Row
Lane-keeping Assist—No
Seatbelt Reminder—Front Seats Only
Lighting
HeadlampsHalogen ReflectorHalogen Reflector
TaillampsLED CombinationLED Combination
Front Foglamps—✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsManual AdjustableManual Adjustable
Rear Seats60:40 Split-folding Middle Row, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row60:40 Split-folding Middle Row, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row
Front Air-conManual Air-conManual Air-con
Rear Air-conRear Vents with BlowerRear Vents with Blower
Power Sockets1 Front1 Front
Interior LightingMap LightsMap Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Back Row2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Back Row
AudioRadio with CD/MP3 playerRadio with CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth, 4 Speakers
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down onlyFour Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down only
Engine StartManual KeyManual Key
LocksRemote control activationRemote control activation
Steering Tilt✓✓
Boot OperationRemote Control ActivationRemote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Rear—2 Sensors
Bluetooth—✓
Instrument Cluster—Electroluminescent Analogue
Parking Brake—Handbrake
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer100,000 km150,000 km✓
Warranty Manufacturer3 years5 years✓
Warranty NotesPower Window Lifetime Warranty. Free labour for 1,000 km, 10,000 km and 20,000 km intervals—

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.

Our reviews & guides

Mk1 Facelift vs Mk1 RC FAQ

Is the Proton Exora Mk1 Facelift or Proton Exora Mk1 RC better?

The Proton Exora Mk1 RC is the better-equipped and stronger choice, with 138 hp, 205 Nm, a CVT, Bluetooth, parking sensors and a five-year/150,000-km warranty. Choose the facelift only if the lower price, manual gearbox and quoted economy matter more.

What is the price difference?

The Proton Exora Mk1 RC costs RM1,138 more than the Proton Exora Mk1 Facelift.

Which Exora has the better warranty?

The Proton Exora Mk1 RC has the better warranty at five years or 150,000 km. The Proton Exora Mk1 Facelift is covered for three years or 100,000 km, although it includes a lifetime power-window warranty.

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