Proton Exora Bold (Turbo) tested

There is this often heard saying of old wine in a new bottle. Also, such old wine may have been aged longer to perfection to blend in better with the new storage vessel.

Such may be the case of the long-serving Campro 1.6L petrol engine from Proton - powering the Gen-2, Satria and Persona. Now BOLD-ened with a low-pressure turbocharger and mated to a CVT transmission, plonked into this latest Exora variant.

Although no longer new in the market, the Exora Turbo (as it is known in Thailand) still serves up quite a few tricks up its sleeve. One being more cavernous/versatile than the ubiquitous Perodua Alza. Second, it is now packed with a more grunty 205 Nm of twist to things.

In this age of downsizing with turbocharging, Proton seems to have done the right thing by going the way of CFE (Charged Fuel Efficiency) along with a more efficient CVT tranny. However, direct fuel injection is discreetly absent although the 4-pot sounded clattery, much like a DFI unit on idling. Also mysteriously absent in its upgrade is the timing chain for the cam-shaft drive and the omission of CPS, variable valve timing.

Interestingly, this petrol lump behaves much like a turbodiesel. It's coarse on initial take-off with good low-end pull from 1,700rpm onwards. Then, it runs out of breath by 4,500rpm or so. In the course of accelerating, the engine note changes from being buzzy to a growl -which will be more-at-home in a Satria Neo - to a boomy hoarseness circa 5,000 rpm. The redeeming factor though is there is adequate power for a sprightly drive, overtaking and maintaining momentum even up gradients.

Comfort and suspension-pliancy wise, there is no complaint whatsoever, seeing that Lotus Engineering has sprinkled its suspension-tuning wizardry here nonetheless. It's firm yet pliant, with a manageable roll into corners, but that's fine since this a family-oriented, entry-level MPV. No excessive pitching or dips on hard-braking, no nasty surprises. Similarly, braking power is sufficiently assuring, unlike the old Gen-2' items. Like before with the 'old' Exora, I haven't discovered the fame "Handling by Lotus" DNA in this MPV - as expected.

What is glaring though is the creaks, rattle and squeks abound in the cabin of this tester. For the record, this Exora Bold CFE has only done some 5000kms. Also annoying is the - possibly - front right lower suspension arm grunting/groan at certain steering position and going over some road humps. Perhaps this particular test unit has been abused much and prematurely in its service life.

The Exora is quite a big vehicle actually, longer from bumper-to-bumper than a Toyota Innova. Its interior is also airy and capacious. With the last row of seats folded down, luggage lugging capacity is usefully flat and wide. Once again better than Innova and of course, the Alza which don't offer split folding of its 3rd row at all.

These practical factors alone scored good points for the Bold CFE, along with turbocharged zippiness still makes it a relatively good buy as a budget 2nd car (MPV) in a family. Pity there's still some doubt about its build and fit quality though.

Mitsubishi Lancer vs Proton Inspira

The images below have ended up in my mailbox recently.
Enjoy them in a lighter vein...thanks and regards to fellow blogger Damien!

Enhanced Proton Gen2 with Campro CPS for all trim levels

PROTON will be introducing an enhanced version of the Gen2 which sports refreshed exterior styling, with greater product appeal, and above all, offers greater value for money to customers, from 22 May (Saturday) onwards.

The enhanced 1.6-litre Gen2 is available in the High-Line (manual & automatic) and Medium-Line variants (automatic).

With an on-the-road price of RM 57,488 (manual) and RM 60,488 (automatic), the High-Line retains its existing price but offers buyers a whole suite of enhancements.

Exterior enhancements include new finishing for the front grille, alloy rims, and outer door handle. The enhanced Gen2 also comes with a new black painted roof. Inside, it is equipped with leather seats, a multifunction steering wheel which incorporates the audio switches, door trim finishing and a multipurpose container for extra storage area.

The Medium-Line meanwhile, is priced RM1,500 cheaper and will now sell for RM54,988 (OTR) as opposed to the old price of RM56,488. It offers all the new enhancements except for the leather seats, multi-function steering wheel, fog lights and a body-kit. The Medium-Line variant will also be fitted with the 1600cc CPS CAMPRO engine which replaces the current IAFM CAMPRO engine.

Both variants are also available in two new colours: Solid White and Fire Red.

PROTON Group Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the introduction of the enhanced Gen2 was one of a series of initiatives being undertaken by the company to introduce not only greater product appeal but also to offer customers better value for money. PROTON, he added, is targeting at selling 300 units of the enhanced Gen2 per month.

Taking advantage of the projected Total Industry Volume (TIV) growth of 2.4% to 550,000 units in 2010, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin said PROTON is also aiming at selling 165,157 vehicles this year, a total 12% higher than the 148,027 units sold in 2009. This would also increase PROTON’s market share to 30% from its current 28%.

This will be achieved via the introduction of new and enhanced models, supported by extensive marketing campaigns and promotions as well as increased ground activities.

“Pushing ahead and in conjunction with PROTON’s 25th anniversary, consumers can look forward to an exciting year filled with various programmes. These include a competition, a television programme and even a nationwide tour, to bring PROTON closer to the people,” he said.

The Gen2 was first launched in February 2004 before undergoing a change in October 2005. In March 2008, the Gen2 inherited the CAMPRO engine’s IAFM upgrades while certain variants were fitted with the more powerful CPS CAMPRO engine.

New Proton Exora plays the value-buy card to the hilt!

By now, most of you motoring enthusiasts would have known that Proton's new Exora is retailing for RM69,998 and RM75,998 (metallic colours, OTR) for the M-Line and H-Line respectively. Both specs are currently available only in 4-speed auto guise. Responsibly, both M-Line and H-Line also have dual frontal SRS airbags and ABS+EBD as standard fitment.

Proton's high performance 150Nm capable Gen.2 facelift', Waja facelift' and Satria Neo CPS' engine is carried over to lug close to 1.4 tonne and the debate is still on whether this will satisfy the many young families' drivers out there.

Whatever it may be, I am impressed with the extreme value that this MPV represents. Good job Proton! Personally though, here's to wishing there's a Campro CPS LPT (light pressure turbo) in the making...meanwhile, I absolutely loved the slow-mo (dampened mechanism) opening of the lower glove box. Splendid.

Go check it out, even if you do not intend to buy one. This may just as well represents the value-buy-of-the-year...or possibly even this decade!








*pictures courtesy of paultan.org (Thanks Paul!)

Proton Exora MPV undisguised!

First and foremost, my sincere apologies to my readers (if anyone left!) for the recent comatose state of my blog. There are many excuses from being caught up in frenetic clinical work & hectic family life, writer's block to the fancy excuses given by TM Net's Streamyx for not giving me a broadband home connection. It has been more than 6 months since I last applied for one! I have been running to the nearest TM Point more than half a dozen times...and it's always "No Port" excuse.

Anyway, here I am on Maxis broadband, trying to recuscitate my little online automotive journal...with possibly the hottest topic for the month of April 2009.


Click on all pictures to enlarge

Thanks to faithful fan Darren & reader Justin, we have here some email pictures of the Exora in its natural state, uncamouflaged. Judge for yourself how the new Proton Exora has maxed out on its size. Visualise it as big as the Innova, except for the wheelbase and height. Yes! It's even longer than the Innova from bumper to bumper. As you can see above, it 's definitely larger than both the Toyota Avanza & Nissan Grand Livina.

Intial preview drive by noted blogger Paul Tan seemed to have suggested that the Campro 1.6 CPS with Auto tranny is barely adequate to move it, more so should you wanna hurry things up. Well, you can judge it for yourself soon - before this month is over - after the Exora's official launch.

In the meantime, you can point your browser to paultan.org and search for all its glorious details. Alternatively, there are some articles on the same preview drives by Hezeri Samsuri of cbt.com.my and Chips Yap of MTM online.

Indicative pricing for the Exora 1.6 CPS Auto is RM72k and RM76k for M-Line and H-Line respectively, judging from some pre-applied bank loans figures. The manual versions should be cheaper by some RM3k to RM5k, spec for spec.

Proton MPVs spotted on Federal Highway!

I suppose most of you car nuts would have seen images like these countless of times all around the blogosphere by now. Thing is, I actually caught these pictures myself - using a Nokia E71 - on my way to work say, 2-3 weeks ago. I guess Proton have been 'deliberately' flashing the public with repeated 'previews' of things to come from them, which is looking to be probably a best-seller in the making. While it appeared like a taller Toyota Wish, the butt of Proton's newest baby is more akin to Toyota Innova in chunk and contour! Expect its third row seating space to ace the Wish, Stream, Grand Livina and the likes.

Rumoured to be priced anywhere between RM72k (basic, manual version) to RM89k (for the auto top-spec), watch out for Proton's official unveiling and naming of this MPV sometime March 2009.

Proton Chief is 'Automotive Man of the Year 2008'

Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin receiving the Award from Tan Sri Mohamed Nor Yackob, Second Finance Minister of Malaysia.


Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin bin Syed Mohamed Tahir, the Managing Director of Proton Holdings Berhad, was awarded the “Automotive Man of the Year 2008” Award in recognition of his leadership at the helm of Proton and turning around an ailing domestic giant into a genuine global challenger.

To achieve this, his focus switched back to core competencies and profitability. This culminated in the long term strategy which is now known as the Asian Multi-Local OEM (AMLO) strategy. The AMLO strategy is Proton’s export thrust into ASEAN, China, India, Middle East – North Africa in collaboration with local partners.

Datuk Zainal’s philosophy of “the right car at the right price at the right time and market” saw the rebirth of the new Proton Saga which is today a top seller. The Proton Persona, another successful model, also reflects Proton’s revival, and the MPV that will be launched next year promises to be Malaysia’s preferred vehicle.

The winners for the New Straits Times/Maybank COTY 2008 Awards were announced at a gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur hosted by the New Straits Times and title sponsor Maybank Berhad.

The premier Car of the Year Awards was first organised in 2002 by Cars, Bikes & Trucks, the motoring section of the New Straits Times, to recognise the efforts of all car manufacturers as well as serve as a guide to car buyers.

The event is endorsed by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

Proton GEN.2 facelift gets real-deal CPS, VIM and IAFM

Proton Gen.2 1.6 has finally undergone a facelift along with engine"lift" featuring true variable valve timing now in the form of CPS plus VIM (Variable Intake Manifold) for its Hi-Line models. These retail for RM57,488 and RM60,488 for the manual and auto versions respectively. Power output figures are 125bhp at 6500rpm, while torque is 150Nm peaking at 4500rpm.

The Medium-Line models apart from getting just one driver's airbag also ditches CPS in favour of a simpler variable air intake manifold, dubbed IAFM by Proton. Proton claims that the infamous torque dip of its Campro circa 3000rpm is now ironed out, by way of more responsive and constant low to mid-range torque delivery. A case in point is healthier torque delivery of 139Nm at 3000rpm, versus the basic Campro 1.6L (in pre-facelift Gen.2) which only managed 128Nm of torque at the same engine rpm.

In overview, Proton's 1.6L Campro without CPS gives 110bhp at 6000rpm, along with 148Nm of torque at 4000rpm. The M-Line facelifted Gen.2 retails for RM53,488 and RM56,488 with the 5-speed manual and 4 A/T options respectively.

Proton Persona: An owner's review

By Peter Lee


Just recently, I drove my company’s brand new Proton Persona for 3 days. This is my personal and very frank views of the car. When PROTON designed the new PERSONA, it was never intended to be a performance car. It is targeted more to the family and therefore my review is focused on the many factors that make a good family car. With those criteria crystal clear, I shall review the car that I bought recently, and not a loaned tester/media unit from some PR company.

The PERSONA is definitely a nice car to drive. It’s comfortable, has very European suspension characteristics/feel, handles well and reasonably accurate to steer. Although I am an owner of the new (E92) 335i, I have no intentions (whatsover!) to compare and contrast the Persona with that BMW. Having said that, the engine is quite refined, with respectable power (for its class) and the automatic gearbox changes smooth enough for daily commute.

I would have given the PERSONA a 9 out of 10 rating if not for the following:

1) The brakes are HOPELESS. There is totally no feeling and the braking effectiveness leaves much to be desired. Are those shiny disc rotors all-around just for show?

2) The reverse sensor beep so softly that you practically have to strain your ears. Isn’t there an internal specification in PROTON for the number of Decibels that the beep has to be before you approve the vendor?

3) Once again, the glove compartment drawer does not sit flush with the rest of dashboard. Just like the good old 'Wira' days? Nevertheless, something is better than nothing (as in the Gen.2)


4) On the 2nd day of ownership, my car developed suspension creaking sound on practically every bump or undulations on the road - bloody irritating!

5) Who was the one who designed the CD/Radio cluster? It’s darn user-UNfriendly and the buttons are all so small, they’re a pain to press and operate. Any after-market audio head-unit would be better, I am sure.

What about these dash buttons? I don’t even know if I have selected rear demister (look at the photos). The illumination is so bad.

The rear view is so poor that I would rate it close to a Lamborghini Gallardo (I once had a ride in one). I found myself always looking at the rear hump of the car. Both rear headrests also blocked out roughly 25% of the driver’s rear view.

Incidentally, I had the opportunity to use the rear demister last night. It was so slow and could not clear the fogging effectively.

The rear seats are totally unsupportive and the backrest so upright for any practical long distance rear passengers comfort. And it looks more like a 2+2, rather than a family 5-seater sedan.

And what is this red paint over the nuts of the alloy wheels? Is this some kind of new automotive trend?

In my few days of owning the new Persona – a saviour Proton model that has chalked up nearly 30,000 units in sales up until now - I can only come to a sad conclusion.
Everyone knows that the suspension of the PERSONA was designed by Lotus Engineering, UK. That is why it’s so darn good in the ride and handling department.

In all honesty, everything else that have been designed in-house by PROTON and/or outsourced to its vendors in Malaysia still sucks…badly! The new Persona’ sore points, shortfalls and bugbears - all seem to be related to local design, sourcing and manufacturing. Pity.

Proton BLM: Spy pictures leaked

Thanks to readers Dennis and BMW.Toyota, we have some internet images depicting Proton's upcoming Iswara replacement model dubbed BLM (Base-Line Model). Slated to make the over-two-decades old Saga (ah! finally) obsolete, the BLM is a 3-box saloon based on the Savvy platform.

Chips Yap of MTM have indicated that this new Proton model will be launched in 6 weeks time. Prices are guess-timated to be between RM30k to RM42k and it looks like Perodua will have something to worry about. Will Perodua Viva's feather get ruffled further?