2019 Proton Exora RC launched – MPV updated with 'Hi, Proton', new kit, lowered price from RM59,800

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 (1GB free per month for five years). A version of the system that made its debut on the X70 SUV, it provides online music streaming, live navigation data and a 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 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 part-leather 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.

The Exora is powered by the carryover 1.6 litre Campro Turbo engine making 138 hp and 205 Nm, matched to a CVT. The “SAT” (simulated 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 better NVH. Proton also worked to reduce cruising wind noise.


The biggest news here 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 RM2,208 and RM2,547 reduction in price, respectively, compared to the outgoing car.

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.

That’s not all. Those buying the Exora before December 31, 2019, get five years 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.

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