Proton launches $28K people-mover

Proton has launched what it claims is “Australia’s most affordable seven-seater”. New to Oz, the Exora people-mover is priced from $25,990 including drive-away costs.

Proton confirmed the pricing of the Exora GX and its $27,990 (drive-away) Exora GXR stablemate at an event in Sydney yesterday. To date the cheapest seven-seater MPV title has rested with Kia Rondo, now priced from around $30,000.

Both Exora variants are powered by a turbocharged 1.6 litre DOHC engine. Rated at 103kW and 205Nm, the powerplant is matched exclusively to a CVT transmission in the Exora.

The seven-seaters are built at Proton’s Shah Alam plant in Malaysia and are based on the company’s new P2 platform.

Proton says Lotus, a subsidiary of the company, “worked closely with the Exora’s engineers to tune the suspension, providing a comfortable ride and excellent handling”.

Featuring a two-three-two seating layout, the Exora’s standard equipment list includes air-conditioning for all three rows, split-fold seats, roof-mounted DVD, Bluetooth connectivity and, in the case of the GXR, leather upholstery and a reversing camera. The base model does with cloth trim and rear sensors only.

The GXR also gets added equipment including daytime running lights; chrome exterior finishes and a rear spoiler.

Safety equipment on both models includes front and side airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes. Side curtain airbags for the second and rear rows are not offered.

Combined ADR fuel economy is rated at 8.2L/100km. The Exoras use 91RON-unleaded fuel.

Proton is also seeking to set itself apart in terms of value by including five years or 75,000km of free servicing as standard with each vehicle. It also includes roadside assistance and a five-year warranty.

Proton Cars Australia General Manager Sales and Marketing, Billy Falconer said: “We are thrilled to introduce Australia’s most affordable seven-seater range to Australian family buyers.

“Both models are featured packed with low-cost ownership, thanks to inexpensive pricing and the peace of mind of five years warranty, five years roadside assistance and most importantly five years free servicing”.

Year to date November, Proton has sold less than 600 cars Down Under in 2013.

{Correction: We originally stated Proton was malaysian governent owned. In fact, Proton is a private entity following its 2012 takeover by DRB-HICOM Berhad. DRB-HICOM Group is a public listed company with more than 60 subsidiaries, associated companies and equal joint ventures.)

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