Proton Exora Undisguised Images

The following set of pictures of the Proton Exora MPV were received from an anonymous reader, with no further information. Official launch will be on 15-April 2009.





These are not the first set of undisguised images that I have come across but the one thing that I am curious to know of is why are there two different front grille design? The set of photos below are supposedly pre-production models. Note the different front grille.


These should be the same model grade as both sets of pictures show the same wheel designs, body coloured mirrors and door handles plus front fog lamps, which suggest this to be a high-end "Hi-line" model.


Both the Avanza and the Grand Livina will no doubt face a lot of heat from the Exora. The Avanza is the oldest of the lot, with rather crude interiors. It's unique selling point is now down to its low price 1.3-litre version and the public favourite T-badge. However, contrary to popular perception, the Avanza is actually a Daihatsu developed model (Xenia) mainly for the developing Indonesian market, but the local Toyota distributor fought hard and managed convince TMC group to sell the model locally as a Toyota rather than a Perodua (Daihatsu's local JV partner). You can tell whether a Toyota badged model is a Toyota developed product by simply looking at its engine bay - if the trademark VVT-i badge is stamped on the engine block it is a Toyota developed model. If it's a VVT-i sticker it's a Daihatsu OEM sourced product with a Daihatsu engine.

Salesman of both makes will go into overdrive claiming the Exora will suffer from high fuel consumption and long term engine durability due the small 1.6-litre CamPro CPS engine and the Exora's high kerb weight, which by the way is the heaviest of the lot.

Fair point, but neither the Toyota or the Nissan is the final word in real world fuel economy anyway. Plus, Nissan salesman are quick to claim that the Livina shares the same engine as the Latio / Tiida hatch and sedan sold all over the world. But they seem to conveniently ignore the fact that the 1.6-litre Livina does not have the CVTC variable valve timing feature available in the 1.6-litre Latio.

Anyway fuel economy is more dependent on your right foot than anything else. Best is to try the vehicle for yourself, though I highly doubt that 80% of the potential buyers who are really in the market for an affordable MPV are put off by the engine performance.

On a macro industry level, I wonder if this signals a "Game Over" for non-national makes in the MPV segment, especially when you consider the fact that Perodua too will be launching a locally rebadged version of the Daihatsu Sirion Luminas (Toyota Passo Sette). Foreign car makers have been very patient with the Malaysian government's flip-flop long term policy for the Malaysian car industry and they are not going to sit around very much longer. Budget models like the Avanza and Vios is one of the main reason TMC poured so much investment in Malaysia, including building of a metal stamping plant.

The slightly higher end MPV segment are one of the few segments that non-national makes can compete "fairly" in. With the protectionist measures continue to be imposed and a diminishing market opportunity for these foreign makes, many of these companies will just pack-up and leave for Thailand. It is interesting to note that despite the many political coup that troubles Thailand, it does not seem to affect the confidence of many carmakers who continue to pour in money to Thailand. The thing about Thailand is that although their government may change, their macro policies don't. In contrast, Malaysia have gone through a lot less Prime Ministers in the same period of time, but yet is unable to properly follow through one consistent policy. Aren't APs supposed to be phased out? But we all know what happens after a group of politically groups started making some noises.

Related link
Proton Exora MPV - it flashes under hard braking