Proton to launch a new updated 2022 Proton Exora on Friday - expect small bump in prices

Following the launch of the 2022 Perodua Alza, one would of course expect Proton to make a response, however minor, to defend the ageing Proton Exora, which was last updated in 2019.

Apart from the Alza, Toyota too is expected to launch the all-new Toyota Veloz very soon, followed by the all-new Honda BR-V early next year.

The Proton Exora was first launched in 2009, and this is its 13th year on the market. You would expect that Geely would have at least have a replacement model planned but unfortunately, that’s not the case.

And no, the Geely Jiaji is not coming to Malaysia anytime soon, even though the model was mentioned in the early days of Geely’s takeover of Proton. Instead, the next 7-seater planned for Proton will be the Geely Haoyue-based Proton X90, a three-row seat SUV that will be priced far above the current Exora’s price to be its replacement.

Also read: Proton X90: Malaysia to get 7-seater variant? Geely Haoyue-based model spied again

Proton has since released a teaser image hinting to a new Proton Exora.

The Facebook post made by the company reads:

“The power to run free. ​

“Revel in the performance of the Proton Exora’s turbocharged engine making your everyday journeys smoother. Feel it to believe it in the Intelligence that Moves.​

“Coming to you on 19th August 2022. To register your interest, visit PROTON's Official website at https://www.proton.com/en/new-exora-register-interest”

Don’t expect any major changes to the aging Proton Exora. Mechanically, there’s not much else one can do with the 13-year old car’s platform.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged (but with no direct fuel injection) engine and CVT-type automatic transmission will remain unchanged.

We think this is most likely an accessorized version of the same Proton Exora that we familiar with, a bit like what Proton did with the facelifted 2022 Proton Saga MC2 recently, but with less changes, so keyless entry and engine push-start button are possible but unlikely.

One thing is for sure though, there will be a small jump in prices. Else, what’s the point of Proton doing this exercise, right? There’s only so much discounts Proton can give to keep sales going, before the product’s name gets sullied.

The C-segment Proton Exora currently sells for RM 59,800 (1.6T Executive AT) and RM 66,800 (1.6T Premium AT), including SST.

In comparison, prices for the B-segment Perodua Alza starts from RM 62,500 to RM 75,500. The Perodua Alza sits one segment lower than the Exora but this academic footnote has little meaning to consumers, many of whom cross-shop by price.

More updates to come on Friday.