Proton gets ready to update the ageing Exora for 2022, 1.5L 3-cyl turbo rumoured

[ UPDATE 19/08/2022 18:00 ] Proton Exora 2023 is now official and it’s an underwhelming minor update with a new round logo.

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Just two months after introducing the new X70 2022, Proton is now turning its attention to its MPV model. Instead of releasing an all-new Geely-based MPV to compete with the new Perodua Alza, the national carmaker appears to be releasing yet another facelift for the Exora for 2022.

According to Proton’s teaser on Facebook, the new Exora will be revealed on the 19th of August and they are inviting interested buyers to register their interest online. The teaser also mentions “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.” Even the photo shows a couple of running horses which could mean additional horsepower for the updated MPV.

The Proton Exora has been the brand’s first homegrown MPV and it has been around for more than 13 years since its introduction in 2009. The 7-seater MPV has gone through a couple of facelifts including the 2019 Exora which gets an updated 7″ touchscreen infotainment display with 4G LTE connection and Hi Proton! voice commands. Last year, Proton even introduced the Black Edition for the Exora that’s limited to 500 units.

At the moment, the Proton Exora runs on a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder Campro turbocharged engine that’s paired to a CVT. The engine pushes 140PS (138hp) of power and 205Nm of torque. It is still more powerful than the new Alza’s 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine which produces an output of 78kW (105hp) and 138Nm of torque.

When Proton launched the X70 2022, the biggest highlight is that the 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo engine developed by Geely and Volvo is finally locally assembled at Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant. This marks a new milestone as Malaysia is the only country to produce the engine outside of China.

The 1.5-litre TGDi engine that’s found on the new X70 and highest-spec X50 is one of the most powerful 3-cylinder turbocharged engines around as it produces 175 horsepower and 255Nm of torque. On top of that, it is also Euro 6 compliant making it future-proof to meet emission standards.

Proton has said that the new engine will be rolled out across the entire Proton lineup to replace the old CamPro engine. This leads to the possibility of Proton upgrading the Exora’s powertrain which will deliver a massive upgrade with an extra 37 horsepower and an additional 117Nm of torque. If Proton could maintain a similar price range of RM60,000 to RM70,000 with the new engine, this could be an interesting option for those looking for an MPV under RM80,000.

However, Proton has been lagging behind in the advanced safety department. The new Perodua Alza ticks almost all boxes as it offers autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning as standard across the range. It even has adaptive cruise control, lane keep control, rear disc brakes and an electronic parking brake for the top-spec AV model.

If the new Exora 2022 does come with an engine upgrade, would you get this over the new Alza? Let us know in the comments below.