With the engine capacity only at 1.6L, it's a common question my buddies ask about the "power" of the drive. Well, looking at the specs, it's easily understood that the kerb weight of 1442kg will be the
achilles heel for the 125hp (6500rpm) / 150
Nm (4500rpm)
drive train.
That was my concern too when
Exora was launched back in April, as its competitors were using
power trains in excess of 1.8L. So, being a typical Malaysian, I quickly assumed this to be another Proton's famous engineering disasters. Well, I was driving the Proton
Waja at the time, and
Waja's famous disaster was the ultra-poor turning radius!!!
However, I was told by a Proton Director (somehow we got to know each other because of our passion in photography, particularly Olympus cameras) that Proton did a magic with its final gearing. At the time I did not catch what he meant by the final gearing, so I did a little reading on it. Now I understand. What Proton did was to use a large final drive, at 4.6 ratio to compensate for the low power/torque to weight ratio.
My experience so far is it performs as close to my
Waja, in terms of power response and
drive ability. But, due to the adjustments to get the "power", the Proton engineers had to
forego top speed. In this case, the top speed is only 165kph (as published in the official brochure) compared to
Waja's 180kph. And, at 3000rpm, which is my usual expressway cruising speed, the
Exora only shows 110kph, instead of
Waja's 130kph.
Other than being amazed with the "power" delivery of the "small" engine, I am also amazed with its handling. This is where the Lotus factor really helps Proton. In my mind, I am still driving a Waja; though, the bulkiness of the Exora's chassis can be felt significantly, the maneuverability is just exquisite!
Another important factor is fuel consumption. In this aspect, I cannot comment much. Simply because the Waja was using the Michelin Premacy LC tyres, that really produced high mileage returns. But, if I were to remember my Waja's stock Goodyear NCT5, the Exora's mileage may be around the range. My first record was 10.3km/L, which was for a RM50 drive with RON95 that reached a range of 280km.
I am mulling for a tyre switch soon, the Michelin Premacy tyres are just so quiet, comfortable and "green" that I don't mind paying its premium price. Maybe the Exora can reach 12km/L? Now, that's a good investment!!
