The Exora Experience

Exora and Michelin Primacy LC

2009-11-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

I just managed to trade in the standard Goodyear Assurance tires with the Michelins. Somehow the shop agreed to the deal, where I get the Michelins for RM265 a piece with the Goodyear going off with RM100 a piece.

So far, so good.

The feel of the Primacy LC is directly felt, especially on the comfort and quietness. Bumps and road noise are instantly negated, and traded with smooth ride and better Abbey Road numbers!! The roadholding is also much improved with the Exora able to confidently take long corners at high speed.

Now I am taking note on the fuel efficiency. Since my previous Waja clocked a reduction of up to 15% fuel consumption, it is interesting to see if the Exora manage to get similar results. It is really raining cats and dogs as I am writing this, and will be testing its wet performance. I remembered that on the Waja, the Primacy LC is one excellent wet wonder!!!

OK, got to go and wet it out!!!

Photos of Exora

2009-10-16T02:55:00.001-07:00

Being an avid photographer, already having four posts and no photos to show off?

That's being a bit weird, isn't it.

Well, I just got the Exora Monday, so this coming weekend I will try to schedule some serious photoshoots.

Stay tuned, and this may appear in the thru-the-zuiko blog to detail out the techniques!!

Exora's Performance

2009-10-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

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) / 150Nm (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!!

The ABS Lamp...

2009-10-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

The Odometer had barely reached 400 km, and the yellow ABS light started to show (this means it malfunctioned)...

This was not good!

A few engine shutdown and restart did not kill the problem.

I arrived home about 7pm, and shut off the engine.

Let it cool for a couple of minutes, and re-ignite the system...

Thank God, I was spared a trip to the Proton Service Center... What a relief!!!

Welcome to The Exora Experience

2009-10-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome, welcome!

To whom have been following my other blog, thru-the-zuiko, you will be familiar with my writing style. To others, again I bid a warm welcome!

This blog will serve as a place where I share my experience owning the latest MPV in town, the Proton Exora. Being an owner for less than 48 hours, I can tell that I am very exhilarated and thrilled. It lives up to my expectations, and delivers the performance and comfort where it matters most - family driving excursions.

Well, I will not dwell much on my nitty gritty details and nit-pickings for now. I saving a lot for later.

On a final note, I will be criss-crossing this blog with the thru-the-zuiko blog space as I will use my photographic resources to cover my Exora Experience. I just hope you readers can keep pace with me.