This designer has given many Malaysians a reason to want a next generation Proton Exora in their garage.
The very popular Proton Exora was retired after 14 years and despite a slight ‘nip and tuck‘ done in May 2019, sales continued to be brisk as it was a well rounded family vehicle at the right selling price. Then in early 2021 there were rumours that Proton’s partner Geely would be replacing the EXORA with their own similar sized MPV, the Jiaji.
Measuring in at 4,706 mm long, 1,909 mm wide and 1,690 mm in height, the Jiaji certainly not the smallest people mover around. In fact, this particular Chinese MPV is actually larger in every aspect to the already generously proportioned Exora that is still on sale currently.
Up front, the Jiaji features the Geely corporate ‘expanding cosmos’ grille, flanked by ‘shooting star’ LED headlights. The LED lighting signature continues round the back too with sleek ‘layered’ LED taillights.
Stepping inside the Jiaji, a premium interior layout awaits featuring a boat-load of tech, most notably being the floating 12.3 inch central infotainment display and. Other tech highlights worth mentioning within the cabin of this Geely MPV are the full-length panoramic sunroof, adaptive heads up display, active noise cancellation and an AQS air purification system.
Well, as the months progressed the Jiaji arrival seemed to fade away and then just weeks ago the Exora was finally retired after a whopping 196,583 units had been made, more than enough to take the C-segment MPV sales crown in Malaysia.
Moreover, the Proton Exora has gone through countless updates and alterations through its lifetime. The cheapest variant, the Standard MT from 2015, was RM56,888 and it topped out at RM88,998 for the six-seater Exora Prime in 2011. After minor facelifts and 3 different sets of Proton logos, the 2023 Proton Exora is priced between RM62,800 and RM69,800.
Meanwhile, a few days after the Exora retirement was announced, a Malaysian designer, Saharudin showed this futuristic Exora (see image below) on social media and many Malaysians praised the design and even wanted this next generation Exora in their garage.
So, should Geely and Proton hire Saharudin and his Exora design and revive Malaysia’s favorite family vehicle?
You can learn more about this designer from his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/saharudindesign/
