Despite its name, the Kia Carens Elite is meant for the middle class living in HDB flats and working towards their first condominium. It does a good job of transporting a family of five and drives well enough to keep the head of the household awake at the wheel. But if you add a sixth or seventh person to the equation – like a maid, an in-law or maybe man’s best friend – the Carens loses the plot.
The Suzuki APV is a rough-and-ready people mover that puts the “van” in “minivan”. Anti-style in its design and honest-to-goodness in its amenities, the APV is a strangely appealing blend of latter-day German Kombi and everyday Asian kampong. Conventional MPV motorists won’t understand, but those with an indie perspective on collective motoring and some sense of humour will appreciate the APV.
With countless sarong parties and kampong gatherings across the Causeway, it’s a surprise that Proton took so long to introduce its first MPV. The Exora is the one model that Malaysia’s national automaker has always needed to be in sync with the country’s (and not just the countryside’s) village spirit. In the context of this comparison test, even though the drivetrain and overall quality need more work, the Exora is the best deal on wheels for up to seven people, with attractive styling to boot. “Kampong Glam” has a new hero in town.
Proton Exora 1.6 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1597cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 76mm x 88mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Power 125bhp at 6500rpm
Torque 150Nm at 4500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 165km/h
0-100km/h 15.5 seconds
Consumption 12.8km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Drums
TYRES
Type Silverstone Kruizer 1 NS500
Size 195/65 R15
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4592mm
Width 1809mm
Height 1691mm
Wheelbase 2730mm
Kerb Weight 1422kg
Power to Weight Ratio 87.9bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.8m
BUYING IT
Price $59,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/60,000km
+ Contemporary exterior and roomy interior, sorted suspension and agreeable steering, some nice touches that belie the low price
– Flimsy switchgear and delicate doors, harsh engine and gentle acceleration, strangely stiff gear lever action
Suzuki APV 1.6 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1590cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, SOHC
Bore x stroke 75mm x 90mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Power 92bhp at 5750rpm
Torque 127Nm at 4500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 140km/h
0-100km/h 17.8 seconds
Consumption 11.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link rigid axle, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Drums
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Techno 248
Size 185/80 R14
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4230mm
Width 1655mm
Height 1865mm
Wheelbase 2625mm
Kerb Weight 1300kg
Power to Weight Ratio 70.8bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 9.8m
BUYING IT
Price $63,300 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Incredibly roomy considering its footprint, extremely effective air-conditioning, superb visibility in every direction
– Glacial pace and agricultural ride, minibus-like interior access, seating could be more versatile
Kia Carens Elite 2.0 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1998cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 86mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Power 145bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 189Nm at 4250rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 181km/h
0-100km/h 11.9 seconds
Consumption 11.6km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Hankook Optimo K415
Size 205/65 R15
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 2
Traction Control No
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4545mm
Width 1800mm
Height 1650mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb Weight 1418kg
Power to Weight Ratio 102.3bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.8m
BUYING IT
Price $68,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Practical and comfortable cabin, supple ride and nimble handling, sturdy quality throughout
– Third row comparatively cramped, air-con’s poor output to the rear, road noise can get quite intrusive
