The Proton Exora has earned only a four-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), while its Suprima S stable mate achieved a maximum five stars.
Set to become Australia's most affordable seven-seater once launched in October starting from $25,990, the Proton Exora (pictured top) scored 26.37 out of a possible 37.
Missing out on curtain airbags, ANCAP deemed the Exora's driver chest and leg protection in the offset crash test as "acceptable" and "marginal" respectively, with "acceptable" driver chest protection given for the side impact crash test. No pole test was performed.
Despite being fitted as standard with dual front and side airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution, the four-star result puts the Proton people mover behind the likes of the five-star-rated Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, Renault Scenic and Toyota Tarago.
Due to the Proton Suprima S (pictured above) being the hatch version of the five-star rated Proton Preve (pictured below), ANCAP says the small car – due locally in December – earned its maximum five-star rating based on technical evidence provided by the Malaysian brand showing the Suprima S provides comparable occupant protection to its sedan sibling.
This resulted in the safety body deeming as "acceptable" driver chest and leg protection and passenger chest protection in the offset crash test, with driver chest protection also deemed "acceptable" in the side impact crash test. The Suprima S also received a "good" rating in the side pole test for a total score of 34.25 out of 37.
ANCAP says the Suprima's rating reflects the continuing efforts of Proton to lift the level of safety in their new vehicles, however, ANCAP chairman Lauchlan McIntosh points out that "clearly more work needs to be done on the Exora to improve safety".
"The lack of rear curtain airbags is also of concern for a people mover which will inevitably be marketed to families" McIntosh said.
A third model, the turbocharged Preve GXR, is also due to join Proton's local line-up come November.
