Enter the Ertiga Xtra
PROTON has improved its Ertiga multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with the Xtra version that gets more features and refinement. The new Ertiga Xtra model range was recently unveiled during the grand prize-giving ceremony of the Proton 1-Tank Adventure in Penang.
Three variants are available starting with the Executive (fivespeed manual) that’s priced with 0% GST, road tax but no insurance at RM56,773, while the Executive (four-speed automatic) costs similarly at RM59,525 and the range-topping Premium (fourspeed automatic) at RM62,278.
With five colour options of Ruby Red, Carnelian Brown, Cotton White and Metal Grey, the compact MPV also gets a standard five-year or 150,000km warranty (whichever comes first).
Changes to the new Ertiga Xtra to boost the appeal of the spacious, comfortable and fuel efficient vehicle includes a darker seat colour that’s not only more stain resistant, but also adds a touch of up-market luxury and cosiness.
For entertainment, it now comes with a larger 7.0-inch touchscreen as standard and includes features such as a USB port and DVD playback as well as Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity.
The Premium variant gets more goodies that include, power folding mirrors, chrome front fog lamp garnish, steering wheel audio controls, six speaker sound system, navigation, height-adjustable driver’s seat, front seat back pockets and window tinting.
The six-seater Ertiga Xtra uses a five-speed manual (Executive) and four-speed automatic transmission (Executive and Premium) to manage the 1.4-litre (1,373cc) naturally-aspirated engine producing 91hp at 6,000rpm and 130Nm of torque at 4,000rpm for the front wheels.
With a fuel economy rating of 6.0 litres per 100km, the Ertiga became the first vehicle in its class to be awarded with an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status.
Externally, the Ertiga Xtra comes fitted with 15-inch wheels with 185/65 series tyres, ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes as well as front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam suspension.
Also included are halogen headlights with levelling function, front fogs with black garnish and rear fog lamps.
Inside, the cabin features two power sockets, a passenger seat back pocket, rear air conditioning and sliding centre row seats that allow adult passengers in the last row to have ample leg room for those long journeys.
Additionally, the split folding centre and rear seats can allow owners to configure the interior to carry a wide variety of passengers and luggage loads.
As for safety, the Ertiga Xtra comes with two airbags, antilock-braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, driver window anti-pinch function and ISOFIX anchor points.
Meanwhile, the grand final of the Proton 1-Tank Adventure kicked off from the Proton Edar
branch in Kulai.
The single-tank challenge had 31 participating teams driving a total distance of 700km to finish in Juru, Penang to see who was the most fuel efficient.
Media team of Ross Hadi and Stanley Raymond emerged as the best team in the Proton Saga category with an average fuel consumption of 3.72 litres per 100km.
Next, also from the media were the duo of Yap Kam Foo and Brenda Yang in the Proton Iriz category who posted a 3.5 litres per 100km average fuel consumption
The car clubbers and owners did however set the best figure in the Proton Persona category with Khairul Ashraf and Zuhairie claiming the top spot with a record figure of 3.92 litres per 100km.
The top three finishers in each category were rewarded with trophies as well as cash prizes at the prize-giving ceremony held at the Park Royal Hotel in Penang.
Owners and car clubbers competed separately from the media.
Over 2,500 entries were received from parties interested to compete in the Proton 1-Tank Adventure and only 170 participants were selected - less than 10% made the cut.
During the drive from Kulai to Juru, participating teams also stopped for a durian buffet prepared for them in Melaka.
Each team had previously competed in one of the five regional rounds and, in most cases, had won their category (Saga, Persona and Iriz).
It was also the first time each winning car in each category achieved a theoretical range exceeding 1,000km to demonstrate what was possible from a Proton car when driven conscientiously.