Proton AMA05 Confirmed as Exora Replacement MPV

Proton's upcoming AMA05 is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) built on the company's Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), positioned as a successor to the Proton Exora and a direct competitor to the Perodua Alza. Manufactured by Malaysian automaker Proton, the AMA05 is being developed to address the growing demand for affordable, fuel-efficient family transport in Malaysia's A-segment market. According to a recent announcement from supplier EP Manufacturing (EPMB), the AMA05 has been confirmed as a hybrid-only model, utilising a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT120) and sharing componentry with the Proton Saga MC3 and the upcoming AMA02 SUV.

Key Facts

Is the AMA05 the Confirmed Successor to the Proton Exora?

The Proton AMA05 is the most likely successor to the Proton Exora, confirmed as a hybrid-only MPV that will replace Proton's aging people mover in the Malaysian market. In December 2025, Proton officially confirmed the AMA05's existence as part of its future model lineup built on the AMA platform. The vehicle was listed alongside the Saga (AMA01), the upcoming AMA02 "Saga Cross" A-segment SUV, and the AMA06. A rendering by Theophilus Chin illustrates the AMA05 with MC3 styling cues, suggesting a design language shared with the current Saga MC3. The MPV is expected to form a dual-pronged assault with the AMA02 SUV to challenge Perodua's dominance in Malaysia's A-segment. The Exora, which has been on sale for over a decade, has lacked a direct replacement, and the AMA05 fills this critical gap in Proton's portfolio.

What Engine and Transmission Does the Proton AMA05 Use?

The Proton AMA05 is confirmed to be a hybrid-only model powered by a DHT120 dedicated hybrid transmission, with the "120" likely indicating a 120 kW (163 PS) electric motor output. This powertrain setup mirrors the one fitted to the Proton eMas 7 PHEV, which is already in CKD production at Proton's Tanjung Malim plant. Unlike the AMA02 SUV, which will likely offer a pure petrol variant, Proton's internal charts indicate the MPV will not be available with a petrol-only engine. This positions the AMA05 as Proton's first mass-market hybrid MPV, aligning with the national push toward electrified vehicles. The DHT transmission is crucial for fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions typical of Kuala Lumpur and Penang, where stop-and-go traffic is common.

What Did EP Manufacturing Confirm About the AMA05?

EP Manufacturing (EPMB) confirmed the AMA05's existence during the opening of its new RM9.5 million chassis component assembly facility in Tanjung Malim, where it will produce key modules for the new MPV. The facility, operated by the Peps Sanly JV (a partnership between EPMB and China's Sanly), began operations in October 2025. It produces front corner modules, subframe modules, and rear axle module assemblies for the Saga MC3, the AMA02 SUV, and the AMA05. The plant spans 9,909 square metres and has the capacity to produce up to 480,000 car sets per annum. Interestingly, EPMB also stated that the factory builds parts for the Proton Iriz and Persona, despite reports that the Iriz ended production in September 2025. This could mean the plant is supplying spare parts for the over decade-old models.

"EPMB states that the factory also builds parts for the Iriz and Persona – despite the former supposedly out of production since last year, and the latter surely on its way out. Either their demise has been greatly exaggerated, or the plant is simply producing spare parts for the over decade-old models."

Paul Tan's Automotive News, August 2026

When Will the Proton AMA05 Be Launched in Malaysia?

The Proton AMA05 is expected to be launched "next year," according to the August 2026 report, which positions the MPV as Proton's next model release after the AMA02 "Saga Cross" SUV. While no exact launch date has been provided by Proton, the timing aligns with the company's "Proton 2030" aspirations. The confirmation of the AMA05 via the EPMB supplier event in Tanjung Malim suggests that the supply chain is already being ramped up to support production. Industry analysts suggest that Proton will likely time the launch to coincide with its annual model-year update cycle. The MPV's hybrid powertrain suggests Proton is prioritising this model for the growing electrified vehicle segment, which is being encouraged by the Malaysian government's tax incentives for hybrid vehicles.

How Does the AMA05 Compare to the Perodua Alza in Malaysia?

The Proton AMA05 is being positioned as Proton's answer to the Perodua Alza, which currently stands as Malaysia's fifth best-selling model with no direct Proton competitor. The Alza dominates the B-segment MPV market in Malaysia, holding a significant lead over rivals like the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Veloz. For Proton to reclaim the sales crown from Perodua, it must capture a portion of this market share. The AMA05's hybrid powertrain offers a key differentiator, as the current Alza relies on a conventional internal combustion engine. If Proton prices the AMA05 competitively—potentially under RM80,000 as hinted for other AMA platform models—it could attract budget-conscious families looking for lower running costs. The table below compares the known attributes of the two MPVs based on available data.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The Proton AMA05 is designed for Malaysian families in the A and B-segment who need a compact, fuel-efficient MPV for urban commuting, particularly those in the Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor Bahru. The hybrid powertrain makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking to save on fuel costs, especially with fluctuating RON95 petrol prices. Its compact dimensions are ideal for navigating narrow streets in older residential areas and parking in tight urban condominium spaces. The MPV body style offers the practicality of seven seats, which is a key requirement for Malaysian families who often travel with extended relatives. The hybrid system's electric motor provides instant torque, which is beneficial for overtaking on federal roads and highways like the PLUS Expressway.

Common Questions

Does the Proton AMA05 have a pure petrol variant?

No, the Proton AMA05 will not be offered in a pure petrol variant, according to Proton's internal chart referenced in the August 2026 report. The MPV is confirmed as hybrid-only, utilising the DHT120 transmission, which is a key differentiator from the AMA02 SUV that is expected to offer both powertrain options.

Where will the Proton AMA05 be manufactured?

The Proton AMA05 will be manufactured at Proton's Tanjung Malim plant in Perak, Malaysia. Key chassis components including front corner modules and rear axle modules are produced by the Peps Sanly JV facility, which opened in October 2025 on a 9,909 square metre site. The plant is also producing components for the eMas 7 PHEV.

Is the Proton AMA05 a replacement for the Proton Exora?

Yes, the AMA05 is widely expected to serve as the replacement for the aging Proton Exora. Proton has not officially confirmed the Exora's discontinuation, but the AMA05's MPV body style, A-segment platform, and hybrid powertrain indicate it is the successor. The Exora has been on sale since 2009 with minimal updates.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the primary source: Paul Tan's Automotive News report dated 18 August 2026, titled "Proton AMA05 confirmed as next model – Saga-based Exora replacement MPV coming next year?" The original article references information from EP Manufacturing (EPMB) and its joint venture with Sanly, as well as Proton's December 2025 announcement regarding its future AMA platform models. No currency conversions were required as all figures are already in Ringgit Malaysia (RM).

This article was last updated on 18 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the source material from paultan.org. Where the source lacks specific data, such as exact launch dates or pricing, this is explicitly stated rather than estimated.