Holden Barina: Improved Style + Safety

Motoring Channel Staff - 26/August/2008

Melbourne, Australia — Along with the new Epica mid-sized car, GM Holden has recently launched an updated version of its Korean-made Barina.

One of the biggest criticisms levelled at the Barina was that it was an unsafe car.

It was given a very low ANCAP crash rating of just 2 stars.

Holden has sought to remedy this issue by delivering the refreshed model that, on top of a new exterior design, now features four airbags as standard, adding side airbags to the safety equation.

With prices starting at $14,490 for the 3-door hatchback model, Holden is confident the Barina's increased safety credentials will win over more buyers. The price list is as follows:

3-Door Hatch: $14,490
5-Door Hatch: $15,990
4–Door Sedan: $15,990

The clearest change for the new Holden Barina is the external design.

Up front the Barina's 'face' has been given a nip and tuck with new headlight designs that flow sideways into the body work and help to visually tie the car in with other models in the range, such as the Epica. 

The grille has been altered and the front apron as a whole looks more contemporary than previously.

At the rear of the Barina there are also changes, with bold new brake light assemblies and updated rear aprons.

Sold in Europe as Chevrolet Aveo, the new Holden Barina's power comes from from a 1.6-litre engine that outputs 76kW @ 5800rpm and 145Nm @ 3600rpm.

The engine features dual overhead camshafts and 4-valves per cylinder.

The compact engine matches well with the car's light weight and helps the Barina achieve progressive fuel consumption numbers. 

The models equipped with automatic transmissions will drink 7.6-litres of petrol for every 100 kilometres travelled, while the manual models are even more efficient, using just 7.0L/100km.

GM Holden has also seen to it that the interior of the cars got an upgrade. 

This involves things like a new fabric trim, and also changes to the design of the centre console and instrument panel, which give the car a more modern look and feel. 

There's also a fully-integrated stereo system with MP3 compatibility, and new-look vents and heating and air-conditioning controls.

GM Holden's director of marketing, Philip Brook, said the updated Barina range keeps the low price but improves the features: "With three body styles, striking exterior and interior design improvements, Barina will appeal to a broad range of customer groups. 

"Add side impact airbags and the package becomes even more attractive," Brook said, highlighting the cars improved safety features.

"Barina represents great value for money in a growing segment of the market that appreciates fuel economy and the convenience of a small vehicle," added Mr Brook.

There are three models in the range, the 5- and 3-door hatchback variants and a sedan model.

The options list includes metallic paint ($300) and an alloy-wheels + ABS package ($1,190). There are also a few new colours on offer, which are as follows:

• Arctic White

• Chilli Red

• Impression Blue (metallic) - NEW

• Urban Grey (metallic) -NEW

• Mercury Silver (metallic)

• Horizon Blue (metallic)

• Carbon Flash Black (metallic) - NEW

• Fayence Uni (metallic) - NEW (hatchback only)

• Flame Red (metallic) – NEW (sedan only)

Related Links:
- Holden Barina (Road Test)
- Holden Barina/Chevrolet Aveo (2008)
- Holden Epica (Road Test)
- Holden Astra SRi Turbo (Road Test)
- Holden Commodore Hybrid (2010)
- Holden VE Ute (First Drive)
- Holden Captiva Diesel (Road Test)
- Holden Astra Diesel (Road Test)