Holden Barina: Improved Style + SafetyMotoring Channel Staff - 26/August/2008 | 
Holden Barina
Holden has specified a new-look interior for
the updated Barina, complete with new trim
Holden's Barina boasts a new design,
with reworked front and rear stylings
Priced from $14,490, the new Barina is on sale now
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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)
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