All-new Barina Revealed at 2011 Melbourne Motor Show
Another chapter in Holden’s product renaissance is set to begin with the Australian debut of the stylish all-new Barina hatchback at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne.
The new generation model, on sale in October, will enhance the appeal of Holden’s small car range which now includes the highly-acclaimed Australian-built Cruze sedan and hatch and the baby of the Holden family, Barina Spark.
Barina, which has already been launched successfully in Europe and the United States by Holden’s sister brand Chevrolet, brings fresh new styling and a high level of standard safety features to the sub-compact segment.
Its striking interior and exterior design was led by Holden’s Ondrej Koromhaz while on assignment at General Motors’ South Korea design centre and takes familiar design cues from its Barina Spark and Cruze siblings.
Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said the Australian debut of the new-generation Barina marked a new chapter in the proud 26-year history of the popular light car.
“The introduction of this new model shows Barina has really grown up. This is a world-class vehicle with leading design and safety credentials. We think it’s going to be a real hit in showrooms around the country,” Mr Devereux said.
“Importantly, it represents yet another example of our product renaissance which is seeing our entire model line-up refreshed with exciting new vehicles designed to beat other entries, not just compete with them.
“The eye-catching design of the all-new Barina will make it stand out from the crowd and deliver what Australian small car drivers need and want.
“We’re excited about Barina’s potential and we think it will appeal to an even broader range of customers when it goes on sale in a few months.”
Locally-inspired interior and exterior design
Barina boasts a muscular appearance with a wide stance, sculpted body panels and dynamic proportions. Its five door body has a coupe-like profile with aggressive shoulder lines and concealed rear door handles.
Rounded, exposed head and taillights give the front and rear fascia a three-dimensional, sporty appearance with its dynamic proportions carried through the high beltline, sweeping roofline and integrated rear spoiler.
Its compact dimensions conceal a spacious and edgy interior complete with motorcycle-inspired instrument panel and multiple storage pockets.
On the driver’s side, the detailed instrument cluster features a large, round analogue tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout alongside an easy-to-read digital speedometer. Ice blue interior illumination and LED backlighting is featured throughout the cabin.
As the leader of the advanced global design work, Koromahz said he was proud to see the all-new Barina make its first appearance in his home country.
“After several years in the making, it’s very satisfying to see the finished product ready to hit Aussie roads. I think customers in this country will respond really positively to the new Barina,” he said.
“We worked hard to give it an assertive appearance with lots of character that will appeal equally to men and women.
“We also aimed to deliver a really strong road presence with modern, sporty details like exposed headlights and concealed rear door handles.
“Overall, it’s pleasing that we’ve been able to deliver Holden customers such a strong package.”
Infotainment
Barina’s modern interior design and spacious layout is enhanced by an array of convenience features, including Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB input with iPod connectivity, cruise control and steering wheel audio controls.
Performance
With performance to match its good looks, the all-new Barina is equipped with a responsive 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine equipped with a 16-valve cylinder head with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. It comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic.
Safety credentials
Barina also boasts a high level of standard safety features.
It delivers the active safety benefits of Electronic Stability Control (ESC), incorporating an anti-lock braking system, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and traction control. Occupants are protected by a total of six airbags – dual front, front side impact and full length curtain airbags.
The all-new Barina will be on display alongside a range of Holden vehicles at the Australian International Motor Show at Melbourne Exhibition Centre from 1-10 July.
New model pricing, full specifications and features will be announced closer to launch.
Holden Barina Spark Tops RACQ Affordability Report
Holden’s Barina Spark CD 1.2 litre hatch has been named the most affordable car to own and operate in Queensland according to a recent RACQ survey.
The motoring club’s 2011 Facts on Private Vehicle Expenses report reveal the costs incurred by owning a private motor vehicle including depreciation, fuel, servicing and highlight how savings can be made without sacrificing performance and lifestyle requirements.
The feature packed Barina Spark has grown in popularity since its launch in October 2010 offering a large array of features including safety elements such as ESC, ABS, brake assist and six airbags.
The good news did not end there for Holden with the Commodore VE II 3.6 litre dual fuel and Captiva CX 2.2 litre Diesel being named the most affordable in the large car and medium SUV class respectively.
Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth said it was a great result that highlighted why buying a Holden was a smart choice.
“At Holden we have always prided ourselves on the fact that we offer consumers great value for money that goes beyond the price tag,” Mr Elsworth said.
“It’s not just about competitive pricing, feature-packed cars but about affordability when it comes to day to day running costs.”
“It is great to see that our commitment to the quality and value of our products is being recognised.”
A total of 98 popular models were surveyed for the 2011 Private Vehicle Expenses Survey in classes including people movers, compact and medium SUVs, all terrain 4WDs, and two and fourwheel drive utilities.
RACQ’s results were based on a five-year ownership period under average operating conditions for motorists travelling 15,000 km a year.
All-new Holden Barina Spark
Holden’s all-new, street-smart city car, the Barina Spark has made its local debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.
The five-door hatch delivers an attractive combination of sharp sports styling and edgy cabin design, backed by best-in-class safety features.
The 1.2 litre Barina Spark complements the existing Holden Barina hatch and sedan range. It becomes the smallest model in the Holden portfolio and will compete in the fast-growing light car segment.
Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth, said the Barina Spark has what it takes to stand out from the competition and attract a younger set of buyers to the Holden brand.
“This is a very style-conscious market and what we have here is a really fresh and energetic design that breaks the ‘cute car’ mould. There’s nothing look-alike about Barina Spark, which underlines its appeal as a city car with attitude.
“The safety story is a big plus, given that Barina Spark is one of the only cars in its class with electronic stability control and six airbags as standard fitment.
“We see it as a fun, fuel efficient, very well put together package that represents great value for money in the Holden tradition.”
Spark is a General Motors global design inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept vehicle that was singled out by a majority of 1.9 million internet voters as the car they most wanted to see produced from a trio of showcars at the 2007 New York Auto Show.
GM will introduce the Spark to more than 150 markets around the world and its Australian debut follows a successful European launch earlier this year.
Holden gives buyers the choice of two striking five-door models, the Barina Spark CD and Barina Spark CDX. They come equipped with sports body kit, alloy wheels, fog lamps and tailgate spoiler as standard, along with such high-level safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six-airbag occupant protection.
Both are powered by a lively 1.2 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, teamed with five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy (ADR81/02) is a frugal 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres. It also achieves a 5-star rating in the Federal Government’s Green Vehicle Guide with CO2 emissions calculated at 128 grams per kilometre.
The Barina Spark CD carries a recommended retail price tag of $12,490* and the Barina Spark CDX is priced at $13,990*.
*not including dealer delivery or government charges
Barina Spark – Holden’s new fuel efficient baby
Holden today unveiled the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its range, the all-new Barina Spark.
Powered by a 1.2 litre, four-cylinder engine, the funky new five-door hatch delivers fuel economy of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres with one of the lowest CO2 emission levels in its class, at 128 grams per kilometre.
It will also be one of the most affordable cars in the market to achieve a five-star Green Vehicle Guide rating.
At its launch at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Holden’s Energy and Environment Director Richard Marshall said Barina Spark offered customers strong fuel economy without compromising safety or value for money.
“The launch of Barina Spark reinforces our commitment to offering quality vehicles that are better on a budget and better for the environment,” Mr Marshall said.
“It really goes to show that when it comes to sustainable and affordable driving that there is something in our showrooms for everyone.”
He said it was fitting that Barina Spark’s frugal economy was highlighted at the Sydney Motorshow, the same place that in 2008 Holden committed to offering more environmentally friendly vehicles through the company’s EcoLine range.
Holden EcoLine is a brand designed to highlight the company’s broad range of vehicles that use alternative fuel or fuel saving technology.
“At the last Motor Show in Sydney in 2008 we launched Holden EcoLine, so we’re proud to be here again telling people about the advancements we’ve made when it comes to making motoring better for the environment.
“Holden EcoLine is an easy way to communicate our ‘Future Friendly’ strategy to our customers. It highlights the ways we are making Holden a smarter choice for Australian motorists.”
Holden’s all-new Barina Spark set to shine in Sydney
Holden’s all-new street-smart city car, the Barina Spark will make its local debut at the Australian International Motorshow in Sydney next week.
The 1.2-litre hatch complements the existing Barina model range and becomes the latest addition to Holden’s small car portfolio. It delivers sharp sports styling backed by leading safety features standard across the range.
Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth, said the Barina Spark had what it took to attract new generation to the Holden brand.
“This is a very style-conscious market and with Barina Spark we have a really fresh and energetic design that breaks the ‘cute car’ mould. It’s fun, fuel efficient and offers class-leading safety features and value for money in the best Holden tradition,” he said.
The striking five-door Barina Spark CD and CDX are based on GM’s latest global design. They come equipped with sports body kit, alloy wheels, fog lamps and rear spoiler as standard, along with high-level safety features across the range, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six-airbag occupant protection.
Both are powered by a lively 1.2 litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, teamed with five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy (ADR81/02) is a frugal 5.6 litres/100km making it the most economical car in the Holden range.
Stand-alone style and safety
Clever design cues give Barina Spark the look of a sporty three-door while it delivers five-door functionality. Hidden rear door handles accentuate a dynamic, wedge-shaped profile and clean bodyside. Up front, dramatically elongated headlamps flank a signature Holden grille, emphasising Barina Spark’s sharp-edged, stand-alone design character.
Fashion-forward cabin treatments mix fun and functionality. Highlights include a motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster mounted on the steering column, ice-blue backlighting and colour-coded inserts flowing from the instrument panel into the front doors
Class leading safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), incorporating anti-lock braking, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and traction control. Occupants are protected by a total of six airbags – dual front, front side impact and full-length curtain airbags.
Pricing, full specifications and features will be announced at the Motorshow.