Holden Barina 2012 News

Holden has upstaged luxury brands to be the first car maker in Australia to introduce Apple’s Siri voice control system.Not only is the Holden the first, it is also likely to be the most affordable car with the technology for some time.The system will debut in the updated version of the Holden Barina due in showrooms this month. The only catch: it is only available on the top-line Barina CDX which starts at $20,490, about $4500 more than the most basic model.In the past 12 months most car makers have expressed an intention to introduce Apple’s patented Siri voice control system to its cars.German car maker Mercedes-Benz was the first with Siri overseas but the technology isn’t due on models sold in Australia until later this year. The new Holden Commodore due in June is also expected to be Siri-ready.Technology experts point out that Apple’s Siri system works via the iPhones in any car when connected via Bluetooth. But the advantage of the integrated Holden system is that drivers can press a button on the steering wheel – rather than the phone – to activate Siri functions.“We’re very excited to be first car maker to offer Siri in Australia and to make it available on one of our most affordable models,” said Holden spokeswoman Andrea Matthews. “We hope this will enable more drivers to be less distracted behind the wheel.”This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling 

The new top-spec Barina CDX will with six-speed automatic gearbox will be the first to feature the Holden MyLink system when it goes on sale in November, starting from $20,490 for the hatch and an extra $500 for the sedan -- $2500 more than the equivalent CD model.The MyLink system uses the content of compatible smartphones, connected via Bluetooth, input jack or USB, but adds a new level of access to internet radio and navigation. A touchscreen controller for the MyLink system displays images and videos, as well as information from the phonebook and music player.MyLink will us the Stitcher Smart Radio application, as well as giving access to a growing number of applications to access global music and podcast content, including Pandora Internet Radio and TuneIn Radio, offering access to free talk radio, music radio and podcasts on demand from around the world.The system also works with BringGo Navigation. A nav app which runs on the mobile device but is controlled and viewed on the MyLink touch screen. Holden says its new MyLink infotainment system is the next level of integration when it comes to cars and smartphones.Also on the features list are 17-in alloys, rear parking sensors, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshifter, "Sportec" seat trim, trip computer, heated front seats, under-seat storage for the front passenger and MyLink. 

The Holden’s new generation Barina sedan - an extended version of the hatch - has just landed in showrooms with a starting price of $16,490. However the sedan has more cargo space than its sibling storing 502 litres compared to the 290 litres the hatch offers with the seats up. The Barina sedan comes equipped with standard features including Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB input and iPod connectivity, steering wheel controls, cruise control and ‘follow me home’ headlights, as well as interior storage options. Like the hatch the 4-door sedan is powered by a 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine equipped with standard 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic and shares a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The hatch has sold 1,318 units since its release last November and Holden spokesman John Elsworth says the sedan will be “an excellent addition to the range”. “The addition of the sedan variant adds a new dimension of practicality and flexibility to the Barina range,” he says.

The so-called Barina Spark starts from $12,490 for the CD and $13,990 for the CDX. The base model goes in under the forthcoming $12,990 Micra and packs more standard kit than the Indian-made Alto. But the newest Korean-built Holden comes only with a five-speed manual to drive its meagre, if game 59kW/107Nm 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine.Although its marketeers are adamant that the take-up of manuals remains strong in the micro-budget end of the light car segment, Holden is also entirely targeting women buyers (skinny and preferably blonde ones, judging by its product presentation) who are traditionally far more given to automatics.Suzuki spokesman Andrew Ellis said that in 12 months on the market, half the Alto's buyers wanted the four speed auto version. Nissan has not bothered with a manual Micra.At least the manual helps the Spark achieve competitive fuel economy of 5.6 litres per 100km, with Co2 emissions of 128g per kilometre, earning it the Federal Government's top green star rating.But the Barina Spark is not, strictly speaking, "the" new Barina. Known elsewhere in the General Motors world simply as the Spark, Holden happily admit tacking on a Barina badge to capitalise on its strong local recognition.The replacement for the current Barina - a car Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux told Carsguide would be "bigger, sportier and aimed more at men" - arrives next year.Until then the aging current model remains on sale next to the Spark."This could be almost made for the daughters of those who are buying the VE Series II Commodore," Devereux says of the Spark, which is part of new model offensive that sees 10 new models in the next 20 months.Built for now in Korea (production will switch to South Africa), the Spark is strong in safety fixtures but yet to secure a five star crash safety rating. The lack of standard stability control in Europe sees it carry four sparklers.Here, ESC it is standard on both variants, along with ABS and six airbags, which will help its ANCAP cause.The CD has 14-inch alloys and front fog lamps. The CDX's wheels grow by an inch, IT has power windows for all four doors picks. Design quirks include hidden rear door handles and a motor cycle-like instrument cluster.Joining Barina Spark in the light-car segment late next year will be its "true" Barina sibling, based on the global Aveo small car. It is styled by Holden's Ondrej Koromhaz.In the next segment up, the global Cruze will be built here from early next year, the sedan joined by the Holden-designed Cruze hatchback late in the year.The upcoming new Captiva also shared its global debut with the Cruze hatchback concept and Barina/Aveo production car at the Paris Motor Show.Devereux told Carsguide he wanted a bigger SUV in the Holden range along the lines of Mazda's CX-9."You'll see us filling out our model range, but you won't see us vomiting cars onto the market."As to the possibility of Opel - which supplied the old and much-loved Barina and Astra - Devereux said the brand was currently going into Chile and "looking at a number of markets where a German-engineered car is desirable".