Holden Barina News

From January, its $15,990 Barina hatchback will be the first car to put internet music within reach of buyers on a budget.

NRMA Insurance has put nine of Australia’s top-selling small cars to the test, and found that even slow collisions – those everyday carpark bumps and scrapes – can cost dearly. The insurance giant tested the bumpers on the cars in a 10km/h identical crash test, and then compared repair costs.NRMA Insurance Head of Research Robert McDonald says the test reveals a vast difference in repair costs across the range of top-selling small vehicles.  “Of the vehicles tested, repair costs for a rear collision range from around $1,200 on one car to more than $7,600 on another,” he says.When that repair bill is increased with damage to both bumpers, it can wipe out a great deal of the car’s value. NRMA cited the front and rear bumper damage on a $18,990 Toyota Yaris YRS as costing $13,440 combined to repair -- a whopping 70.8 per cent of the purchase price.At the best end of the scale, the $17,990 automatic Holden Barina front and rear bumper came in at $2,574 or 14.3% of the purchase price. “A low speed crash is the most common type of crash on our roads,” McDonald says.  “Even travelling at only 10 km/h, we found many of the cars had poor-performing bumper design which resulted in high collision repair costs.”And even a five-star official ANCAP crash safety rating doesn’t always point to good results in the collision repair cost test. Except for the Nissan Micra ST-L, all cars tested have been awarded a five star ANCAP rating – yet the four-star Micra is the second-best performer with repair costs of $6,056, or 35.6% of purchase price.McDonald claims the variance in damage is due to the bumpers’ effectiveness in protecting more expensive parts such as headlights and radiator. NRMA says the collision repair cost program aims to urge manufacturers to improve their designs and help make repairs more affordable. Small car front and rear bumper collision tests results* Purchase price based on recommended retail price including GST as quoted from Glass’s Guide July 2012 publication 

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 Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. Chevrolet launched the Sonic RS at the Detroit motor show and Holden boss Mike Devereux likes what he sees. "It wouldn't be a bad idea," he says about the turbo Sonic -- which is the US name for the Barina.  "We would be dumb not to look at it." The Sonic RS has a 1.4L turbo engine with 102kW of power, fog lamps, 17-inch wheels, sport exhaust, four-wheel discs, lower and stiffer suspension, a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel and aluminium pedals. The Chevrolet stand also featured an electric Spark bound for the US next year. Devereux was guarded about introducing it to Australia. "We will see how we go with the Volt first," he says referring to the hybrid Volt which is driven by an electric motor with a small petrol engine to charge the battery and increase range. It is due in Australia later this year and follows some controversy in the US where it burst into flames several days after being crash tested. Devereux says the issue has recently been resolved with "a bit of steel added to the coolant area". He says the battery also needs to be "de-powered" after a crash. Futuristic concept cars aimed at the youth market could also make their way to the Australian International Motor Show. The Tru 140S and Code 130R show cars were produced to gain feedback from young motorists and will displayed at automotive shows around the world. Devereux did not rule out bringing them to Australia. The rear-wheel-drive Code 130R even looks like the Aussies Race Cars which are scaled-down versions of V8 Supercars. Former Holden boss and now GM president of North America, Mark Reuss, says the show cars are part of a "new family of small and compact cars" aimed at the youth market. Chevrolet senior manager of global marketing, John McFarland, says the challenging youth market represents 40 per cent of potential car buyers. However, he points out that they have grown up in a digital age, can barely remember life before Facebook and 54 per cent would rather be on a social network than driving. "They are disinterested in car brands," he says. "A car is like an ugly boyfriend; as soon as something better comes along it's out the door," he says.

Are you a Barina buyer looking for a bit more grunt? If you like the idea of the little Holden getting similar punch to that provided by the little turbo four in Holden's Cruze, you might want to start making noise now. While Holden say there are no plans to expand its Barina line-up, the company's colleagues in North America are spruiking the arrival of the Sonic RS. Destined for a US showroom arrival later next year, the RS will be seen for the first time at the Detroit motor show next month, aiming to get a chunk of the younger driver demographic. The RS will be powered by a 103kW/200Nm Ecotec 1.4-litre turbocharged engine - the same outputs we currently see in the Cruze turbo-petrol models - with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission on offer. Available in five-door guise only, the RS gets sports body bits (including a low front splitter), a retuned sports exhaust, fog lights, sports seats, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals, 17in alloys, sports suspension with a lower ride height. The US car will get the GM MyLink infotainment touchscreen system, which allows access to internet radio and links to smartphones for music downloads and video functionality as well. The RS model sits on lowered underpinnings, with a MacPherson strut front and a semi-independent, torsion beam rear end, as well as getting four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock system.

The findings of a GIO/Suncorp survey follow comments from Tour de France winner Cadel Evans in Brisbane this week complaining about ``nasty'' drivers.He said riders chose to hit the streets early to avoid conflict with car drivers.GIO/Suncorp spokesman Duncan Bone said their findings showed about four out of five motorists believed the road was a dangerous place for cyclists.``This likely stems from recognition of cyclists being the most vulnerable road users, and a lack of trust on both sides," he said.``In any accident the cyclist always loses, and taking this into consideration is an additional stress for drivers.''The research found about four out of five motorists reported having seen cyclists breaking the law or riding dangerously, and the same number believe drivers need to pay more attention to cyclists.

In fact new Barina looks just like a scaled-up Spark sharing a similarly shaped front end and tail lights along with the tall, cheese-wedge profile. The new generation model, here in October, will complete Holden's triple treat small/light car range that includes Australian-built Cruze sedan and hatch and the baby Barina Spark. The new Barina, already available in Europe and the US, was styled by Holden's Ondrej Koromhaz while on assignment at General Motors' South Korea design centre. The Barina name has been around for 26 years starting out as a rebadged Suzuki, then moving to a Spanish-built Opel and finally a Korean product. Holden says new Barina represents another example of its product renaissance which is seeing the entire model line-up refreshed. Barina's assertive appearance features a wide stance, sculpted body panels and dynamic proportions. Its five-door body has aggressive shoulder lines and concealed rear door handles. Rounded, exposed head and taillights give the front and rear fascia a three-dimensional, sporty appearance. Its compact dimensions conceal a spacious and edgy interior complete with motorcycle-inspired instrument panel and multiple storage pockets. An array of convenience features like Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB input with iPod connectivity, cruise control and steering wheel audio controls are fitted. Power comes from a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine twin cams and variable valve timing. It comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic. Barina also boasts a high level of standard safety features - Electronic Stability Control, six airbags, safety cell body. Pricing and full specs and features will be announced closer to launch.

...at the Australian International Motor Show - or anyone looking to downsize.General Motor’s Asia-Pacific design executive director Mike Simcoe noted the new Barina had grown - “it’s on the high side of the small car class” to differentiate it from the Spark.The Barina chases a coupe profile with the rear door handles mounted in the pillar to emphasise the roorline arc and the exposed front headlights and instrument cluster were “motorcycle inspired.” Holden’s Ondrej Koromhaz helped style the Barina while on assignment at GM’s South Korea design centre.Specification and pricing will be announced closer to launch, but the car will have a 1.6-litre engine electronic stability control.

Carparazzi's snapper captured the sedan take on the 2012 Chevrolet's Aveo, as the Korean-built Barina is known in North America. While the hatch was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, this is the first clear look we've had at this shape.While it looks all too obviously like a hatch with a boot stuck on, small sedans are becoming as commonplace here as the US and this one would be the obvious replacement for Holden's current Barina four door sometime after the all-new hatch arrives in the third quarter of 2011.Power will be provided by a variety of four-cylinder petrol engines, the one most likely in this neck of the woods being a 75kW 1.4-litre unit. A five speed manual is the likely standard transmission with a five speed auto the option.The Aveo/Barina sedan could be unveiled as early as January's North American International Auto Show.

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".