Photo: Holden
Having made its debut in 2011, the sixth-generation Holden Barina is knocking on the door of the 2017 model year with better styling, more equipment, and a simplified range. Based on the Gamma II platform, the Barina is, for all intents and purposes, the Aussie brother of the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic.
Before anything, let’s talk about pricing. Starting from AUD 14,990, the no-frills model is AUD 400 less than the 2016 Barina. Surprisingly, however, the price drop is inversely proportional with the standard kit. For that tiny dribble of cash, the entry-level LS model boasts 16-inch alloy wheels, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, AppleCarPlay and Android Auto, rearview camera, Rear Park Assist, automatic headlights, as well as LED daytime running lights.
Higher up the lineup, the Barina LT is priced from AUD 20,390 and adds stuff like 17-inch alloys, heated front seats, Sportec trim on the seats, leather for the steering wheel, Passive Entry, and Push Button Start. Regardless of grade, the Chevrolet Barina hatchback scored the maximum 5-star ANCAP rating.
The hood hides a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 85 kW (116 PS / 114 horsepower) and 155 Nm (114 lb-ft) on tap. The 1.4-liter turbo unit labeled “ridiculously efficient” in the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, however, is not available for the Barina. For those who can’t do without an auto, the manual can be one-upped by a six-speed slushbox. Just add AUD 2,200 to the price of the LS. By comparison, the LT comes as standard with the automatic.
“With its trademark wheels-at-the-corners stance and dramatic changes to its front grille and fascia, Barina’s design really points to its pleasurable driving dynamics and technology inside,” explains Justin Thompson, GM Australia’s exterior design manager. “It was time for the Barina to grow up at bit and expand its global appeal beyond the young adult market,” he concluded.
For what it’s worth, it would be more mature from General Motors' part to launch an all-new subcompact model based on an all-new platform, not improve what basically is an old car. 2018 Opel Corsa F, anyone?
Higher up the lineup, the Barina LT is priced from AUD 20,390 and adds stuff like 17-inch alloys, heated front seats, Sportec trim on the seats, leather for the steering wheel, Passive Entry, and Push Button Start. Regardless of grade, the Chevrolet Barina hatchback scored the maximum 5-star ANCAP rating.
The hood hides a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 85 kW (116 PS / 114 horsepower) and 155 Nm (114 lb-ft) on tap. The 1.4-liter turbo unit labeled “ridiculously efficient” in the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, however, is not available for the Barina. For those who can’t do without an auto, the manual can be one-upped by a six-speed slushbox. Just add AUD 2,200 to the price of the LS. By comparison, the LT comes as standard with the automatic.
“With its trademark wheels-at-the-corners stance and dramatic changes to its front grille and fascia, Barina’s design really points to its pleasurable driving dynamics and technology inside,” explains Justin Thompson, GM Australia’s exterior design manager. “It was time for the Barina to grow up at bit and expand its global appeal beyond the young adult market,” he concluded.
For what it’s worth, it would be more mature from General Motors' part to launch an all-new subcompact model based on an all-new platform, not improve what basically is an old car. 2018 Opel Corsa F, anyone?
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