26 Years in the Making - All New Barina is Holden's Best Ever Light Car

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – Sept 21, 2011: Holden launched an all-new Barina hatch today bringing strong, sporty Holden design language, must-have technology and five-star safety to the light-car segment.

Barina has a proud history over 26-years in Australia but it’s also a truly global vehicle and will be sold in over 60 countries as the Chevrolet Aveo and Sonic.

Introducing the car to media in Melbourne today Executive Director, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth said the high standard specification would make Barina a standout in the competitive light car segment.

“Barina is one of Australia’s favourite small cars and most recognised nameplates and the new-generation Barina has taken a huge leap forward,” Mr Elsworth said.

“It also makes the technology and safety features you’d expect on a large car available as standard in the light segment – which will be hugely appealing to customers,” he said.

“Standard features on the all-new Barina include Bluetooth and Bluetooth audio streaming, USB input and iPod connectivity, steering wheel controls, cruise control and “follow me home” headlamps as well as clever interior storage options.”

Mr Elsworth said Barina’s design credentials would also help reinvigorate Holden’s light car range.

“Holden’s design influence is instantly recognisable with dynamic looks and the strong road presence Holden is famous for,” he said.

“Barina hatch was designed by Ondrej Koromhaz, an Australian design team member, while he was on secondment to the GM Design studio in Korea and we think he’s done a great job at capturing Holden’s DNA.

“The Holden DNA isn’t limited to Barina’s exterior design, it’s also obvious in the internal design and smart packaging, on-road performance and safety.”

Boasting a spirited 85kW 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, the Barina has one of the largest powertrains in its segment. The Barina is equipped with a standard 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select.

Barina shares impressive safety credentials with its Commodore and Cruze siblings, recently receiving the maximum five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Safety features on the all-new car include driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags, dual front seatbelt pretensioners, front seatbelt reminders, Electronic Stability Control, a collapsible pedal release system and head restraints for all seats.

“We know that light car buyers have been looking for more from Holden and the all-new Barina is designed to beat other entrants and not just compete,” Mr Elsworth said.

“We think Barina is everything a light car buyer is looking for today: it’s very sharply priced, it has a five-star ANCAP rating and includes standard features you’d expect in much more expensive cars.

“It’s another world away from the first Barina 26 years ago which includes innovations of that time like a 1.3-litre SOHC 4-cylinder engine with 50kW power, an AM/FM radio, vinyl trimmed seats, and a digital clock.”

Barina plays a key role in Holden’s continuing product renaissance which will see the Adelaide-built Cruze hatch on sale date in November, all-new Colorado in 2012 and the extended-range electric Holden Volt on sale in the second half of next year.

Holden Barina hatch is launching with a driveaway price of just $16,990 with a manual transmission. The new generation Holden Barina will go on sale around Australia from November.