Holden is set to shift the balance in Australia ’s light car market with a new Barina starting below $13,000 with air conditioning as standard.

The TK Barina three-door and five-door hatchbacks offer more space and more power than their predecessors through 1.6-litre engines.

Holden’s sharp pricing will make the new Barinas some of the most affordable and powerful cars in their category, to be joined in early 2006 by the first-ever Barina sedan.

They will deliver an array of standard features such as driver and front passenger airbags, air conditioning, power steering, MP3-compatible sound system with CD player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

The hatchbacks are the first new generation Barinas sourced from General Motors’ South Korean operations, benefiting from an intensive development programme by Holden chassis engineers to ensure local ride and handling expectations will be met.

Smart interior features and individual exterior styling cues represent input from a dedicated Holden design team in conjunction with their South Korean counterparts.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said TK Barina would help Holden to redefine how it approached the four-cylinder market in Australia.

“The new Barina delivers everything Australians have come to expect from the Barina name since its introduction from Japan in 1985,” Mr Mooney said.

“Twenty years on, Barina will represent exactly the same concept as the original – fun, style, value and choice."

“We’ve come a long way with this car and we know that Australian engineering and design contributions will better meet local tastes and give it an edge in the marketplace.”

Holden Marketing Manager Passenger Cars, Alan Blazevic, said Barina had long been one of Australia’s favourite small cars and was the longest standing nameplate in the category.

“The new Barina reflects true focus on outstanding value for money, high equipment levels and a range of vibrant colours highlighting its focus on fun,” Mr Blazevic said.

“Barina helps Holden to continue its small car growth, highlighting our passenger car leadership during 2005.”

Performance, ride and handling

Barina’s lively 1.6 litre DOHC, multi-point fuel injected 16-valve engine is one of the most powerful in the sub-$15,000 light car class. It produces 77kW of peak power at 6,000 rpm and develops peak torque of 145Nm at 3,000rpm, much of it available over a broad rev range.

Buyers have a choice of five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission.

The automatic features a ‘hold control’ button which allows it to work as a manual, enabling drivers to stay in the appropriate gear for better control on hilly roads.

The 1.6 litre engine complies with strict future Euro 4* emissions standards and returns a fuel-efficient 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres (manual transmission) and 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres (automatic transmission).

* Correction (16th January, 2006)
The emissions standard of the new Barina is 'Euro 3' and not Euro 4 as reported. We apologies for this error.

A series of chassis and suspension refinements developed for Barina by Holden chassis engineers balance ride comfort on all Australian road types with precise handling, roadholding and stability, aided by a wider stance and 15-inch tyres.

Ventilated front disc brakes are standard and a four-channel ABS braking system is available in an option pack.

Style and space

The new Barina three-door and five-door hatchbacks are longer, wider and taller than the previous XC series and their looks are characterised by expressive body lines and sharp styling cues.

While each has a profile and a personality of its own, both signal their Holden family DNA through signature grilles with a centre bar, flanked by distinctive jewelled headlamps.

The increase in exterior dimensions translates into roomier passenger cabins with more leg space and increased head and shoulder room. Smart charcoal-toned interior treatments feature sports fabric inserts with micro silver highlights, satin silver accents and circular motifs.

Feature highlights

Designed with the emphasis on form, functionality and comfort, the all-new Barina three-door and five-door models offer the same broad array of standard features.

The list includes air conditioning, power steering, six-speaker MP3-compatible sound system with CD player, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power windows (front only on three-door), heated power exterior mirrors, height adjustable driver’s seat, tilt-adjustable steering, seat belt, key and ‘headlamps on’ reminders.

Twin five-spoke alloy wheels are available in an option pack.

The central locking system is operated by a remote control key and the coded engine immobiliser and PIN-protected sound system offer extra security.

Safety and strength

The new Barina sets a high safety standard with the dynamic assurance of superior ride and handling, assisted by refined suspension systems, wide track and strong body structure.

Occupant protection safety systems include driver and front passenger airbags. The sash height adjustable front seat belts have pyrotechnic pre-tensioners, the automatic transmission has a shift lock control system and there are three rear seat child restraint anchorages.

The passenger safety cell is protected by side intrusion beams, impact-absorbing crumple zones and load stress patterns engineered into the body structure which are designed to deflect crash energy.

Barina’s unibody design uses high strength steel in more than 46 per cent of its structural components, primarily concentrated in critical underbody sections, and tailor-welded blanks to create a solid structure.

Colour selection

Seven exterior colours are available: Arctic White, Mercury Silver (metallic), Jet Black (metallic), Chilli Red, Horizon Blue (metallic), Sunset Orange (metallic) and Sunshine Yellow (five-door hatch only).

Holden TK Barina recommended retail pricing

(Excluding government and dealer delivery charges)

Options

Metallic paint $250

On Sale

1st December 2005

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