17-02-2006
Holden’s value-packed light car brigade was boosted today by the first sedan to bear the Barina nameplate. The eye-catching four-door, the first sedan in Barina’s 21-year history, was created with significant input from Australian engineers prior to its global release. The all-new interior was overseen by Holden’s Mike Simcoe in his role as GM Asia Pacific Design Director.
Barina sedan has high standard specification, generous interior space and offers great value at $14,490. It comes hot on the heels of the strong-selling three and five-door Barina variants launched late in 2005. January 2006 was the biggest single sales month since the Barina nameplate was introduced in 1985, with 1398 units sold.
GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said the introduction of the Barina sedan would boost those strong sales. He said Australian input was a critical development component for the car before it was launched globally in mid-2005. “Holden engineers were included in the extensive development program in South Korea and Australia , increasing the car’s suitability for local buyers,” he said. Apart from the new interior treatment, Holden designers also added external highlights such as the distinctive Holden grille.
Codenamed T250 and described internationally as GM’s new global small sedan, the new generation Barina sedan was developed by GMDAT in South Korea and launched as the Chevrolet Aveo at the 2005 Shanghai Motor Show. The car is known as the Aveo in the USA and Europe. It is the most popular sub-compact nameplate in the United States , with almost 70,000 sales in 2005, and is the top selling Chevrolet model in Europe.
Mr Mooney said value light car offerings such as Barina sedan were vital to complement Holden’s strong-selling Astra range. “Barina sedan is a very attractive and economical proposal for people interested in a smaller four-door sedan,” he said. “There are not many small sedans in this segment in Australia and the Barina balances looks, function and value. “This model represents the next significant step in our small car offerings. It has been developed to be successful in several leading global markets, including Australia , rather than focussing on one set of domestic needs.
“It highlights the rapid evolution of value end cars and sends a clear signal that Holden’s small car range will continue to gain strength in the market.” Like the Barina hatches which hit Holden showrooms in December, the first-ever Barina sedan is outstandingly well-equipped. A 1.6 litre engine, 15-inch steel wheels (full size spare), air conditioning, dual airbags and a wide array of comfort and convenience items come standard.
Style and space
The all-new, elongated Barina sedan body design is characterised by clean lines and sharp contemporary styling. Its Holden DNA is reflected in the strong signature grille, flanked by three-dimensional headlights with multi-focus reflector lenses. The smart rear end is distinguished by a full width chrome spear, linking angular tail lamps.
A spacious, well-proportioned cabin reveals the benefits of a 2480mm wheelbase and skilful packaging. Fit, features and finish in the new generation interior bear comparison with much pricier imports. Silver accents in the dark charcoal fabric trim are echoed in door treatments and on the four-circle instrument cluster. Seating positions are slightly higher than average, enhancing visibility. There is generous head, hip and leg room for a car of this class and good cargo volume of 400 litres, extending to 1097 litres with the rear seat folded.
Performance, ride and handling
Like its hatchback siblings, the Barina sedan is powered by a 1.6 litre DOHC multi-point fuel injected engine. Among the most powerful in the sub-$15,000 light car class, it produces 76kW of peak power at 5800rpm and develops peak torque of 145Nm at 3600rpm, much of this available over a broad rev range.
Buyers have a choice of a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission, which has a ‘hold control’ button, allowing it to work as a manual and give drivers better control on hilly roads. The 16-valve 1.6 litre powerplant complies with Euro 3 emissions standards and returns a fuel-efficient 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres (manual transmission) and 7.7 litres/100 kilometres (automatic).
A series of chassis and suspension refinements developed for Barina by Holden chassis engineers balances ride comfort on all Australian roads with precise handling, roadholding and stability, aided by a wide stance and 15-inch tyres. High build quality improves driveability by further isolating road noise. Ventilated front disc brakes are standard and a four-channel, four sensor ABS braking system is available in an option pack.
Feature highlights
The sedan’s standard equipment inventory includes air conditioning with variable temperature control, power steering and a six-speaker MP-3 compatible audio system with CD player, user-friendly interface, steering wheel-mounted controls and windscreen-integrated antenna.
There are four power windows, heated power exterior mirrors (colour keyed), height-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt adjustable steering, key and ‘headlamps on’ reminders, a 60/40 split folding rear seatback and full-sized steel spare wheel. The central locking system is operated by a remote control key and a coded engine immobiliser and PIN-protected sound system offer extra security. Twin five-spoke alloy wheels (steel spare) are available in an option pack with ABS.
Safety and strength
With the dynamic assurance of superior ride and handling, assisted by refined suspensions, a wide track (1450mm front/1430mm rear) and strong body structure, the Barina sedan sets a high safety standard. Occupant protection systems include driver and front passenger airbags and sash height-adjustable front seat belts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners.
The stable passenger safety cell, comprising more than 40 per cent high-strength steel, has precisely defined load paths engineered into the body structure which are designed to deflect crash energy. Side beams and a ‘pendulum’ B-pillar featuring tailor-welded blanking help to minimise intrusion in a side-impact collision.
Text and photos courtesy of General Motors
