Holden Barina Sedan Review

Design and Engineering

Design and Engineering

 Good

The Holden Barina has improved front-end styling, thanks to an Italian design company's August 2008 update. The overall shape arrived Down Under in December 2005.
Not so good

If you look past the shiny facelift and trim you'll see that the overall shape is getting a bit old...
An all new model is due in the latter half of 2011.
Interior and Styling

Interior and Styling

 Good

Freshened interior includes a new improved dashboard with an integrated audio and a new instrument cluster; the huge 400L boot will easily swallow the weeks shopping.
Not so good

Updated dash still lags behind leading competitors in both plastics used and the 'fit and finish'; front seats are wide but too flat and lack support; Rear seat room nothing to shout about; it feels cheap in here. Where are all the storage options?
Performance

Performance

 Good

With a driver and one passenger on board the 1.6L has ample power for city driving, with the auto being much more responsive than the manual.
Not so good

Slightly disappointing 1.6L engine feels like it's working more than it should at highway speeds; five speed manual doesn’t like to be hurried (the 4-speed auto is a better bet).
Ride and Handling

Ride and Handling

 Good

Ride and handling is comparable with other Supermini's; sedan bodystyle feels stiffer and the wider track (than the hatch) helps with high-speed stability.
Not so good

The power steering is not the best, being a touch too heavy in heavy traffic; cabin noise at highway speeds; standard tyres lack grip.
Buying and Owning

Buying and Owning

 Good

The Barina nameplate is well known to Aussie buyers; the addition of two extra airbags is a big tick.
Not so good

No ESC, not even as an option, and you have to pay extra for ABS; fuel economy is below average.