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More style, space, safety technology, fuel efficiency and driving enjoyment
The new generation Holden Barina incorporates leading edge features that reflect significant advances in design and engineering technology. It is larger and roomier than before and it delivers dynamic new standards of refinement, comfort, all-round driving enjoyment and class-leading safety, contained in a sophisticated styling package.
The latest European-sourced Barina will boost the appeal of Holden's popular four cylinder range and sharpen its competitive edge in the small car market.
"This is the first all-new Barina to be introduced in almost seven years - and it represents a substantial step forward," said Michael King, Holden's Marketing Manager, Small and Medium Cars.
"Internationally, the new Barina has enjoyed a highly successful sales debut, and we believe it has all the right attributes - Holden-style driveability in particular - to make a similar impact in Australia," he said. "The popularity of its Holden Astra stablemate indicates that the combination of European design, great driving dynamics, strong chassis construction, excellent safety technology and low operating costs is a highly competitive mix," Michael King said.
Holden's new Barina is available in a choice of two model configurations: three-door and five-door hatchback. They share the same well-integrated design and are powered by a smooth-performing and responsive 1.4 litre DOHC ECOTEC engine that delivers improved power and torque, greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Specification levels are high. Standard equipment listings for both Barina models include such items as four wheel power disc brakes, speed-dependent electric power steering and steering wheel-mounted sound system controls.
Style and Space
The design of the all-new Barina - it is now longer, wider and taller - is characterised by flowing, athletic lines which accentuate its European heritage and maintain its distinctive brand identity.
Front end styling, with a strongly contoured engine hood and trapezoidal radiator grille, is clearly evolutionary. Slightly flared wheel arches running straight into front and rear body sections emphasise Barina's wider stance, and a bold rear end treatment featuring segmented tail lamps positioned high on the rear window pillars sets it strikingly apart. There are six paint finishes new to the range.
Aerodynamic efficiency is a keynote of the new Barina's sporty design, and its slippery shape has been optimised to offer six per cent less headwind resistance than the previous model; a benefit that translates directly into a quieter driving environment and greater fuel saving.
Within the passenger compartment, designers have maximised the increase in Barina body dimensions to create a new sensation of spaciousness, emphasised by intelligent packaging. The open, clearly laid out interior features quality finishes, completely re-designed seating and a driver-friendly ergonomic cockpit design. Shoulder width in the front is extended by 80mm in the three-door Barina and by 75mm in the five-door model. Front seat occupants have 15mm more head room; leg room in the rear is stretched a further 6mm.
Clever solutions for small item storage include integrated pen holders in the glovebox, a drawer beneath the front passenger seat (five-door model), sunvisor document pockets, door bins, cup holders and seatback hooks for shopping bags.
The increased luggage and general load carrying capability is both versatile and practical.
With five seats in use, the load volume is 260 litres - and both Barinas have 60/40 split fold rear seatbacks.
To accommodate bulkier objects, the rear seat back can be folded down in separate sections and fixed at two different angles. When the rear seats are fully folded, the maximum load area capacity is 1060 litres.
Safety and Strength
The Holden Barina sets class-leading new standards in all-round safety performance - the outcome of an intensive development program aimed at achieving the best possible results in a wide range of accident situations.
A robust, all-new body structure is responsible for a 33 per cent increase in torsional rigidity and improved energy absorption properties. In head-on collisions, three load paths share the task of managing crash energy, and this optimised front end deformation zone is complemented by a rigid passenger safety cell. A new chassis sub-frame, similar to that of the Holden Astra, serves as an additional collision load path.
In side impacts, the strong lateral structure is designed to route incoming forces to the other side of the vehicle. In a rear impact, crash forces are absorbed by high strength steel side rails.
The list of standard occupant protection systems on both models is one of the most comprehensive ever offered on a car in this segment. Barina is the first car in its class to feature active head restraints, which further reduce the risk of whiplash injury. Protection to lower limbs is increased by a pedal release system, designed so that brake and clutch pedals will disengage from their anchor points in the event of a severe impact.
Standard driver and passenger air bags feature a new radial fold pattern for a more uniform spread and better protection. Seat belts now have belt-force limiters - which act instantly to reduce pressures on the upper body - in addition to pyrotechnic pre-tensioners and sash height adjustment.
Vehicle Dynamics
The new Barina delivers agile handling and dynamic stability previously reserved for cars of larger size and increased cost. This superior driving experience comes courtesy of several
advanced chassis engineering concepts that have been successfully applied to the Holden Astra.
Barina's stiffer body construction and a forward structure supported by a closed chassis sub-frame that also accommodates suspension pivots and steering gear, ensure better feel and feedback in ride and handling. Its wider track (1417mm front, 1408mm rear) and longer wheelbase, now extended by 48mm to 2491mm, and the new self-stabilising chassis also make for safer, more precise handling.
The DSA (Dynamic Safety) chassis allows drivers to retain control and hold a driving line, even in critical situations. Barina features MacPherson strut front suspension with specially tuned damping bushings for more precise wheel control and a complex hydro-mount that increases refinement by cushioning jolts and disturbances. Adopted from the Holden Astra, more rigid torsion-beam rear suspension with trailing arms and coil springs also adds to Barina's sporty handling attributes.
Power-assisted disc brakes all round - front ventilated 260mm diameter and 240mm rear discs - provide stopping power that puts Barina on par with the highest-priced cars in its segment. The brake booster is increased in size for a safe 'feel' and low pedal effort. Larger 14" wheels and bigger, wider tyres selected and tuned to match Barina's handling, play a complementary role in reducing braking distance.
The fitment of speed-dependent electric power steering as standard is another major advancement. It takes the effort out of turning the wheel when parking, yet retains a good feel during straight-ahead driving at higher speeds when little power assistance is required. Because the system only uses energy when needed, fuel economy is also improved.
Refined, Fuel-Efficient Performance
Barina is powered by a new 1.4 litre, ECOTEC double overhead cam 16 valve engine which
provides a more lively, torquey brand of performance. It develops 66kW of power at 6000rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Its quality of operation is noticeably smoother and more refined, due to the positive benefits of major chassis development and clever engine mount design.
High-tech 'drive by wire' electronic throttle control, a close-coupled
catalytic converter and an advanced engine management system combine to
increase Barina fuel economy by up to three per cent on the city cycle
(manual) and by seven per cent on the highway cycle (auto). This technology
also meets the rigorous Euro 4 exhaust emission standards four years ahead
of their introduction in Europe.
More precise shifting and smoother operation are features of the new Barina's optimised 5-speed manual transmission, which features a maintenance-free, hydraulically operated clutch.
The optional four-speed electronic control automatic transmission has a neutral idle feature which saves fuel by selecting neutral when the brake pedal is applied and the car is stationary, then automatically shifts the transmission back into gear when it moves off, allowing smoother idling and greater fuel saving.
Componentry designed for low maintenance and a range of totally maintenance-free components also save on operating costs. Air cleaner elements, for instance, have change intervals of 60,000 kms. Barina body panels are fully galvanised for excellent corrosion protection.
Comfort, Convenience and Security
Barina boasts a wide array of standard features that are purpose-designed to provide a more relaxed and enjoyable driving environment.
As well as speed-sensitive electric power steering, buyers of both models will appreciate such functional extras as remote two-stage central locking, programmable intermittent wiper settings and a tachometer. The high quality Blaupunkt audio system, with illuminated steering wheel-mounted fingertip controls and multi-function display, has a single disc CD player and premium 80 watt six-speaker combination. Further features include a clean-air filter, load area cover, manual headlamp level adjustment, 'headlamps on' audible warning, service reminder, tinted windows, body coloured bumpers and side mouldings, driver and passenger vanity mirrors.
In addition, the five-door model offers steering wheel and driver's seat height adjustment, colour-coded interior trim, front and rear spot lamps, sunglasses storage box and a drawer beneath the front seat.
Theft protection is considerably enhanced. The remote control door locking and engine immobilising device has a rolling security code. Doors can be remotely deadlocked and locks are protected by inside covers. 'Freewheeling' door and steering lock cylinders prevent forcing, radio units are security-coded to render them worthless if stolen. In addition, pressing the remote 'unlock' function automatically activates interior lights.
Colour Selection
Aruba Blue*, Jazz Blue*, Breeze Blue*, Corn Yellow*, Barolo Red*, Space Green*, Star Silver, Diamond Black, Magma Red, Casablanca White. (* Denotes colours new to the Barina range.)
Holden Barina Recommended Retail Pricing
| Barina 3 Door |
$13,990 |
| Barina 5 Door |
$15,990 |
Options
| Automatic transmission |
$1,950 |
| Air conditioning |
$1,870 |
| Metallic Paint |
$235 |
On Sale
April 2001
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