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With the launch of the sports-oriented Barina SRi, Holden introduces the biggest performing version yet of its smallest market entrant.
The three-door 1.8 litre SRI model joins the all-new Holden Barina line-up introduced earlier this year. Stylish and well-specified, it adds an even more dynamic performance edge to this popular European-sourced four cylinder range.
The advanced 1.8 litre double overhead cam (DOHC) engine that powers the Barina SRi is 39 per cent more powerful than the standard 1.4 litre Barina powerplant. Complementing this performance capability, the SRi is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, traction control, 15-inch alloy wheels and low profile tyres, revised close ratio five-speed manual transmission and sports suspension.
In SRI form, Barina's slippery aero shape is accentuated by an lrmscher body kit, consisting of front air dam, side skirts and rear roof spoiler. Further unique features include an individual interior treatment, highlighted by sports seats, leather wrap steering wheel and silver metallic detailing, and cruise control.
Michael King, Holden's Marketing Manager, Small and Medium Cars, said, "This is a car that keeps the tradition of the European sports hatch very much alive — but at the same time benefits from major Australian input.
"The arrival of the Barina SRi has been keenly anticipated since its preview at the Melbourne Motor Show in March. It will have plenty of attraction for performance enthusiasts and we expect it to carve out a sizeable niche in the small car market. It will also widen the unisex appeal of our 1.4 litre Barina three and five-door hatchback models, which continue to enjoy a very successful debut," Michael King said.
"Everything about the Barina SRi, from its good looks to its first class performance credentials, says driving excitement. It's an extension of everything that's impressive about the new Barina: great driving dynamics, strong chassis construction, advanced safety technology, comfort and refinement — all contained in a sophisticated design package," Michael King concluded.
Driving Dynamics
The Barina SRi's 1.8 litre DOHC 16 valve engine develops 92kW of power at 6,000rpm and 165Nm of torque at 4600rpm on premium unleaded fuel. It produces the fuel efficiency figures of 7.8 litres/i 00 kms on the city cycle and 5.4 litres/I O0kms on the highway cycle on standard unleaded fuel.
Holden Powertrain Engineering was contracted by General Motors' German affiliate, Opel, to develop this new generation 1.8 litre engine for markets in Europe, Asia, South Africa and South America.
Holden engineers designed specific components for the 1.8 litre engine and undertook extensive testing to meet stringent performance and endurance targets. The engine management system was also recalibrated to satisfy demanding global emissions and driveability requirements.
Barina's precise shifting, close ratio 5-speed manual transmission was modified and strengthened to deal with the increased power and torque. The stopping performance of power-assisted disc brakes all round is augmented by a Bosch 5.3 anti-lock braking system. Traction control is also specified as standard.
The agile handling and dynamic stability characteristics of the Barina SRi are enhanced by a 13mm wider track front and rear, lower ride height and a sports suspension set-up with specially calibrated front suspension dampers and revised spring rates. These modifications are complemented by the fitment of 6x1 5-inch alloy wheels and 185/55R low profile tyres.
Sports Style
The distinctly sporty, low-slung stance of the SRi is accentuated by a unique body kit consisting of a front air dam with integrated fog lamps, body-coloured rear spoiler and side
skirts. Seven-spoke alloy wheels, SRi badging, body-coloured exterior mirrors and door handles and dark tinted tail lamps continue the individual styling theme.
The theme continues inside, with exclusive interior appointments, such as sports styled front seats, finished in exclusive jacquard fabric trim. Further custom styling cues include aluminium-look metallic detailing on the centre console area, handbrake lever, gearshift knob and door handles, a leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with radio remote controls, CD unit with silver fascia, white instrument dials and tailored floor mats. All three rear seating positions are fitted with padded head restraints and lap/sash seat belts.
Colour Selection
Star Silver II, Diamond Black, Magma Red, Aruba Blue
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