- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.4i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
66kW, 125Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 7.7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
How the mighty mite falls
Good: Tight, solid body, well sorted suspension and decent wheels/tyres contribute to above average handling ability and driver enjoyment. Fit and finish quality. Twinport engine is refined and economical. Slick five-speed gearbox. Efficient dash layout. Plenty of convenience and security features. Good resale values. Four-star crash test rating.
Bad: Is removing safety equipment from new cars acceptable? Lethargic performance. Relatively expensive, especially with optional air. Driver's seat lacks upper body support. Rear wheels prone to lockup. Ride might be a bit firm for some.
Verdict: Cheaper price, cheapened car.
Stars: 2 (out of 5).
Holden's Barina took out the Wheels Car of the Year silverware in 2001. The judges got a bit of a shock that a $15,000 shopping trolley could actually be entertaining to drive and engineered up to a standard, instead of down to the cheapest possible price.
A product of General Motors' German arm, Opel, and built in Spain, the Barina has since been through a couple of facelifts and specification changes, the latest is particularly relevant in the context of rising petrol prices.
While all small cars are relatively frugal, the 2004 Barina's new 1.4-litre engine is specifically engineered for maximum economy and minimal emissions. The 1.4 Twinport uses variable inlet and exhaust gas recirculation technology to produce an average consumption figure of just 5.9 litres/100km.
The Twinport engine is available only with a five-speed manual transmission; the four-speed auto Barinas still use the conventional 1.4, which at an average 7.5 litres/100km is hardly a gas guzzler either.
The current Barina range starts at $15,990 for the SXi three-door. The CD five-door (tested here) is $17,990. The three-door SRi, with the Astra's 1.8-litre engine and other sports accoutrements, is $22,490. You have to fork out another $1880 for air, although Holden does run regular sales which include it at no cost and a bit of arm twisting at other times will usually produce a similar result.
The 2004 Barina prices are $1000 cheaper than last year's model. However, it's worth noting that the 2001 Barina's active front-seat head restraints, a worthwhile safety feature unique in this class, have been stripped from the standard equipment list.
Holden says that in late 2002 Opel would no longer let them have active head restraints as a stand-alone fitment but only as a package with curtain airbags. Holden says that Opel's deal would have added too much cost for the car to bear in such a price-sensitive market.
Although it performs well in crash tests, the Barina's safety credentials are further weakened by the absence of ABS brakes. Many rivals now have them as standard or an option.
Two front airbags are provided. The front seat belts also have pretensioners and force limiters, while in a severe frontal impact the brake and clutch pedals shear away to reduce lower leg damage. In the frills department, you get a CD player (with six speakers and wheel-mounted audio controls), front power windows, power mirrors (CD model), a leather-wrapped wheel and 15-inch alloy wheels with purposeful rubber: 185/55 Pirellis.
The 66kW Twinport is one of the most refined engines in this class, but its performance is underwhelming. It has the legs just to hold its own in traffic as long as you keep busy with the light, precise five-speed gearbox.
Competent, enjoyable dynamics remain the Barina's greatest strength. Its tight, solid little body, finely tuned suspension and decent wheel/tyre package works with greater finesse and control, to higher limits, than the average small car.
For this year's model, the suspension has been slightly stiffened and the electrohydraulic power steering given greater feel, to further improve the Barina's handling and driver enjoyment factor.
It is balanced, responsive and grippy in a set of tighter corners. At speed it is secure and stable, in contrast to most small cars which tend to get kicked around, twitchy and nervous on rough surfaces.
The ride, though compliant enough, remains on the firm side and road shock is effectively absorbed. Some tyre noise is evident on coarse bitumen.
A tie rod has been added to the brake booster, which Holden claims improves braking control and reduces pedal effort in emergency situations. It's a poor substitute for ABS. The brakes are powerful by small car standards and pedal feel is good. However, the rear wheels will lock fairly early in full-on stops.
Inside, the Barina gets the usual redecorating job, in charcoal fabrics and plastics, to complement its exterior facelift, which comprises body-coloured bumpers, door handles, protection mouldings and mirrors. The dash is simple and stylish. Audio buttons on the wheel, a sunglasses holder, headlight angle adjustment, rubberised door grips and an outside temperature display are useful touches.
Interior fit and finish on the test car was excellent. It remained completely squeak- and rattle-free over 1000 kilometres, a rare event in this class.
The Barina is a relatively difficult proposition for thieves, with a rolling code immobiliser, freewheeling door and steering lock cylinders and deadlocking.
Driver's-door-only remote unlocking, unique to the class, is a personal security benefit, especially to the Barina's high percentage of women buyers. It allows you to keep the passenger doors locked, while gaining access to the driver's seat.
The interior lights also come on when you press the unlock button and the headlights can be programmed for a 30-second delay before switching off.
The steering wheel is height-adjustable, to complement the similar feature in the driver's seat.
The seat has a deeply contoured cushion; the back rest offers substantial lumbar support, but is poorly shaped and bolstered to support the upper body. Tall blokes will sit a bit knees up.
The back seat has a firm, short cushion and an upright backrest. Space is tight but tolerable for a couple of adults on a crosstown trip.
Boot space is reasonable for a small hatch and can be extended with the 60/40 split fold rear seat backs. There's a big step in the extended floor but the front seats retain their travel.
The Barina is still one of the more engaging drives in this mundane class but its appeal is slipping against more powerful, better equipped rivals, both above and below its pricepoints.
Its direct competitor, Ford's new Euro-sourced Fiesta, also has its measure in most areas.
It's paradoxical, given that safety has traditionally been a European priority, that both Ford and Holden are holding back on crash protection features to keep the Fiesta and Barina price competitive.
In Holden's case, going one step further in removing (with zero publicity, of course) active front seat head restraints from the Barina's standard equipment list -- thereby increasing the injury risk to which its occupants are exposed just goes to show, yet again, that any cynicism you may feel about the car business is soundly based.
Vital signs
Engine: 1.4-litre 16-valve fuel injected four cylinder.
Power: 66kW at 5600rpm (average).
Performance: 0-100kmh in 14.6 seconds (slow).
Brakes: Discs (good power, rear prone to lock-up).
Economy: 5-6 litres/100km highway; 6-8 litres/100km city (excellent).
Prices: Recommended retail -- $17,990. Street price -- $1100 off.
Main options: Four-speed automatic $2000; air-con $1880; metallic paint $300.
Warranty: Three years/100,000km (average).
Residual value: 60 percent after three years (above average).
Safety rating: Four stars out of five.
Alternatives (five door hatchbacks):
Citroen C3 1.4 -- $19,990
Ford Fiesta LX -- $15,990
Honda Jazz 1.5 VTi -- $19,990
Hyundai Getz GL 1.5 -- $15,490
Kia Rio 1.5 -- $14,990
Mazda2 Neo 1.5 -- $16,990
Peugeot 206 XR 1.4 -- $19,990
Renault Clio 1.4 -- $19,990
Toyota Echo 1.3 -- $16,240
Prices and details correct at publication date.