And new Barina makes it two Holden 'compacts' to come

You're looking here at the new generation Holden Barina... Sure, it might be wearing Chevrolet Matiz badges under the camouflage but, like its Chevrolet Cruze big brother (more here), this 'world car' will arrive on our roads before the end of 2009 wearing Team Red's lion badge.

The vehicle shown was caught undergoing testing in France by our ace spy photogs, Carparazzi. Like a percentage of 'spy' shots, clearly these GM engineers were fishing for compliments -- judging from the big grins and thumbs-up from the engineers.

The new vehicle has been designed and engineered by GM Daewoo -- like the Cruze. If things go to plan, the engineering will also underpin the next Opel Corsa.

And therein is the reason for our excitement. Unlike the relatively lacklustre dynamics, refinement and crash safety performance of the existing Barina, the new car -- code-named M300 (but also referred to in GM circles referred to as 'Global Mini' and 'GMDAT-M') -- will need to step up by a considerable margin in all aspects to satisfy mainstream European buyers. The chances are our Barina version will therefore also benefit.

No details on engine options or transmissions yet, but expect a range of petrol engines ranging from 1.0-1.6-litre with the 'performance' option a 1.4-litre turbo petrol four.

Europeans will also see a 1.4-1.6-litre turbodiesel, though it's not clear yet whether such an engine will be offered Down Under.

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