Barina facelift to debut at Frankfurt

This is the face of the new Holden Barina, which is set to debut at the imminent Frankfurt motor show, albeit adorned by Chevrolet Aveo badges -- the nameplate it wears in most global markets.

The images reveal a comprehensively updated face that has a lot in common with its larger Epica sibling (particularly the headlights).

According to the GM press bumpf, the Aveo will go in sale internationally around April next year, which suggests we should see it Down Under shortly after.

GM is also boasting of "new levels of interior build quality" and suggests the car embodies the latest expression of Chevrolet's new design language.

To help keep the car looking fresh in the face of newer opposition, the crayon department has come up with a revamped snout that features a horizontally split grille.

The upward-turned headlights also give it a distinctive look, while, at the rear, new clear glass lamp lenses "add to the model's futuristic style". We'll have to take GM's word on the latter, because no derriere shots have been issued at this stage.

Those with good memories will notice the resemblance between the new Aveo/Barina and the WTCC Ultra concept, which was trundled out at last year's Paris motor show.

Inside, the updated Aveo/Barina supposedly has a "completely new, high class cabin, with soft-touch quality plastics and improved fabrics throughout."

The Oz-spec car is expected to carry over the existing 76kW/145Nm 1.6-litre engine and, as is the case now, it will be offered in three- four- and five-door formats.

But there's no word yet on whether the new model improves on the mediocre two-star rating its predecessor earned in Euro NCAP crash tests.

Taking over from the Euro-sourced Barina in 2005, the Korean-built model has been a solid showroom performer for Holden, notching up 7371 sales until the end of July this year, although this tally is down on the 8476 buyers it found during the same period last year.

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