Barina Spark: full details

Launched this week, the new Barina Spark delivers to Holden an all-important starter at the 14K pricing point.

Competing against cars like Suzuki's Alto and various Korean models, the Spark pricelist kicks off at $12,490 plus normal on road charges. However, Holden is on the front foot with the car and will debut a base model Barina Spark CD variant at a special driveaway price of $14,490.

Leveraging the Barina nameplate but built on an all-new platform (and thus substantially different under the skin than its marginally larger namesake), Barina Spark will be sold in two levels, CD and CDX. Alas for Holden -- and many of the car's Gen Y female target customers -- there is no automatic option, as we reported here last week.

Powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, Barina Spark consumes fuel in the city-cycle test at the rate of 5.6L/100km and emits 128g/km of CO2. Power and torque peak at 59kW and 107Nm respectively, with drive relayed via a five-speed manual transmission to the front wheels.

As a product of global GM design, the Barina Spark sticks with the conventional formula of MacPherson-strut front suspension and a torsion beam at the rear. Steering is by power-assisted rack-and-pinion.

The new car sneaks in under the 1.6-litre Barina in Holden's product hierarchy and draws comparison with Ford's KA from a decade ago. Like the Ford it's small and doesn't offer an automatic option, but at least it has four side doors. Unlike the Ford, it doesn't rely on being "cute" to sell, according to John Elsworth, Holden's Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

"This is a very style-conscious market and what we have here is a really fresh and energetic design that breaks the 'cute car' mould. There's nothing look-alike about Barina Spark, which underlines its appeal as a city car with attitude," Elsworth was quoted as saying in Holden's latest Spark communiqué.

Standard features for both Barina Spark variants include: body kit, alloy wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler and six airbags. As well as stability control, antilock brakes with brake assist are also fitted standard. In this respect, the Spark shows up its stablemate as lacking.

The $12,490 entry-level Barina Spark CD gets: 14-inch alloy wheels, electric mirrors (heated), electric front windows, air conditioning, four-speaker CD audio system with iPod/USB input, remote audio controls on the steering wheel, trip computer, cup/bottle holders, 60/40 splitfold rear seat and remote central locking. Seat facing's are fabric.

At $13,990 (before on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery), the Barina Spark CDX adds to the CD specification the following features: 15-inch alloys, larger rear spoiler, rear electric windows, multi-function steering wheel, Sportec (vinyl) seat trim and under-seat storage tray.

A range of paint colours are available, though just three do not incur a premium paint charge. Holden is also offering accessory 15-inch alloys and a range of decal kits with which it expects purchasers to customise their vehicles.

A purpose-built website has been launched to allow Spark fanciers to design their own Spark colour scheme. Though www.designerspark.com.au does not go so far as allow you to order a Spark to your own design, entrants can share their handiwork and go into the running to win a Spark as well as other weekly prizes.

Key to pics: Barina Spark CD (green) and Barina Spark CDX (red & interior)

The Carsales Network will have a full review of the new car in coming days.

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