Holden Barina X named

Holden has announced the arrival of the Barina X special edition hatchback, which is priced from $16,640 for the manual and $18,840 for the auto, $1250 more than its donor car in both cases.

Although the sticker price has risen, Holden says customers will enjoy $2500 worth of extra value over the entry-level Barina CD on which it's based, adding things like 16-inch dark grey alloy wheels, fog lights, a sunroof, X badges and the MyLink touchscreen infotainment system.

The MyLink system enables smartphone app syncing with the vehicle via Bluetooth, integrating music/audio programs such as Pandora and Stitcher and TuneIn radio. There's also satellite navigation available via the BringGo app.

Geraldine Davys, Holden’s executive director of marketing, said the Barina X offers "even more technology and features, without the premium price tag.

"The addition of 16 inch alloy wheels and stylish decals brings an extra level of excitement and flair to the Barina, in what is a very compelling overall package," she said.

Available in showrooms now until all stocks are sold, Holden will release just 700 units of the limited edition Barina X, which is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine generating 85kW/155Nm.

In early 2014 Holden added a new hero model to the range, the Barina RS, a turbo-petrol hottie worth 103kW/200Nm.

Holden will be hoping the special edition model delivers an uptick in sales, as Barina's year-on-year sales have dropped 8.2 per cent to 1758 cars for the first three months of 2015. That makes it the eighth most popular light car in Australia so far this year, behind the top-selling Mazda2 (4049), followed by the Toyota Yaris (3887), Hyundai i20 (3480), Suzuki Swift (3077), Honda Jazz (2363), Volkswagen Polo (2029) and Hyundai Accent (1787).

It has outsold its arch-rival, the Ford Fiesta (1472).

Holden Barina model X pricing:
Barina X manual – $16,640
Barina X auto – $18,840