Pricing announced for new Barina

Holden means business with its new-generation Barina. From November the Barina will go on sale in just one grade, providing five-door packaging, five-star ANCAP safety and a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine developing 85kW and 155Nm — all for just $15,990.

That price is based on the five-speed manual variant, with the six-speed automatic option adding a further $2000 to the cost ($17,990). For a limited time Holden dealers will put buyers into the new Barina for driveaway pricing of $16,990 (manual) and $19,990 (auto).

Against its rivals in the light-car segment, the new Barina is only marginally more expensive than the (smaller-displacement) 1.3-litre Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz, but undercuts entry-level variants of the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio.

Though a high-performance Barina SRi variant has not been confirmed for the local market, Holden officials said that it is something they would look at. Furthermore, a compact diesel engine that is offered in other markets is also under consideration, but nothing has been set in concrete yet. The next Barina variant to arrive in Australia will be the sedan, slated for the first quarter of 2012.

Holden talks about a strong value equation with the all-new Barina, which is evidenced clearly in the extensive standard features list including items such as 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, USB port with iPod/iPhone compatibility, a four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo plus Bluetooth phone/audio streaming functionality and steering wheel controls for audio, phone and cruise control.

Electric windows and mirrors are also standard, as is air conditioning, remote keyless entry (with flip key fob) for doors and boot, three cup holders and two bottle holders. There's even a battery rundown protection system.

"Quite simply, the list of standard features and technology found in Barina is one of the most competitive in the light car segment," said Emma Pinwill at the car's national launch in Melbourne.

"For example there is not one competitor at this price point in the segment who offers cruise control and alloy wheels as standard. Barina offers features that you just don’t usually find standard at this end of the light car segment.

"Unlike the competitors you don’t have to pay more for a safety pack, or a technology pack, we have it all standard," stated Pinwill.

Holden has addressed the safety issues that dogged previous Korean-built Barinas by fitting six airbags (including full length side curtain airbags), electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and traction control, providing the highest possible safety rating from ANCAP, five-stars.

Stay tuned for our road test of the new model.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...