Holden Barina

Holden Barina
Overview
Manufacturer	Suzuki (1985–1994) Opel (1994–2005) GM Daewoo (2005–present)
Production	1985–present
Assembly	Hamamatsu, Japan Zaragoza, Spain Bupyong, South Korea
Body and chassis
Class	Supermini
Body style	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback

The Holden Barina is a subcompact automobile sold since 1985 by Holden, the Australian arm of General Motors (GM). Each of the five generations have been badge-engineered versions of GM vehicles: Suzuki Cultus, Opel Corsa, and Daewoo Kalos.

First generation (MB, ML; 1985–1988)

Main article: Suzuki Cultus

1985–1986 Holden MB Barina hatchback.

The first generation MB Barina was launched in 1985 with its world famous 0.2L engine, producing less power than the standard blender.

In the Used Car Safety Ratings undertaken by the Monash University Accident Research Centre, published in 2008, found that the first generation Barina provides a "significantly worse than average" level of occupant safety protection in the event of an accident. Achieving up to 19 km/l on the 1.0 3-cyl models, the fuel consumption on this model is outstanding.

In New Zealand, from 1986 to 1989, a Holden Barina GTi model was also sold, being a rebadged Suzuki Swift Gti (see Suzuki Cultus - Generation 1). This vehicle used the G13B engine.

Second generation (MF, MH; 1988–1994)

1991–1994 Holden MH Barina 5-door hatchback.

Main article: Suzuki Cultus

The second-generation MF Barina was a rebadged second generation Suzuki Cultus, co-developed with GM using the GM M platform and marketed worldwide under nearly a dozen nameplates, prominently as the Suzuki Swift, Pontiac Firefly (Canada) and Geo Metro (Chevrolet's sub-model in the USA). A three-door hatchback was first released in 1988, and was followed by the introduction of a five-door hatchback in 1990.

The MH Barina, which was released in September 1991, featured an improved interior, upgraded suspension, new front and rear bumpers and revised tail-lamp clusters.

Like the previous generation, the second generation Barina provides a "worse than average" level of safety according to the 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings.

Third generation (SB; 1994–2001)

File:1994-1995 Holden SB Barina Swing 5-door hatchback 03.jpg

1994–1995 Holden SB Barina Swing 5-door hatchback.

File:1998-2001 Holden SB Barina City 3-door hatchback 01.jpg

1998–2001 Holden SB Barina City 3-door hatchback.

Main article: Opel Corsa

The third generation SB Barina was based on the Opel Corsa B and imported from Spain. It was released in 1994 and was offered as a three- or five-door hatchback. Engine choices were a 1.2 and 1.4 litre four-cylinder engine. A 1.6 litre engine was also offered for the sporty range topping GSi. The second generation was available in the following models:

• 1.2 litre SB City 3-door
• 1.4 litre SB City 3-door
• 1.4 litre SB Joy 3-door
• 1.4 litre SB Swing 5-door
• 1.4 litre SB Grand Prix 5-door (special edition)
• 1.6 litre 16V SB GSi 3-door
• 1.4 litre SB Lambada 3-door (special edition)
• 1.4 litre SB Olympic Edition 3-door and 5-door (special edition)
• 1.4 litre SB Equipe 3-door and 5-door (special edition)
• 1.4 litre SB Cabrio

In late 1998 there was an update featuring multipoint fuel injection across the range and suspension upgrades to improve ride and handling. These models can be identified by their half body coloured bumpers and 3 bar grille. In 2001, Holden issued a voluntary recall of all Barina SB models, built between 1994 and 2001. This was due to a faulty seatbelt mounting on front bucket seats.

In the 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings, the SB Barina was assessed as providing an "average" protection.

Fourth generation (XC; 2001–2005)

Main article: Opel Corsa

2003 Holden XC Barina SXi 3-door

The fourth-generation XC Barina was released in April 2001, based on the Opel Corsa C. It was available in Barina 3 Door and Barina 5 Door models with a 1.4 litre 16-valve engine. In September of that year an SRi model with a new 1.8 litre engine joined the line-up. The Barina was awarded the Wheels Car of the Year award for 2001.

XC Barina interior

In 2003 a decision by Peter Hanenberger (then Holden's managing director) led to the importation of higher-spec SXi three-door and the CD five-door models, to boost sales. The SRi remained unchanged. These newer models did not provide a boost to sales in the face of increasing pricing competition in the market. In 2004, the 1.4 litre models were downgraded, reverting back to their original Barina 3 Door and Barina 5 Door model names.

In the 2008 Used Car Safety Ratings the XC Barina was rated as providing an "better than average" level of occupant protection in the event of an accident, with ANCAP rating the model four out of five stars.

Fifth generation (TK; 2005–present)

Main article: Chevrolet Aveo (T200)

2005–2008 Holden TK Barina 3-door hatchback.

2009 Holden TK Barina (MY10) 3-door hatchback.

In December 2005 Holden dropped the Opel-sourced Barina and rebadged the Daewoo Kalos hatchback as the fifth generation TK Barina. In February 2006, a four-door sedan went on sale, the first sedan type for the Barina nameplate. It is also equipped with a 1.6 litre twin-cam 16-valve variation. The decision was made to ensure Holden remains highly competitive in the fast-growing small car market in Australia, facing competition from other South Korean-sourced models like the Hyundai Getz. The Opel-sourced model sold at a loss and was sold to build up a presence in the entry-level new car market in Australia. The Holden Barina was sold at AU$12,990 for a base model car, which was later changed to AU$13,490, due to high demand.

The Daewoo-sourced Holden Barina scored a lower two out of five star ANCAP rating than its European-built, Opel-based predecessor. Criticism was focused on the Barina TK because of these crash test results, one of the worst in history. As a result, Denny Mooney, the managing director of Holden, was forced to publicly defend his product. Holden has gone on the record stating that "safety is not a concern in this segment and sales have proven this, therefore we will not be importing the Opel Barina" as quoted by Holden marketing executive Jason Laird.

Reflecting market priorities and price point control, some safety equipment is either unavailable or available only at extra cost on some models in some markets—including side airbags, anti-lock brakes, fog lamps and a rear center position three-point seatbelts and headrests. So while the Holden Barina is itself a virtually identical iteration of the Daewoo Kalos and all its iterations—its safety content may differ critically from other market variations of the vehicle.

The updated TK Barina hatchback was released in August 2008. It has been facelifted with a bolder grille, new headlamps and tail lamps, along with the interior seen on the sedan model introduced in 2006. Power windows and electric mirrors were standardised in the updated Barina’s specification. Safety-wise, side-impact air bags have been included as standard fitment to the dual front air bags already fitted. As a result of this, and structural improvements including a high-strength steel reinforced B-pillar, ANCAP rated the car four out of five stars, up from two.

Sixth generation (2011-)

Main article: Chevrolet Aveo (T300)

In the third quarter of 2011 Holden will launch the new generation Barina hatch soon to be followed by the sedan in early 2012. Like its predecessor the third generation is to be based on the second generation Chevrolet Aveo.