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Early release for Holden's new tiny imported car

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Home > News > GM > Daewoo > Holden

15th October, 2010

Holden’s all-new cheapie, the Daewoo-sourced Barina Spark, will be released locally next week.

The five-door hatch delivers a combination of sharp styling and edgy cabin design, backed by safety features.

The 1.2 litre Barina Spark complements the existing Holden Barina hatch and sedan range. It becomes the smallest model in the Holden model line-up and will compete in the fast-growing light car segment.

Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth, said the Barina Spark has what it takes to stand out from the competition and attract a younger set of buyers to the Holden brand.

“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.”

“We see it as a fun, fuel efficient, very well put together package that represents great value for money in the Holden tradition.”

Spark is a General Motors global design inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept vehicle that debut at the 2007 New York Motor Show.

GM will introduce the Spark to more than 150 markets around the world and its Australian release follows the European and South African release earlier this year.

Holden gives buyers the choice of two striking five-door models, the Barina Spark CD and Barina Spark CDX. They come equipped with a body kit, alloy wheels, fog lamps and tailgate spoiler as standard, along with such high-level safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six-airbag occupant protection.

Both are powered by a 1.2 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, teamed with five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy (ADR81/02) is 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres. It also achieves a 5-star rating in the Federal Government’s Green Vehicle Guide with CO2 emissions calculated at 128 grammes per kilometre.

The Barina Spark CD carries a manufacturuer's list price* (MLP*) of $12,490* and the Barina Spark CDX is priced at $13,990*.

Stand-alone styling

Design cues give Barina Spark the look of a three-door while it delivers five-door functionality. A close look at the dynamic, wedge-shaped profile and clean bodyside shows up hidden rear door handles, integrated into the upper part of the door. The 'glasshouse' is balanced by prominent body scallops, sculpted guards and slim teardrop headlamp units.

At the rear an integrated tailgate spoiler tops circular tail lamps. Up front, dramatically elongated diamond cut headlamps flank a signature Holden grille. Fin-shaped fog lamp housings, a ‘floating’ lower air intake and 'muscular' wheel arches further emphasise Spark’s sharp-edged, stand-alone design 'character'.

Interior Design

The same sure touch is evident in a fashion-forward cabin treatments which mix fun and functionality.  They’re typified by a motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster mounted on the steering column which includes an ice-blue illuminated analogue speedometer backed by digital tachometer and trip computer functions which include distance to empty and an outside temperature display.

An integrated centre stack housing infotainment, audio and climate controls continues the ice-blue LED backlighting theme.

The dual cockpit layout is highlighted by colour-coded (silver or red dependant on exterior colour) door trim appliqués and textured inserts which flow from the instrument panel into the doors. Trim colours are echoed in seat trims: perforated Sportec for the Spark CDX, fresh fabric for the Spark CD.

Safety

Barina Spark CD and CDX boast a high level of standard safety features.

They deliver the active safety benefits of Electronic Stability Control (ESC), incorporating an anti-lock braking system, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and traction control. Occupants are protected by a total of six airbags – dual front, front side impact and full length curtain airbags.

Body Frame Integral (BFI) design, extensive use of high-strength steel (60 per cent) in key areas such as engine compartment rails, engine cradle and safety cage deliver robust structural integrity.

Refinement and Chassis Dynamics

Holden Barina Spark’s BFI structural benefits flow into a range of acoustic refinements which reduce noise and vibration and contribute to a real sense of solidity and stability.

An expertly tuned suspension system (MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear), combines with responsive hydraulic rack-and-pinion power steering to deliver well-mannered and predictable ride and handling characteristics.

The many electronic capabilities of ESC make for precise, controlled braking performance, backed by exceptional traction and stability.

Feature highlights – Barina Spark CD

1.2-litre in-line DOHC 4-cylinder 16-valve engine: (59 kW @ 6,400 rpm; 107 Nm @ 4,800 rpm)
Five-speed manual transmission
14-inch alloy wheels
Body kit, front fog lamps, rear spoiler
Body coloured, heated, power adjustable exterior mirrors
Dual front, side and curtain airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, breakaway pedals
Electronic Stability Control
Air conditioning
Power steering
Front power windows
Four-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats
Vanity mirror on driver and front passenger sun visors with cover
Four-speaker AM/FM audio system, with CD player, iPod/iPhone® AUX input and a 
USB input for MP3 players
Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
Motorcycle-inspired Instrument cluster
Trip computer- includes distance to empty, outside temperature
Centre console with front and rear cup holders, small item storage bin
Front door pockets with integrated bottle storage; front passenger seat side pocket
Front passenger seatback pocket;
Sunglasses holder
60/40 spilt folding rear seat; 170L cargo volume rear seat up; 580L seat folded
Headlamps on warning buzzer
Remote keyless entry operates doors and rear tailgate; remote central locking
Security immobiliser
Dimensions - Length 3,595 mm; Width 1,597 mm; Height 1,522 mm; Wheelbase 2,375 mm

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Additional feature highlights – Barina Spark CDX

15-inch alloy wheels
Larger rear body coloured spoiler
Front and rear power windows
Sportec perforated seat trim
Sportec wrap multifunction steering wheel
Under seat storage tray

Exterior colour selection

Olympic White; Chilli Red; Carbon Flash Black*; Nitrate Silver*; Cocktail Green; Luscious Kiss Pink*; Moroccan Blue* NOTE: * denotes prestige paint

Accessories

Barina Spark buyers can choose from a wide range of accessories. They range from items such as premium carpet floor mats and splash guards through to smart chrome mirror covers to side patterned stripe decals.

Prices (MLP*)

Barina Spark CD - $12,490*
Barina Spark CDX - $13,990*

Holden will source the new Barina Spark from Daewoo. A South African-assembled model is due in 2012.

On Sale: 20th October, 2010


NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price does not include dealer delivery fees or the various statutory charges. Additionally, prices are subject to change without notice.


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