Holden Barina

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

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

[edit] First generation (MB, ML) (1985–1988)

Main article: Suzuki Cultus

The first generation MB Barina was launched in 1985 as a badge-engineered Suzuki Cultus as a five-door hatchback. In the first year of production a Road Runner special model was offered complete with decals showing the Warner Bros. cartoon character. A high-profile marketing campaign featured the slogan Beep beep Barina, a catchphrase that remains in the consciousness of many Australians in the present. The mildy facelifted ML Barina was released in September 1986.

In the Used Car Safety Ratings undertaken by the Monash University Accident Research Centre, published in 2007, found that the first generation Barina provides a "significantly worse than average" level of occupant safety protection in the event of an accident.^[1]

[edit] Second generation (MF, MH) (1988–1994)

Main article: Suzuki Cultus

The 1988 MF Barina was based on the second generation Suzuki Cultus, which introduced a new "aero" styled body.

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 and Geo Metro — and currently in production in Pakistan. A three-door hatchback was first released in 1988, and was followed by the introduction of a five-door hatchback in 1990. A facelifted MH Barina was released in October 1991.

Like the previous generation, the second generation Barina provides a "significantly worse than average" level of safety according to the Used Car Safety Ratings.^[1]

[edit] Third generation (SB) (1994–2001)

Main article: Opel Corsa

The SB Barina, introduced in 1994 was a badge engineered Opel Corsa B.

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 comprised of either a 1.2 or 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 2007 Used Car Safety Ratings, the SB Barina was assessed as providing "worse than average" protection.^[1]

[edit] Fourth generation (XC) (2001–2005)

Main article: Opel Corsa

A third generation Holden Barina

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 a GSi 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.

In 2003 a decision by Peter Hanenberger (Holden's then 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 2007 Used Car Safety Ratings the XC Barina was rated as providing an "average" level of occupant protection in the event of an accident,^[1] with ANCAP rating the model four out of five stars.^[2]

[edit] Fifth generation (TK) (2005–present)

Main article: Daewoo Kalos

Fifth generation TK Barina 5-door hatch.

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.^[3] 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 it's European-built, Opel-based predecessor.^[4] Criticism was focused on the Barina TK because of these crash test results, one of the worst in history.^[5] As a result, managing director of Holden Denny Mooney was forced to publicly defend his product.^[6] 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, foglights 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 interations—its safety content may differ critically from other market variations of the vehicle.

[edit] References