The solid push towards the future of Holden continues. Long after the company shuts down its Australian factories Holden will continue as a major part of the GM global empire.
As a strong example, Holden Barina for 2017 has just received a facelift and tail-tuck, interior enhancements, an upgraded infotainment system and added safety features.
A great deal of the design of the Holden Barina was carried out by Australians, working both locally and overseas to the extent that the car is being promoted as the, “GM Australia-designed 2017 Holden Barina.”
The design changes penned in Port Melbourne have been adopted by other GM markets using the Chevrolet Sonic nameplate and will be seen in tens of thousands on the road in dozens of countries.
Justin Thompson, GM Australia’s Exterior Design Manager tells us Barina’s new front was inspired by that of the Chevrolet Camaro. It has a new front grille and DRL housings.
Were not sure it’s ever going to be mistaken for a Camaro, but the smallest Holden certainly looks attractive.
The 2017 Barina now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection on all models. These are controlled through a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen.
Holden Barina continues to earn a five-star ANCAP safety rating. To the existing safety features the 2017 model also gets rear park assist and rearview camera as standard across the range.
As before, the Barina range is sold only as a five-door hatchback. For 2017 it’s offered in two variants: LS and LT. Barina LS has 16-inch alloy wheels and automatic headlamps. The LT gets 17-inch alloys, push button locking and starting, leather trimmed steering wheel, ‘Sportec’ seat trim and heated front seats.
There have been no mechanical changes and Barina is powered by a 1.6-litre 85 kW petrol engine, mated either to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission in the LS and auto only in the LT.
The 2017 Barina is on sale now and is part of the Holden Lifetime Capped Price Service program.
We’ve yet to get behind the wheel of a 2017 Barina, but will arrange a road test as soon as possible and publish our usual full review.
The 2017 Holden Barina LS is priced at $14,990 (manual) and $17,190 (automatic), the auto-only LT at $20,390.
