Holden's all-new, street-smart city car, the Barina Spark complements the existing Holden Barina hatch and sedan range.

The five-door hatch delivers an attractive combination of sharp sports styling and edgy cabin design, backed by best-in-class safety features.

The 1.2 litre Barina Spark is the smallest model in the Holden portfolio and will compete in the fast-growing light car segmet.

Spark is a General Motors global design inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept vehicle that was singled out by a majority of 1.9 million internet voters as the car they most wanted to see produced from a trio of showcars at the 2007 New York Auto Show.

GM will introduce the Spark to more than 150 markets around the world and its Australian debut follows a successful European launch 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 sports 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 lively 1.2 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, teamed with five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy (ADR81/02) is a frugal 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 grams per kilometre.

Stand-alone styling

Clever design cues give Barina Spark the look of a sporty 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. A deep glasshouse is balanced by prominent body scallops, sculpted fenders 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 sports 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

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: (59kW@6400rpm; 107Nm@4800rpm)

Five-speed manual transmission

14-inch alloy wheels

Sports 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 3595mm; Width 1597mm; Height 1522mm; Wheelbase 2375mm

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*

*denotes prestige paint

by Holden

by Holden