2011 Holden Barina Spark

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. (posted on conceptcarz.com) 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. Úp 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® AÚX input and a ÚSB 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

• Únder seat storage tray

Exterior colour selection

Source - Holden