Holden Barina sedan released

Starting from $16,490 ($500 more than the new Barina hatch and $200 more than its predecessor), the Holden Barina sedan features all the same technology and drivetrain as its hatch sibling but offers a more traditional bodystyle for different buyers.

The recently launched Holden Barina hatch has been a big hit for Holden, finishing December with 1,343 sales (which put it third behind Toyota Yaris and Mazda2). Although sales of light cars in sedan bodyshapes are generally much lower than in hatch, the Barina sedan will no doubt lift sales that little bit more.

Holden’s Executive Director for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth, said “the addition of the sedan variant adds a new dimension of practicality and flexibility to the Barina range. Offering 502 litres of boot space, while maintaining the excellent driving characteristics, style and standard equipment of the hatch, I'm sure the sedan will continue to build on the Barina's popularity."

It’s becoming the norm for new cars aimed at younger buyers to come standard with bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB input and iPod connectivity, which is the case across the Barina range. As is cruise control and “follow me home” headlights that remain on for a certain amount of time after the car has been locked.

Although it’s rather difficult to make a good-looking light sedan, we think the Barina isn’t too bad compared to its rivals, but that’s not saying much.

Powering the tiny sedan is the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine from the hatch (85kW and 155Nm) available with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8L/100km for the manual and 7.3L/100km for the automatic.

The Holden Barina sedan maintains the same five-star ANCAP safety rating as the hatch.

Holden Barina Hatch with 5-speed manual transmission $15,990
Holden Barina Hatch with 6-speed automatic transmission $17,990
Holden Barina Sedan with 5-speed manual transmission $16,490
Holden Barina Sedan with 6-speed automatic transmission $18,490