Fresh off the back of their success with the Colorado Extreme and Trailblazer Premier show cars, the GM Australia Design team is at it again, this time designing the refreshed 2017 Holden Barina with a distinctly grown-up feel.
“It was time for the Barina to grow up at bit and expand its global appeal beyond the young adult market,” said Justin Thompson, GM Australia’s Exterior Design Manager.
With a new fascia inspired by the Camaro, a redesigned front grille giving it a seriously premium aesthetic, and signature LED lighting completing the new look, Barina’s exterior design upgrades will turn heads in all the right ways.
“We were challenged to explore what Barina could be; to create a more athletic exterior whilst providing an interior that people can enjoy their time in,” said Mr Thompson.
Keeping drivers more connected than ever, 2017 Barina’s interior refresh is also impressive, structured around technology and connectivity introductions including passive entry, Apple CarPlay® and Android® Auto*. Rear View Camera and push button start complete this future-focused package – all supported by a 5 star ANCAP safety rating.
“Barina has always been a fun-to-drive car and we wanted to somehow maintain that quality but also offer a more mature and sophisticated design for a more complete package overall.”
“With its trademark wheels-at-the-corners stance and dramatic changes to its front grille and fascia, Barina’s design really points to its pleasurable driving dynamics and technology inside.”
Underlining the strong global reputation the GM Australia Design studio has earned itself, the Barina design changes fashioned in Port Melbourne have been adopted by other GM markets using the Chevrolet Sonic nameplate, resulting in what is a truly global vehicle.
The 2017 Barina range has been restructured to offer two variants, LS hatch and LT hatch, both powered by the same responsive 1.6-litre petrol engine available in its 2016 predecessor.
Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley, said the 2017 Barina offered customers style, technology and safety in one smart package.
“With the GM Australia-led redesign and new technology, we’ve given Barina an injection of energy for 2017,” said Mr. Keley.
“We know our customers place a great deal of importance on staying connected and feeling like their car is an extension of their lives, and we’re confident that Barina delivers this and more with its new phone projection connectivity and passive entry/push-button start technology.
“We’ve also added to Barina’s maximum five star ANCAP safety performance, adding Rear Park Assist and Rear View Camera as standard across the range.”
On sale at Holden dealers nationwide, the 2017 Barina not only offers fresh new styling and technology, it also promises exceptional customer value both during and beyond the point of purchase thanks to Holden’s leading Lifetime Capped Price Service program as well as financial assistance in the form of Holden Financial Services.
2017 Holden Barina Feature Highlights
LS
- 1.6-litre petrol engine
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- New front fascia, grille and rear fascia
- 7-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android® Auto*
- Rear View Camera with Rear Park Assist
- Auto headlamps with LED DRLs
LT (above LS)
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Passive Entry and Push Button Start
- Leather steering wheel
- Sportec seat Trim
- Heated front seats
