The Holden Barina is a captive import, which means that it is actually produced in Korea before Holden slaps its tag on the compact and sells it as its own. While the words are related, it’s an unfortunate fact that with the competition in the marketplace you would be hard-pressed find anyone that calls the Barina a captivating prospect.

From behind the wheel, you’re beset by a fair amount of cheap plastic. The glovebox is just large enough to carry your travel documents and there’s no other storage compartments save two cup holders that pop out from the dash in an almost apologetic fashion. The dash itself is basic, and you may find yourself imagining a rental car from five to ten years ago.

In fact, that’s really what the Barina is. It hasn’t had a major re-design in several years. Yes, the stereo is nice enough and can come with a six CD changer, which you can control from the steering wheel. The air conditioning too is effective enough.

But the only real difference between this and Barinas of years past is the fact that there are fewer kilometres on the odometer. We may be being a bit unfair, as Holden has also improved on the outrageous two star ANCAP rating thanks to stronger B pillars and more airbags.

Still, when you sit in the car, you feel a sense of being in the past. The 76kW engine is enough for trips around the city, where it happily finds itself fitting into most spots and doesn’t find its brakes too taxed in the process. Visibility is good for parking in tight spots and looking out for pedestrians, too.

Little ones will do fine in the back seat where there’s good enough space in the small hatch, but if you still need child seats, you’ll find that the tie-down points make it nearly impossible to take advantage of the full boot.
The handling of the car itself is somewhat similar. It has good tracking once the car agrees to listen to the driver, but the Barina is a bit tough to get into the turns. It also does its best to keep out road noise, with its best efforts coming at lower speeds.

The Barina has several strong suits that we feel compelled to mention. At less than $14,000, it is an affordable car that gets a fair bit of go for the petrol you put in it. The efficiency ratings of 7.6L per 100 kilometres are nice, if not groundshaking. It also has enough storage at 220L for city dwellers to get a day’s worth of shopping in the back.

But the car is six years in the running here in Australia, and it has quite simply been passed by in terms of design, power and efficiency. You’ll be able to use it as a comfortable car, even with several adults if you manage to wrangle them in the backseat, but the Barina provides relatively little in the way of excitement for driver or passenger.

Specifications:
Engine: 1598cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
Power: 76kW @ 5800rpm
Torque: 145Nm @ 3600rpm
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Driven Wheels: Front
Brakes: Disc (F) / Drum (R) – (ABS optional)
Top Speed: Not Tested
0-100km/h: 13.7 seconds
CO2 Emissions: 182g / km
Fuel Consumption: 7.6 litres / 100km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 litres
Fuel Type: 91 RON Unleaded
ANCAP Rating: Four Stars
Airbags: Dual Front & Side
Safety: Seatbelt Pretensioners, Safety Cell
Spare Wheel: Full Size Steel
Tow Capacity: 750kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 10.0 metres
Warranty: Three Year / 100,000km
Weight: 1,131kg (Tare)
Wheels: Alloy 15? (As Tested)