Holden Barina CD Five Door Manual TWINPORT Engine PDF Technical Specifications

Holden’s popular Barina range has been revised and upgraded recently to ensure it remains competitive in the hotly contested light vehicle segment. The Holden Barina has been on sale in Australia since 1994 and at that time the market was a very different place to what it is now. Since the introduction of the SB Barina in 1994, new manufacturers such as Kia, Daewoo, Proton and some of the established manufacturers that didn’t have a vehicle in the small or light car class have entered the class. Vehicles that don’t receive regular facelifts, specification changes or pricing re-alignments soon become yesterday’s choice. The Holden Barina range consists of three models, the Barina SXi, a three door hatch available in either a manual, which starts at $15,990, or automatic, which is an additional $2,000 across the range. Next up is the Barina CD [tested], five door hatch, which starts at $17,990 for the manual version.

The third variant is the sporty Barina SRi which has a more powerful 1.8 litre engine. The Barina SRi is priced at $22,490. FEATURES AND EQUIPTMENT The Barina CD manual tested has a new, redesigned 1.4 litre engine fitted. The engine produces 66kW at 5,600 rpm and 125Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The kilowatt output figure is the same as the previous 1.4 litre version, torque has increased slightly by 5Nm but importantly Holden claims that the redesigned engine delivers benefits in fuel economy. This has been achieved by changing the internal bore and stroke, designing a variable intake control system, and making the exhaust gas recirculation system more efficient. The new engine, called the Twin Port 1.4 is only available in the SXi and CD Barina’s with manual transmission. For a mid specification vehicle the features list is extensive. At the last major upgrade the Barina range received 15 inch alloys, front power windows, heated electric external mirrors, and three separate headrests for the rear seat occupants. The rear seat is now a 60/40 split design, giving owners more options when carrying loads of different shapes and sizes. In addition to the driver and passenger airbags, front seat belts have been fitted with brake force limiters, pre tensioners and sash height adjusters.

The pedal assembly is designed to break away in the event of a severe frontal collision. Four wheel disc brakes are standard, no ABS is offered. Power steering is standard that is electrically operated, and is speed sensitive, using the electric motor only when required. Suspension is an evolution of the original Barina setup, Macpherson front struts, gas shock absorbers, front anti rollbar and the rear torsion beam trailing arm design have been retuned to improve handling characteristics. Externally, changes to the grille, and door handles that are now colour coded, and inserts into the front and rear bumpers to protect against minor scrapes are the major distinguishing features over the previous model which was last upgraded in early 2003. ON THE ROAD The seating position has a good range of adjustments for a vehicle in this price range. The steering wheel is adjustable [for rake only], and the driver’s seat has a lumbar support adjustment. The driver’s seat offers a good degree of comfort and drivers of all shapes and sizes would be able to find a reasonable driving position.

Rear seat space is more restricted, taller passengers may not have enough headroom. All major controls are accessible, the instrument panel easily read, and having audio controls on the steering wheel makes changing functions a breeze. Around town the Barina was easy to drive and operate. The engine felt as though it was somewhat breathless until the engine revs climbed up towards the maximum torque point. Saying that, the Barina had no trouble keeping up with traffic, the transmission ratios were well matched to the engines characteristics. Out on the open road the sensation the Barina was a little breathless was not so apparent. Overtaking manoeuvres required a little more planning, and as with the city drive cycle, provided you used the transmission to keep the engine revs up, the Barina travelled along well. Fuel consumption for the Twin Port Barina recorded were better overall than the last Barina tested in March 2001. The ride quality was forgiving, the driver was well insulated from any harsh bumps and potholes. The handling characteristics were well balanced, in part due to the good quality low profile tyres fitted as standard. Brakes whilst driving performed satisfactorily, the lack of ABS was highlighted when testing at the track by huge plumes of smoke from all four tyres on the initial stop, we were expecting an ABS system to come into play.

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