Holden spices Barina up with turbocharged RS

Holden has added the new Holden Barina RS to the local lineup. Powered by the same 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine as the locally made Cruze, the Barina RS is priced from $20,990 plus on-road costs.

The 1.4-litre iTi petrol engine produces 103kW of power and 200Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic with Active Select. It is claimed to return 6.5L/100km in average fuel consumption.

As part of a global programme, Holden engineers were heavily involved in the development of the Barina RS in conjunction with engineering counterparts in the US and Korea. A unique electric power steering calibration, tailored specifically for Australian driving tastes was developed at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria.

The Barina RS sits 10mm lower than the standard car and has additional body bracing to deliver a stiffer body structure. It also get performance-tuned dampers with increased spring rates and stiffer shock absorbers.

The Holden Barina RS features sports front and rear fascias, fog lamps and new 17-inch alloy wheels. A new exterior paint called Orange Rock, is offered exclusively on the RS. The sports styling is carried into the cabin with heated leather appointed front seats with RS branding, leather gear shifter, sports pedals and RS branded floor mats.

Like the Barina CDX, the RS features a 7-inch colour touch screen with Holden’s MyLink infotainment system that allows the driver to connect a compatible smartphone or device to access embedded apps including Pandora, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio and low cost navigation app, BringGo.

As part of the 2014MY update, Holden has also rolled back pricing on the Barina range by up to $1,000, effective 1 December.

Pricing on the Barina CD manual hatch is reduced by $1000 to $14,990. The Barina CD and CDX auto models are each reduced by $800, with pricing for the CD hatch auto reduced to $17,190 and the CDX hatch auto to $19,690.