The EFTM Garage – Holden Barina RS Hatch 6-speed automatic

The Holden Barina is a car that hardly inspires thoughts of rapid cornering, blistering acceleration, race tuned suspension and a hardcore engine note. But what about when a RS badge and turbo are bolted on? Well you still get none of the above, but what you do get is the fastest Barina ever. But if the Barina RS was a Chili pepper it would rank only slightly above mild

Make: Holden

Variant: Barina RS

Engine / Transmission: 1.4-litre DOHC 4-cylinder iTi turbo petrol. 6-speed automatic.

Vital Stats: Power 103kW @4,900rpm / 200Nm @1,850 rpm

Holden Claimed Fuel Economy: 6.5l / 100km

EFTM Claimed Fuel Economy: 8.1l / 100km

MRRP Price: $23,190 (Plus on roads)

Options fitted to test car

Orange Rock (Prestige Paint) – $550

Exterior Features Highlights

• 17” x 6.5” alloy wheels
• Front fog lights
• Exposed halogen headlights
• Exterior chrome highlights
• Black power side mirrors
• Front and rear sports fascia, side skirts
• Hidden rear door handles
• Sports rear roof spoiler
• Rear parking sensors
• Sports suspension

Interior Features Highlights

• Cruise control
• Trip computer
• Leather wrap gear shifter
• Leather wrap steering wheel with RS badge
• Multifunction steering wheel mounted controls
• Holden MyLink (7” colour touchscreen) with Bluetooth® connectivity and audio streaming
• Embedded apps (Pandora®, Stitcher®, Tunein Radio® and BringGo® navigation.
• USB input
• 6 speaker sound system
• Manual air conditioning
• Three cup holders
• Power windows all round. Driver’s auto up and down
• Leather appointed RS sports seat trim
• Manual 6-way adjustment of driver’s seat, 4-way for passenger
• 60/40 folding rear seats
• Heatable front seats
• Tyre inflator kit or full size steel spare as a no cost option
• Digital speedometer
• Automatic headlights
• Motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster
• Alloy sports pedals
• RS sports floor mats
• Auxiliary power socket
• Dual glovebox

Safety Highlights

• 5-star ANCAP rating
• Front and side impact airbags for driver and front passenger
• Side curtain airbags
• 3 rear child restraint points
• Engine immobiliser
• Front ventilated disc brakes. Rear solid disc
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Traction Control System (TCS)

Wow Factor

Most powerful Barina ever. Nice handling with suspension that sits 10mm lower than standard. There’s enough enthusiasm from under the bonnet to keep things interesting.

Most Impressive

Looks the goods, pleasant interior with an above average sound system. Holden’s MyLink is excellent.

Not So Impressive

Certainly not a genuine “Hot Hatch”. Ok acceleration from a standing start, but mainly just all noise at higher speeds. The automatic gear box $2200 price hike puts it very close to serious performance hatches. Although the Barina RS does score 5 doors. Would love to see paddle shifters or even a “Sports” mode.