Holden Barina Review, For Sale, Interior, Models & Specs in Australia
The Holden Barina nameplate has been around in Australia since 1985, and it currently adorns a pair of 1.6-litre petrol-powered small hatchbacks. The Barina range was rationalised in late 2016, with prices cut and the sedan version given the… boot? Current prices range from $9,130 for the Barina LS (5YR) to $15,730 for the Barina LT (5YR).
It shares category space with the similar-but-different Spark, with both cars sourced from GM’s plant in Korea. Holden’s Melbourne-based design team was responsible for the more 'grown up' design update that was added to the car in 2016.
Holden Barina Q&As
Check out real-world situations relating to the Holden Barina here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.
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I'm having rev problems with my 2006 Holden Barina
First thoughts are that the stepper-motor (which controls the idle speed) is faulty. That would explain both the high idle at low engine temps and the stalling and stumbling as you roll to a stop. This component is really just a small electric motor and shouldn't be too expensive to replace.
But have the car scanned first to make sure there are no other obvious causes for this behaviour. A faulty engine temperature sensor or some other small component could also produce these symptoms.
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Temperature warning light and buzzer coming on in 2016 Holden Barina RS
The first thing to determine is whether the engine is actually getting hot. You need to find a mechanic who can tell the difference between a genuinely hot engine and one that is crying wolf. Most times, this will involve letting the engine idle until the warning light comes on and then checking the actual temperature of the coolant. This is usually done via a trusted thermometer (infra-red thermometers are great for this) checking the temperature of the coolant in the radiator's top tank.
If the engine really is hot, then you're looking for a mechanical problem. But if the temperature is within a normal range, then you need to start looking for a dud temperature sensor, faulty gauge/light or a problem with the car's wiring. This can be a lot harder to find than you might think, but driving around with a temperature warning flashing is no good either.
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Is it normal for the thread on my Holden Barina 2013's sump oil pan to start disintegrating?
It won't be the sump itself disintegrating, but my guess is that somebody who has changed the oil in the past has over-tightened the drain plug when they've replaced it. That stretches the threads on what is often a relatively soft metal and, as a result, the threads have broken away from the rest of the oil pan as you've tightened the plug.
This is actually more common than you think and happens because people don't stop to think about how much force they use when they replace the plug. While it's true that you don't want the plug undoing itself while you're driving, it's also the case that all that sump plug has to do is keep the oil inside the engine. It serves no other purpose and simply doesn't need to be too tight. Sometimes, home mechanics ignore the need to replace the crush washer on this plug with the result that they then notice an oil a leak a few days later. That's when they'll reach for the big spanner and try to tighten the sump plug some more to stop the leak. And that's when the threads break away and they're in the position you now find yourself.
The solution is to get the vehicle to a workshop (you may have to tow it as it can't be driven with no oil in the engine) which should be able to drill the hole in the sump to the next over-size and fit a slightly larger, new sump plug. It's tricky though, as you don't want to allow swarf (little metal filings from the drilling process) into the engine where they'll damage those expensive internal parts.
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Will a broken timing belt in my 2011 Holden Barina do damage to the petrol engine?
From what I can gather, the engine in your Barina is an interference design. That is, if the timing belt breaks, the pistons and valves (in the cylinder head) will, indeed, meet head on at speed, turning the engine to junk in a slip-second. So make sure the timing belt is changed every 100,000km to reduce the risk of this happening.
Some engines with timing belts are non-interference designs, meaning that a broken belt will simply allow the pistons and crankshaft to continue to rotate without hitting (or damaging) the valves. Replacing the belt and retiming the engine will return it to full health. You'll still be stranded by the roadside if it happens, of course.
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See All Holden Barina Q&AsDisclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
Holden Barina Models Price and Specs
The price range for the Holden Barina varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $9,130 and going to $15,730 for the latest year the model was manufactured.
The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.
Year |
Body Type |
Specs |
Price from |
Price to |
2019 |
Hatchback |
1.6L, ULP, 5 SP MAN |
$9,130 |
$15,730 |
|
2018 |
Hatchback |
1.6L, ULP, 5 SP MAN |
$8,580 |
$15,510 |
|
2017 |
Hatchback |
1.6L, ULP, 5 SP MAN |
$7,370 |
$15,510 |
|
2017 |
Sedan |
1.6L, ULP, 5 SP MAN |
$7,590 |
$14,850 |
|
2016 |
Hatchback |
1.6L, ULP, 5 SP MAN |
$6,820 |
$14,520 |
|
2016 |
Sedan |
1.6L, ULP, 5 SP MAN |
$7,040 |
$13,750 |
|
2015 |
Hatchback |
1.6L, ULP, 5 SP MAN |
$6,050 |
$12,320 |
|
2015 |
Sedan |
1.6L, ULP, 5 SP MAN |
$6,160 |
$12,210 |
|
See All Holden Barina Pricing and Specs