2000 Holden Barina 5 Doors 1.2L 5MT FWD (75 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Holden introduced the fourth generation of the Barina in 2001 to the Australian market and used the same recipe as the previous iterations of this nameplate, the badge-engineering process.

When GM developed the third generation of the Corsa for the European market, it also prepared the car to be assembled in Australia and sold under the Holden badge. Furthermore, while the German-manufactured Opel Corsa was left-hand drive, the UK version, known as the Vauxhall Corsa, was already right-hand drive. As a result, Holden only had to install its badges on the car, pass the Australian homologation procedures, and start selling the vehicle. In 2001, the automaker introduced the fourth generation of the Barina to the market and sold it in a choice of two bodywork versions, with three and five doors.

The 2001 Holden Barina had a front clip that followed the principles of the new-edge design theme, featuring curved lines and sharp angles. Its triangular-shaped headlights flanked a narrow grille where Holden’s badge took center stage. Depending on the grade, the car had a black or body-colored wrapped-around plastic bumper. On the lower side, in the apron, customers could get the car with a pair of fog lamps neatly concealed into the broad lower air intake.

On the profile, the 2001 Holden Barina showed the same new-edge design styling. It featured a short nose followed by the flared front fenders, which made the car look sporty. In addition, the automaker added a set of plastic moldings on all wheel arches. Since GM wanted a cost-effective vehicle, the Barina had black door mirror caps and handles, which reduced manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the same unpainted plastic solution was applied to the side sills, making the car look like it had a higher ground clearance. However, the small-sized hatchback was stylish. The Barina was one of the few cars on the segment that featured a third row of windows between the rear doors and the rearmost set of pillars. That solution enhanced the driver’s rear three-quarter visibility. At the back, the high-mounted taillights flanked the slightly tilted forward rear window, integrated into the hatch. At the same time, the bumper featured a lower body-colored part, while the upper section was black and scratch-resistant.

Inside, the design team created a curved dashboard with a rounded visor above the instrument cluster. Atop the center stack, the automaker placed a similarly designed vizor that protected the readout for the available onboard computer. Below it, the 2001 Holden Barina housed the vents, the stereo, and the HVAC control panel. The front bucket seats provided a comfortable seating position. They were separated by a narrow center console where the automaker installed the gear stick and the handbrake. Fronting the driver was an instrument panel that showed large dials for the speedometer and tachometer flanked by the fuel level and coolant temperature gauges. In the back, the flat-folding bench seat could expand the small-sized trunk.

Under the hood, Holden installed a choice of gasoline and turbodiesel engines paired with a five-speed manual gearbox that sent the oomph to the front wheels. As an option, customers could get a four-speed automatic for selected versions. The front McPherson struts and the trailing arms in the rear ensured a decent, comfortable ride. Its front disc brakes and the rear drums provided decent stopping power.