Review: Holden MJ.I Barina Spark (2010-12)

Overview

Released in October 2010, the Holden MJ Series I (MJ.I) Barina Spark was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Changwon, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Barina Spark was powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The MJ.I Barina Spark range consisted of CD and CDX variants.

Compared to the TM Barina hatchback which it was sold alongside, the MJ Barina Spark was 444 mm shorter (at 3595 mm), 138 mm narrower (1597 mm), 5 mm taller (1522 mm) and had a 150 mm shorter wheelbase (2375 mm). Furthermore, the Barina Spark was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Barina Spark included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The Barina Spark was fitted with 256 mm front brake discs and 200 mm rear drum brakes.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Barina Spark – sold in Europe as the Chevrolet Spark – that was fitted with a 1.0-litre engine received a four star safety rating which included an 81 per adult occupant protection rating and a 78 per cent child occupant protection rating. Under ANCAP’s methodology, this resulted in an overall score of 31.02 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver and front passenger.

Features

Standard features for the Barina Spark CD included 14-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with MP3-compatible CD player and auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB), air conditioning, front fog lights, remote central locking, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, steering wheel audio controls, power front windows and mirrors, heated mirrors, four-way adjustable front seats, a height adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Barina Spark CDX was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, power rear windows, ‘Sportec’ (perforated vinyl) seat trim, a three-spoke steering wheel and a bigger rear spoiler.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden MJ.I Barina Spark (October 2010)

Related links

• Product Information: Holden MJ.II Barina Spark (October 2010)
• Holden Media: All-new Holden Barina Spark to fire up light car market (October 2010)
• Holden Media: Barina Spark – Holden’s new fuel efficient baby (October 2010)

Review: Holden MJ.II Barina Spark (2013-15)

Overview

Released in January 2013, the MJ Series II (MJ.II) Barina Spark introduced a revised range as CDX variants were discontinued and four-speed automatic transmissions were made available. For models with automatic transmissions,

• the 1.2-litre engine had dual continuous variable cam phasing and neutral idle control; and,
• electric power-assisted steering was fitted as standard (manual models continued to have hydraulic power-assisted steering).

Visually, the MJ.II Barina Spark could be identified by the twin horizontal chrome strips within its grille and updated headlights, tail-lights, side skirts and alloy wheels. Inside, the instrument cluster, materials and trim were also revised.

Features

Relative to its MJ.I predecessor, standard features for the MJ.II Barina Spark were largely unchanged. Models with automatic transmissions, however, were further equipped with Bluetooth connectivity (with steering wheel mounted phone controls) and a flip-key.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden MJ.II Barina Spark (August 2013)

Related links

• Holden Media: Holden’s 2013 Barina Spark (November 2012)
• Holden.com.au: Holden Barina Spark
• Wikipedia.org: Holden MJ Barina Spark

Recalls: Holden MJ Barina Spark

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Holden MJ Barina Spark

• In January 2014 and August 2014, a recall was issued and subsequently amended for 2013 and 2014 ‘model year’ Barina Spark vehicles which had manual transmissions. In these vehicles, the transmission mount may develop a fracture such that the transmission would no longer be supported – this could cause serious mechanical damage and lead to a loss of control of the vehicle (PRA 2014/13946). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
  • KL8CJ6AD6DC613512 to KL1MF4819DC638097; and,
  • KL3MF48D9DC629970 to KL3MF48D9EC498128.
• In July 2014, a recall was issued for five-door Barina Spark vehicles that were manufactured from 7 May 2014 to 26 May 2014. In these vehicles, the bolts connecting the front lower control arms to the steering knuckles may not have been fastened to specifications. Under certain driving conditions, it was possible that the lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle – this could cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a collision for vehicle occupants and other road users. The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range KL3MA4899EC560164 to KL3MA4899EC5672416 (PRA 2014/14214).
• In February 2015, a recall was issued for Barina Spark vehicles that had manual transmissions and were manufactured from 11 January 2010 to 26 September 2012. In these vehicles, the clutch pedal adjustment may be too high and the resulting stress applied to the pedal may cause it to fracture after prolonged use. If this occurred, the driver would not be able to disengage the clutch to select or change gears, posing an accident hazard for the driver and other road users. The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range KL1MF48D9AC165901 to KL3MF48D9CC700762 (PRA 2015/14539).

Problems and faults: Holden MJ Barina Spark

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Holden MJ Barina Spark

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Holden MJ Barina Spark.

Released in October 2010, the Holden MJ Series I (MJ.I) Barina Spark was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Changwon, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Barina Spark was powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The MJ.I Barina Spark range consisted of CD and CDX variants… Read full Holden MJ Barina Spark review

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Images: Holden MJ.II Barina Spark (2013-15)

Released in January 2013, the Holden MJ Series II (MJ.II) Barina Spark introduced a revised range as CDX variants were discontinued and four-speed automatic transmissions were made available. The Holden MJ.II Barina Spark could be identified by the twin horizontal chrome strips within its grille and updated headlights, tail-lights, side skirts and alloy wheels. Inside, the instrument cluster, materials and trim were also revised.

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Euro NCAP: Chevrolet Spark crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, the Chevrolet Spark – sold in Australia as the Holden Barina Spark – with a 1.0-litre engine received a four star safety rating, including an 81 per adult occupant protection rating and a 78 per cent child occupant protection rating. For more information about this test, please see the Euro NCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.

Carbuyer: Chevrolet MJ Spark review

Note

Please note this video applies to the Chevrolet Spark as it is supplied to the UK market. As such, features, prices and performance may differ from the Holden Barina Spark as it is supplied in Australia.