Review: Holden TK Barina (2005-12)

Review: Holden TK.I Barina (2005-08)

Overview

Released in December 2005, the Holden TK Series I (TK.I) Barina was initially available as a light three- or five-door hatchback, with sedans following in February 2006. Manufactured in South Korea, the front-wheel drive TK Barina was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The 1.6-litre L91 (or F16D3) four-cylinder petrol engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

Compared to the XC Barina , the TK Barina hatchbacks were 64 mm longer (at 3880 mm) and 24 mm wider (1670 mm), but had an 11 mm shorter wheelbase (2480 mm). Compared to the TK Barina hatchbacks, the Barina sedan was 430 mm longer (4310 mm) and 40 mm wider (1710 mm), though the other dimensions were unchanged. Furthermore, the TK Barina had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

The TK Barina had previously been sold in Australia as the Daewoo Kalos but was rebadged as a Holden following Daewoo’s demise and a change in Holden’s strategy towards more price-competitive vehicles.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the TK.I Barina included dual front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a five-door Barina hatch received a two star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 14.9 out of 37. In the offset crash test, the passenger compartment was compromised and the protection from serious chest and leg injury for the driver was poor. In the side impact test, there was a moderate risk of serious chest and abdomen injury.

Features

Standard features for the Holden TK Barina included a six speaker sound system with CD player and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, tinted windows and an immobiliser.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden TK.I Barina (December 2006)

Related links

• Specifications: Holden TK Barina (September 2005)
• Specifications: Holden TK Barina (February 2006)
• Holden Media Archive: Holden’s First Barina Sedan (February 2006)

Review: Holden TK.II Barina (2008-12)

Overview

Released in August 2008, the TK Series II (TK.II) Barina featured improved occupant protection, a revised manual gearbox and styling updates. Visually, the TK.II Barina could be identified by its new bonnet, front guards, grille, bumpers, headlights and tail-lights. Inside, the hatchback models were fitted with the newer dashboard that had been introduced with the sedan. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine was also modified, resulting in lower power outputs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment was improved to include front side airbags with head/thorax protection and the B-pillar was reinforced with high-strength steel; ABS brakes, however, remained part of an optional safety pack which also included alloy wheels.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing, a three-door TK.II Barina hatch achieved a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 24.89 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and pelvis injury for the driver.

Features

Standard features for the TK.II Barina were largely unchanged.

Brochures

• Brochure: Holden TK.II Barina (March 2009)
• Brochure: Holden TK.II Barina (February 2010)

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: Barina Hatch Gets A Stylish Makeover (August 2008)
• Holden Media Archive: Upgraded Barina 3-Door Hatchback Achieves 4-Star Crash Test Rating (November 2008)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden TK Barina