Review: Holden TM.I Barina (2011-16)

Overview

Released in October 2011, the Holden TM Barina was initially available as a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Bupyeong, South Korea, the front-wheel drive TM Barina was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with double overhead cams and variable valve timing; transmission options consisted of a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. In February 2012, the range was expanded to include four-door sedan models.

In November 2012, the TM Barina range was expanded with the introduction of a CDX variant which was solely available with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric power-assisted steering system which reduced fuel consumption.

Holden Barina RS

Released in November 2013, the Barina RS hatchback was powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Shared with the JH Cruze , the 1.4-litre A14NET turbo petrol engine had a cast-iron block, aluminium cylinder head, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, double continuous variable cam phasing and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

Compared to the standard Barina variants, the Barina RS had performance-tuned dampers with increased spring rates, stiffer shock absorbers, a 10 mm lower ride height, additional body bracing for a stiffer structure and a unique, locally-developed electric steering calibration.

Engine	Body	Variant	Years	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
1.6-litre petrol I4	5dr hatch	N/A	2011-12	5sp man., 6sp auto	85 kW at 6000 rpm	155 Nm at 4000 rpm
	5dr hatch	CD, CDX	2012-16
	4dr sedan	N/A	2012
	4dr sedan	CD, CDX	2012-16
1.4-litre turbo petrol I4	5dr hatch	RS	2013-16	6sp man., 6sp auto	103 kW at 4900 rpm	200 Nm at 1850 rpm

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Holden TK Barina hatchback , the TM Barina hatchback was 159 mm longer (at 4039 mm), 65 mm wider (1735 mm), 22 mm taller (1517 mm) and had a 45 mm longer wheelbase (2525 mm). Compared to the TM Barina hatchback, the TM Barina sedan was 360 mm longer (4300 mm) but the other measurements were the same. Like its predecessor, the TM Barina had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden TM Barina included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The standard Holden Barina had 256 mm ventilated front brake discs and 230 mm rear drum brakes. The Barina RS, however, had 276 mm ventilated front brake discs and 286 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a Holden TM Barina – sold in Europe as the Chevrolet Aveo – received a five star safety rating which included a 95 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 87 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, there was s light risk of serious chest and leg injury for both front occupants. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test though, in the more sever pole test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver. Under ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score 35.43 out of 37.

Features: Holden Barina

Standard features for the Holden TM Barina included 15-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), MP3-compatibility and Bluetooth audio streaming, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a multi-function steering wheel (with audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls), 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, front seat vanity mirrors and an immobiliser. Automatic models also had a thumb-controlled sequential gearshift function.

Features: Barina CDX

The Holden Barina CDX was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, Holden’s MyLink infotainment system (included a seven-inch colour touch screen and smartphone integration), ‘Sportec’ seat trim, heated front seats, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, and a trip computer.

From April 2013, the Barina CDX featured Siri ‘Eyes Free’ Integration. As such, drivers with compatible Apple Inc devices could initiate Siri via the steering wheel buttons and issue voice commands for functions such as hands-free calls, messaging and accessing their calendar.

Features: Barina RS

Compared to Barina CDX, the Barina RS was further equipped with leather sports seats with ‘RS’ embossing, sports pedals, ‘RS’ branded floor mats. Visually, the Barina RS could be identified by its sports body kit which included a larger rear spoiler, front and rear fascias and side skirts.

Holden Barina CD Trio

From October 2014, the Barina CD hatchback was available with an optional ‘Trio’ pack – for a cost of $1000 – which added the MyLink infotainment system, front fog lights and a factory-fitted power-operated sunroof.

2015 Holden Barina X

Released in April 2015, Barina X was a limited-run, five-door hatchback. Although based on the Barina CD, the Barina X was further equipped with 16-inch gunmetal grey alloy wheels, Holden’s MyLink infotainment system, front fog lamps and a power-operated sunroof. Production of the Barina X was limited to 700 vehicles.

Brochure

Brochure: Holden TM Barina (July 2014)