Review: Holden XC.I Barina (2001-03)

Overview

Released in March 2001, the Holden XC Series I (XC.I) Barina was available as a light, three- or five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Spain, the front-wheel drive Barina was initially powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. In September, however, the range was expanded with a 1.8-litre SRi variant. In January 2003, the Barina range was revised with distinct variants: the entry-level three-door hatchback was named the SXi, the SRi continued and the five-door hatchback became the CD.

Compared to its SB predecessor, the XC Barina was 75 mm longer (at 3816 mm), 38 mm wider (1646 mm), approximately 20 mm taller (1443 mm for three-door and 1439 mm for five-door models) and had a 48 mm longer wheelbase (2491 mm); the new body structure also achieved a 33 per cent increase in torsional rigidity.

Like its predecessor, the XC Barina had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension. However, the XC Barina also introduced speed-dependent electric power steering, ‘drive by wire’ electronic throttle control and achieved Euro IV emissions compliance.

Holden XC.I Barina specifications
Body	Variant	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Three door	[Unnamed]	2001-02	1.4-litre petrol I4	4sp auto, 5sp man.	66 kW at 6000 rpm	120 Nm at 4000 rpm
	SXi	2003
	Equipe	2002
	SRi	2001-03	1.8-litre petrol I4	5sp man.	92 kW at 6000 rpm	165 Nm at 4600 rpm
Five door	[Unnamed]	2001-02	1.4-litre petrol I4	4sp auto, 5sp man.	66 kW at 6000 rpm	120 Nm at 4000 rpm
	CD	2003
	Equipe	2002

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the XC Barina included dual front airbags, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Barina SRi was also fitted with ABS and traction control. The active front seat head restraints, however, were discontinued from 2002.

ANCAP and Euro NCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2001 three-door Barina hatchback received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.97. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was adequate for the driver and chest protection for the front passenger was marginal. In the side impact test, the centre pillar and side door were pushed inwards substantially.

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2002 three-door Barina hatchback – sold in Europe as the Opel Corsa – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25 when fitted with dual front airbags and front side airbags (the latter not fitted in Australia).

Features

Standard features for the entry-level Barina included 14-inch steel wheels, a six speaker, 80 watt Blaupunkt sound system with CD player, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, speed-sensitive power steering, tinted windows, driver and passenger vanity mirrors and immobiliser; air conditioning, however, was optional.

Five-door models were also fitted with a height adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear spot lights and colour-coded interior trim.

The Barina SRi was further equipped with 15-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels with sports suspension, contoured sports seats, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and floor mats. Visually, the SRi could be identified by its Irmscher body kit (including front air dam, side skirts and rear roof spoiler), body-coloured exterior mirrors and door handles and dark-tinted tail lights.

January 2003: Barina update

As part of the January 2003 update, standard features for the SXi and CD included 15-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and side protection strips. The CD and SRi both gained heated power mirrors, while the SRi was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, alloy pedals and red-painted brake calipers.

2002 Barina Equipe

In March 2002, a limited-run Equipe variant was released; compared to standard Barina, the Equipe was differentiated by its 14-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and power front windows.