2006 Holden Barina Sedan

Sharp On Looks And Value

Holden�s value-packed light car brigade was boosted today by the first sedan to bear the Barina nameplate.

The eye-catching four-door, the first sedan in Barina�s 21-year history, was created with significant input from Australian engineers prior to its global release. The all-new interior was overseen by Holden�s Mike Simcoe in his role as GM Asia Pacific Design Director.

Barina sedan has high standard specification, generous interior space and offers great value at $14,490. It comes hot on the heels of the strong-selling three and five-door Barina variants launched late in 2005.

January 2006 was the biggest single sales month since the Barina nameplate was introduced in 1985, with 1398 units sold.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said the introduction of the Barina sedan would boost those strong sales. He said Australian input was a critical development component for the car before it was launched globally in mid-2005.

�Holden engineers were included in the extensive development program in South Korea and Australia , increasing the car�s suitability for local buyers,� he said.

Apart from the new interior treatment, Holden designers also added external highlights such as the distinctive Holden grille.

Codenamed T250 and described internationally as GM�s new global small sedan, the new generation Barina sedan was developed by GMDAT in South Korea and launched as the Chevrolet Aveo at the 2005 Shanghai Motor Show.

The car is known as the Aveo in the USA and Europe. It is the most popular sub-compact nameplate in the United States , with almost 70,000 sales in 2005, and is the top selling Chevrolet model in Europe.

Mr Mooney said value light car offerings such as Barina sedan were vital to complement Holden�s strong-selling Astra range.

�Barina sedan is a very attractive and economical proposal for people interested in a smaller four-door sedan,� he said.

�There are not many small sedans in this segment in Australia and the Barina balances looks, function and value.

�This model represents the next significant step in our small car offerings. It has been developed to be successful in several leading global markets, including Australia , rather than focussing on one set of domestic needs.

�It highlights the rapid evolution of value end cars and sends a clear signal that Holden�s small car range will continue to gain strength in the market.�

Like the Barina hatches which hit Holden showrooms in December, the first-ever Barina sedan is outstandingly well-equipped. A 1.6 litre engine, 15-inch steel wheels (full size spare), air conditioning, dual airbags and a wide array of comfort and convenience items come standard.

Style and space

The all-new, elongated Barina sedan body design is characterised by clean lines and sharp contemporary styling.

Its Holden DNA is reflected in the strong signature grille, flanked by three-dimensional headlights with multi-focus reflector lenses. The smart rear end is distinguished by a full width chrome spear, linking angular tail lamps.

A spacious, well-proportioned cabin reveals the benefits of a 2480mm wheelbase and skilful packaging. Fit, features and finish in the new generation interior bear comparison with much pricier imports. Silver accents in the dark charcoal fabric trim are echoed in door treatments and on the four-circle instrument cluster.

Seating positions are slightly higher than average, enhancing visibility. There is generous head, hip and leg room for a car of this class and good cargo volume of 400 litres, extending to 1097 litres with the rear seat folded.

Performance, ride and handling

Like its hatchback siblings, the Barina sedan is powered by a 1.6 litre DOHC multi-point fuel injected engine. Among the most powerful in the sub-$15,000 light car class, it produces 76kW of peak power at 5800rpm and develops peak torque of 145Nm at 3600rpm, much of this available over a broad rev range.

Buyers have a choice of a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission, which has a �hold control� button, allowing it to work as a manual and give drivers better control on hilly roads.

The 16-valve 1.6 litre powerplant complies with Euro 3 emissions standards and returns a fuel-efficient 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres (manual transmission) and 7.7 litres/100 kilometres (automatic).

A series of chassis and suspension refinements developed for Barina by Holden chassis engineers balances ride comfort on all Australian roads with precise handling, roadholding and stability, aided by a wide stance and 15-inch tyres. High build quality improves driveability by further isolating road noise.

Ventilated front disc brakes are standard and a four-channel, four sensor ABS braking system is available in an option pack.

Feature highlights

The sedan�s standard equipment inventory includes air conditioning with variable temperature control, power steering and a six-speaker MP-3 compatible audio system with CD player, user-friendly interface, steering wheel-mounted controls and windscreen-integrated antenna.

There are four power windows, heated power exterior mirrors (colour keyed), height-adjustable driver�s seat, tilt adjustable steering, key and �headlamps on� reminders, a 60/40 split folding rear seatback and full-sized steel spare wheel. The central locking system is operated by a remote control key and a coded engine immobiliser and PIN-protected sound system offer extra security.

Twin five-spoke alloy wheels (steel spare) are available in an option pack with ABS.

Safety and strength

With the dynamic assurance of superior ride and handling, assisted by refined suspensions, a wide track (1450mm front/1430mm rear) and strong body structure, the Barina sedan sets a high safety standard.

Occupant protection systems include driver and front passenger airbags and sash height-adjustable front seat belts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners.

The stable passenger safety cell, comprising more than 40 per cent high-strength steel, has precisely defined load paths engineered into the body structure which are designed to deflect crash energy.

Side beams and a �pendulum� B-pillar featuring tailor-welded blanking help to minimise intrusion in a side-impact collision.

Color selection

Barina sedan offers a choice of five exterior colours: they are Mercury Silver (metallic), Arctic White (solid), Jet Black (metallic), Chilli Red (solid) and Horizon Blue (metallic).

Holden TK Barina sedan recommended retail pricing

(excluding government and dealer delivery charges)

$14,490 (manual transmission)

$16,490 (automatic transmission)

Options

Pack � 15-inch x 6-inch twin five-spoke alloy wheels (steel spare) and four-channel ABS

$1190

Metallic paint

$250

Accessories

Selected Holden Genuine Accessories include 16 x 6-inch five-spoke alloy wheels

On sale

February 2006

2009 Pontiac Wave5 (CA)

Canada customers will soon meet the new 2009 Wave5, a compact car that will replace the current Pontiac Wave. Although new, the Wave5 may seem a known vehicle to most of you, and it surely is. Change the badge and you will be able to call it Daewoo Gentra, Holden Barina or even Chevrolet Aveo5.

Developed under the code T250, the new Pontiac Wave5 has some interesting improvements over the Wave, such as a new 1.6-litre engine with variable valve timing that delivers 107 cv and 143 Nm, nice numbers for an engine of this size, even though the Renault Twingo RS goes a little further ahead. Besides offering a better performance, the Wave5 needs less petrol than its predecessor. The new car�s range, running on regular gasoline, is said to reach 640 km.

With a wheelbase of 2,48 m, the Wave5 must be roomy, as its press release says, but we still can�t confirm. The best thing about its possible roominess is that it comes in a relatively small package (3,94 m long, 1,68 m wide and 1,51 m high), ideal for the traffic of crowded big cities.

Among other interesting features, the Wave5 includes standard OnStar and the XM Satellite Radio as an option, side air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags with Passenger Sensing System also as standard, a five-year or 160,000 km warranty for the powertrain, six-way adjustable front seats, tilting steering wheel, cruise control, heated outside mirrors and 1,189 l of load capacity with folded seats (no word on its load capacity with seats in normal position in the press release, a clear sign it is small, and it really is: only 198 l). Prices haven�t been informed so far, but, as a reference, the Aveo5 starts at US$ 10,895 in the USA. The new Pontiac may cost a little more than that.






Press Release

� NEW 2009 PONTIAC WAVE5 DELIVERS MORE IN THE ENTRY-LEVEL SEGMENT: LARGE-CAR ROOMINESS, AMENITIES AND GREAT FUEL ECONOMY

Redesigned, sporty exterior with contemporary details

Updated, roomy "tall car" interior with the cargo flexibility of a hatchback - including up to 1,189 L (42 cu.-ft.) of cargo space
New, fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.6L DOHC engine with variable valve timing
Standard side air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags with Passenger Sensing System
Unexpected technologies, including standard OnStar and available XM Satellite Radio
Five-year / 160,000-kilomtre powertrain warranty

Coming this summer, the efficient, made-for-Canada Pontiac Wave5 also gets an injection of style and technology for the 2009 model. This small car now offers a new design inside and out, and gets a new, more refined engine with variable valve timing and improved fuel economy, and is sure to be a hit with Canadians when it goes on sale in 2008.

The new '09 Wave5 continues to stir the waters in Canada's small-car market with features expected in larger, more expensive cars - such as standard OnStar and available XM Satellite Radio - as well as its signature "tall car" design that enables surprising passenger and cargo room. It is powered by a new, fuel-sipping, 1.6L DOHC engine with variable valve timing that produces more power (107 hp / 80 kW) and strong torque (106-lb.-ft. / 143 Nm) - and has been tuned for quieter performance.

Indeed, the Wave5's efficiency and flexibility go hand in hand. With its improved fuel economy among the best on the market using regular gasoline, the '09 Wave5 can travel more than 640 km between fill-ups, resulting in fewer trips to the gas station and road trips that require fewer stops.

The Wave5 goes on sale in mid-2008, joining the recently redesigned Wave sedan. It is available in base and SE trims - each backed by a "worry free" five-year/160,000 km transferable powertrain warranty, plus Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation.

Bold, sporty, modern exterior design

The Wave5's dynamic, contemporary European influenced design enhances the Wave5's sporty exterior with premium details such as the three-dimensional, richly detailed headlamps that extend into the hood. Redesigned, body-colour fascias and chrome accents suggest a more expensive car, along with available features - such as its large power sunroof - that are unexpected in the segment, Wave5 retains its characteristic "tall car" configuration, enabling a spacious interior, with generous headroom that is greater than many midsize sedans.

The Wave5's sleek styling accents longer, wider and taller dimensions, with sculpted lines and a wide, confident stance. Pronounced "shoulders" over the wheel openings and body-colour door sills convey the look of a larger car. A more assertive, dynamic look is accomplished with crisp, V-shaped hood edges, bold front and rear fascias with premium cues, such as larger, available front fog lamps; a rear-fascia lower grille; and a larger available rear spoiler located on the trailing edge of the roof.

Roomy environment

The Wave5's exterior is complemented by a quiet passenger cabin that features well-crafted details and generous standard features that enhance comfort. It is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, with features and refinement comparable to more expensive vehicles.

With its signature "tall car" design, the Wave5's generous dimensions easily accommodate 6-foot-tall passengers in each of the five seating positions. It also is a quiet interior environment, with soundproofing technologies that complement quieting powertrain enhancements and improved aerodynamics to provide a quiet, comfortable and vibration-free ride, even at higher speed.

Attention to comfort is evidenced in elements such as standard driver's seat armrests. Also, theatre-style rear seating provides a commanding view for all passengers. A 60/40-split rear seat expands Wave5's interior cargo capacity; and when more cargo-carrying capability is required, the rear seat can be flipped and folded, offering 1,189 L (42 cu. ft.) of cargo space.

Refined modern interior with a twist

The interior's contemporary appearance is achieved through sleek lines and the clever use of rich materials, including a new, available two-tone, charcoal/light gray design (on charcoal interiors) that provides a premium look and feel. Other premium appearance elements include technical-grain, low-gloss surfaces; wood grain, satin-chrome or carbon-fiber finishes on the instrument panel and door panels; and even perforated faux leather seating surfaces, steering wheel cover and shifter knob.

Additionally, clever details abound, such as a sunglasses holder; door pockets for books and maps; and hooks that can secure shopping bags. Unexpected value is delivered through more standard and available features - features not typically found in the segment, including:

Fully reclining front seats with convenience hooks
Six-way-adjustable seats - plus driver lumbar adjustment
Tilting steering wheel
Driver information centre
Oil Life Monitoring System
Cruise control
Power windows and locks
Heated, dual power body-colour foldaway outside mirrors
On-key (no separate fob) remote keyless entry
Air conditioning with cabin filtration
Large, power-operated sunroof


Related entries:

2007 Chevrolet Aveo in Detail
Chevrolet Aveo5