Holden adds Gen-Y appeal to Barina

HOLDEN has confirmed the top-spec CDX variant of its Barina light car will be priced from $20,490 plus on-road costs in hatch form – with the sedan costing $500 more – when it hits Australian showrooms next month.

The CDX comes with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard and is clearly pitched at tech-savvy Gen-Yers as it debuts General Motors’ MyLink infotainment and connectivity system.

MyLink can run smartphone-style apps and comes with the Stitcher on-demand radio app pre-installed, while the popular TuneIn internet radio app will also become available, enabling drivers to stream radio stations from around the world.

The technology relies on full smartphone compatibility for internet access and can be hooked up to mobile devices via Bluetooth or USB – and Holden promises more apps to become available early next year.

Holden claims the Barina CDX is Australia’s first car to provide full compatibility with Pandora internet radio and can be upgraded with an “affordable” BrinGo satellite navigation app.

BrinGo uses the GPS, computing power and memory capacity of a connected smartphone to store maps and calculate routes but the map displays and controls are accessed through the seven-inch MyLink touch-screen.

Announcing the CDX at last month’s Sydney motor show, Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux said the company had decided to debut MyLink on the Barina because the car’s affordable price made the technology more accessible to the young people who would appreciate it most.

In addition to MyLink, extra equipment over the entry-level Barina comprises rear parking sensors, a leather steering wheel and gear selector, Sportec (vinyl) upholstery, heated front seats, a storage tray under the front seat and a sunglasses holder.

Externally, Barina CDX is identified as a flagship variant by its 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and chrome exterior trim and a new Snowflake White Pearl exterior premium paint finish has become available.

The Barina scored five ANCAP stars for crash safety and comes standard with six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters, collapsible pedal system and three rear child seat anchor points.

2013 Holden Barina pricing*

CD hatch	$15,990
CD hatch (a)	$17,990
CD sedan	$16,490
CD sedan (a)	$18,490
CDX hatch (a)	$20,490
CDX sedan (a)	$20,990

*Plus on-road costs