IT makes a refreshing change to see safety, quality and handling characteristics take the front seat in a budget car's development priorities. Barina finds an excellent blend of ride comfort and handling properties, and a good mix between active and safety features. Consider four-wheel disc brakes, improvements to the steering and suspension, dual airbags as standard and the use of anti-whiplash front head restraints - a feature not often seen in this class. We remain disappointed, however, that an anti-lock braking system is unavailable even as an option and that rear head restraints and a centre-rear lap-sash seatbelt were not deemed important enough by the product planners to warrant inclusion.