First look: Barina's costly update

HOLDEN has updated the popular Barina model range, with the SXi replacing the three-door, while the five-door will be known as the CD. The hot hatch SRi retains its current name.

While all three cars get added equipment, there is a hefty price rise.

The SXi is $16,990 (plus $1400), the CD $18,990 (plus $1400) and the SRi $23,490 (plus $1200). Add $2000 for automatic transmissions and $1880 for air-conditioning.

The push up in price of Barina helps explain the rejigging of the Astra small car range, which now does not have a model below $20,000. See our separate New Models story for more on the Astra changes.

Included in the equipment update are larger wheel and tyre combinations across the range, with all models getting alloy wheels.

SXi gets 15-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels, a choice of interior fabric trims with colour-keyed seatbelts, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black instrument dials surrounded by silver rims, satin chrome highlights on the doorhandles, manual transmission gearshift lever and centre console surround. Front power windows are standard.

The Barina CD's new features include front foglights, larger 15-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels and body-colour door mirrors.

Standard features now include front power windows and heated power exterior mirrors, three headrests across the rear, leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome highlights on the doorhandles and park brake. There's also a new-design charcoal interior trim treatment.

Both SXi and CD continue to be powered by the familiar 66kW 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine.

The SRi, which continues to use a 92kW 1.8 engine, gets bigger, 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with red brake callipers.

New features include an alloy pedal cluster, dark charcoal trim, colour-keyed seatbelts and front power windows.

The SXi arrives late January, the CD February and the SRi in March.

The Barina finished second in the VFACTS light car category in 2002, behind the Hyundai Accent.