HOLDEN joined the baby crossover revolution in 2013 with its high-riding Barina-based Trax and thanks to Australia's thirst for jacked up wagons of all sizes, the little lion-badged car got off to a good start.

Initial customers liked the upright driving position, approachable styling and capacious load and passenger spaces but its 1.8-litre normally aspirated engine drew some criticism, especially as it was the only powerplant on offer.

A year on and the Australian car-maker rolled out a second option, which gained the cracking 1.4-litre turbocharged engine found under the bonnet of the Barina RS warm hatch.

The addition of the forced induction donk brought no more power but boosted torque and cut fuel consumption by nearly 10 per cent, but is the $1500 premium over its equivalent 1.8-litre variant worth the extra cash?

Click here for the full review...