HOLDEN is finally getting serious with its baby Barina Spark by introducing an automatic option, two long years after the manual-only original appeared.
And, in a nutshell, it is the obvious choice as well, despite having only four forward speeds, since the self-shifter brings improved performance and driveability compared to the rather unpleasant manual version.
But would we still rather have the manual-only Volkswagen Up?
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Barina Spark Series 1
Released: October 2010
Ended: October 2012
Family Tree: Barina SparkHOLDEN always knew the Barina Spark – its first true sub-B segment seller in Australia – would struggle without automatic transmission availability, but the 6000 or so Series 1 sales is not too bad considering. Underneath the contemporary and youthful styling is a variation of the old 2002 Daewoo Kalos/2005-2011 TK Barina front-drive architecture, while the 59kW/107Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is no spring chicken either. Two five-speed manual models were offered – CD and CDX, both with five doors.
Get the full story: Barina Spark's price, spec, handling and safety add up well but Micra has it licked
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