EVER since the Barina GSi was discontinued late in 1998, and particularly since the new generation arrived in 2001, Holden has delivered compact hatches of great moral rectitude. But as virtuous as Barina has become, the SRi version takes a different path, attacking people's weakness for sinister sports-minded hatches and tempting with strong performance, sharp handling, head-turning looks and a comprehensive set of features for a down-to-earth price.

Holden Barina GSi
Released: April 1994
Ended: September 1998
Family Tree: BarinaLAUNCHED in April 1994 as part of the SB Barina range, the GSi seemed to have all the makings of a success. A 1.6-litre engine which produced 78kW and 148Nm, five-speed manual gearbox, body coloured bumpers and mirrors, anti-lock brakes, foglights, sports seats and a rear spooler. But the driving experience never matched the sum of its parts, and it proved neither a commercial or critical success.
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