Holden Barina Spark finally goes auto

GM Holden has finally launched an automatic version of its smallest model, the Barina Spark city-car, more than two years after it went on sale in Australia as a manual-only proposition.

The Spark scores an automatic transmission with just four speeds as part of a range-wide 2013 facelift, which also brings subtle cosmetic updates and, for the self-shifting version, standard features like Bluetooth connectivity, a flip key fob and remote phone controls.

While the manual remains the price leader at an unchanged $12,490, the new Barina Spark CD auto costs an extra $2500, at $14,490.

The expanded 2013 Spark range cannot come soon enough for Holden, as sales of the Korean-built sub-light car have plummeted this year.

The Barina Spark has attracted just 1168 sales in the first 10 months of 2012, which is a whopping 66 per cent down from its comparable 2011 sales figure of 3433. Australia’s most popular light car is currently Toyota’s new Yaris with 15,465 sales, followed by the Mazda2 (14,624) and Barina (10,507).

While the Spark competes with pint-size cars like Suzuki’s pioneering Alto (from $11,790) and Volkswagen’s up! (from $13,990), both models found more than triple the number of homes last month with 260 and 300 sales respectively.

Holden's Marketing Manager for Small, Medium and Electric cars, Emma Pinwill suggested the automatic version will improve sales of Lion brand's first sub-compact model.

“It was always our intention to offer the choice of automatic transmission with Barina Spark as we know it's an important feature for light-car buyers, she said.

“Sales are growing in the light-car segment and more and more buyers – currently 68 per cent – are specifying automatic shift.

“The 2013 Barina Spark is a stand-out small car and the inclusion of this four-speed auto transmission option makes it an even more appealing proposition,” said Ms Pinwill.

Despite a strong standard safety package including six airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability/traction control, the Barina Spark misses out on the safety rating from ANCAP, scoring only four stars.

Available from January, the 2013 Spark brings a European-inspired front-end design that is intended to “appeal to first-time and young urban buyers”, says Holden. The updated bodywork includes a new front grille, updated headlights and side skirts, and new tail-lights.

A rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light and 14-inch alloy wheels are now standard on all models.

Automatic versions also get an updated electric power steering system, hill start assist and a neutral idle feature which is claimed to reduce fuel consumption.

All models come with an inflator kit to patch a flat tyre, and a full-size steel spare wheel is a no-cost option.

Two engines are offered, both displacing 1.2 litres, with the new automatic model getting the newer Gen II engine that delivers more power and torque than its manual sibling - 63kW/113Nm versus the manual's 59kW/107Nm.

Fuel consumption is still slightly lower in the manual, which sips fuel at a miserly rate of 5.2L/100km compared to the auto's 5.8L/100km. Both cars are compatible with regular 91 RON unleaded petrol and E10 ethanol-blend fuels.

Holden offers capped price servicing, which costs $185 for each of the first four scheduled log book services for three years or 60,000km.

The facelifted Barina Spark is offered in seven colours: Bluebell Blue, Honey Mellow Yellow, Nitrate Silver, Chilli Red, Carbon Flash Black, Cocktail Green and Summit White.

Meantime, Holden’s slightly larger Barina has also been spruced up for 2013 and is now available in top-tier CDX specification guise, adding several new features including the segment-first Holden MyLink internet radio infotainment system.

The new CDX version of the 2013 Barina, which is arriving in showrooms now, brings many new features including a six-speed automatic gearbox that lowers combined fuel consumption to 6.3L/100km.

Reversing sensors, front foglights, special Sportec seat trim, heated front seats, a leather-clad steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels are all standard on the CDX model, as is the new MyLink system including the Stitcher Smart Radio app. More apps will be offered in early 2013, and Holden says the Barina will have “the first in-car system in Australia to offer full compatibility with Pandora Internet Radio”.

The new Barina CDX is priced at $20,490 for the hatch, and $500 more for the sedan.

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