Review: 2014 Holden Barina Spark
Posted in Vehicle Reviews
Review: 2014 Holden Barina Spark
If you want to shift from the sameness of other small cars, it could very well be the Barina Spark that stands out for all of the right reasons.
It has a hint of sportiness, bright colours in and out, and a host of standard safety features. Features like Bluetooth, CD/MP3 and USB input with iPod compatibility are sure to keep the show going on the road.
Priced from $13,990 for the manual model, let’s see how this fun little hatch goes.
INITIAL IMPRESSION
With bright colours, a funky design and alloy wheels the Barina Spark immediately lets you know that it’s all about fun.
Everything says that this makes the perfect first car, 2nd car or runabout for a small business. It’s small, packs the essential features and is extremely easy to drive. Even the motorbike inspired dash and speedo continues the youthful design on the inside.
Let’s see how it goes on the road!
DRIVABILITY
The Barina Spark is responsive and gets going well enough to make getting around town nothing to worry about. However, things can get a little interesting once there’s a little bit of weight in the car and that’s when the automatic transmission starts to hunt around to find the right gear.
However, how often do you attempt to load the equivalent of a one-tonne ute into a Spark? Not very often.
Steering is quite direct and only needs a light touch to change direction, and there’s just enough feedback to let you know where the wheels are indeed pointing.
Even with the small 35 litre fuel tank, the claimed figure of 6.4L/100km (5.8L/100km claimed by Holden for the Auto), will see you travel 500-560km’s on a single tank.
PRACTICALITY
The Barina Spark is focused on you and then accommodating the occasional few passengers. So it isn’t practical in that sense, but it certainly does make it up when needing to find a car park on the street or to squeeze through peak hour traffic.
Entertainment wise you’re looked after, so even the A to B commute won’t leave you dull and bored whilst you listen to the third set of ads on the radio before you’ve even left home.
COST
It’s hard to argue what you’re getting for $13,990. You’re getting a complete car with manual transmission, safety features including ABS, Electronic Stability Control and six airbags.
Also included is a 3 Year/100,000km Warranty and 3 Years of Capped Price Servicing program making ownership that much sweeter.
Holden have put together an affordable package that aims to attract those who love to have a little fun.
CONCLUSION
In the end there isn’t a whole lot to say about the Barina Spark. It’s a fun little hatch that works hard to please whoever is behind the wheel.
It’s cheap, affordable to run and if it’s popularity is anything to go by, it’s a favourite for many!
To test drive a Barina Spark for yourself, make sure you come down to Motorama City Holden or Motorama Springwood Holden!
