holden barina 2013 review

The 2013 Holden Barina is the sort of city runabout that gets the job done without demanding applause.

Its 1.6‑litre petrol and either a manual or auto are fine around town, but feel breathless when you ask for a heroic overtake on a country road.

Ride comfort is decent at suburban speeds, yet road and tyre noise gatecrash the cabin on coarse-chip highways like an uninvited footy team.

The cabin is practical with big doors and usable rear space for the class, though the plastics are tougher than a week-old lamington and the tech is old-school (Bluetooth, yes; smartphone mirroring, no).

Expect real-world fuel use in the high 7s L/100km and keep an ear out for a shuddery auto or trim rattles on test drives—maintenance history matters.

If you want cheap, simple commuting with sedan or hatch flexibility, it’s honest value; just don’t mistake it for a baby hot hatch.