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Holden Barina SB III (facelift 1997) 1.4 i 16V Swing (90 Hp)
Holden Barina:
The Holden Barina is a subcompact automobile sold between 1985 and 2018 by Holden in Oceania. Each of the six generations have been badge-engineered versions of various General Motors vehicles, namely Suzuki Cultus, Opel Corsa, and Daewoo Kalos. Barina is an Australian aboriginal word meaning "summit".
The first generation MB Barina was launched on 12 February 1985 as a badge-engineered Suzuki Cultus as a five-door hatchback. In the first year of production a "Roadrunner Pack" special model was offered complete with decals showing the Warner Bros. cartoon character. A high-profile marketing campaign featured the slogan Beep beep Barina, a catchphrase that remains in the consciousness of many Australians in the present. The facelifted ML series was released in September 1986, this included a coil sprung rear end replacing the leaf springs of the MB, a revised dashboard, headlights, tailgate and lights, and front grille....(Read more on Wikipedia)
SB III (facelift 1997) Overview:
Holden Barina (SB III (facelift 1997)). With 125 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1420 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
2 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 10 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Efficiency-focused engine (90 hp), ideal for city commuting.
- • Steady and predictable acceleration (0-100 km/h in 11 sec).
- • Balanced fuel consumption of 7.5 L/100 km for its class.
- • Ventilated disc brakes for reliable cooling and stopping power.
Cons:
- • Compact cargo space (260 L); may require careful packing.
- • Previous generation model; may lack the latest driver-assist technologies.
Overall Rating: 3/5
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(MB I: 1985 - 1988).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Holden |
| Model: | Barina |
| Generation: | SB III (facelift 1997) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4 i 16V Swing (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.8 Hp/l [56mm more] |
| Torque: | 125 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1389 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.8 kg/Hp, 63.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 11.4 kg/Nm, 88 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1420 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1050 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 260 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 46 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3741 mm mm [56mm more] |
| Width: | 1608 mm mm [63mm more] |
| Height: | 1420 mm mm [55mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2443 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1387 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1388 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 165/70 R13 T |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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