Holden Barina TM (Hatchback) RS (2011-2018)

uncomforatble and frustrating to drive and be inside, too new to review reliability – I'm just hoping the design of the engine is not as bad as the interface. So, so many design flaws make this car frustrating to drive. Buttons in easy to accidentally push places, multiple awkward and useless storage spaces, incredibly uncomfortable seats, loud indicators, ugly interface, having to press the unlock 3 times to get into the boot... all these little annoyances in a very short period have added up to me regretting this car completely. I also have no feel for the road and the turbo does hardly anything. Here's hoping it's cheap on fuel and reliable at least!

2015 RS - One of the best small cars I've ever driven – I've had my RS Barina (Manual, 6 Speed) since December 2015. I bought it dealer used (ex GMH Executive car) with 9k on the clock for around $18k This is a fantastic and fun car to drive, and I'll be holding onto it for as long as I can! Pros: It drives really well, lots of power down low this little 6 speed manual it can get up to highway speed quickly and keeps up effortlessly, in fact better then then bigger cars I've driven. It's quicker off the mark then you would expect, and has enough power to be fun and wiz around town or the countryside in.

Engine is sporty, but quiet, no loud turbo wind up (which is good?), gets easily 6L/100km with highway driving, dropping to about 7.5 to 8L/100km round town.

Handling is great, as expected from a smaller car, it corners well and bites into those corners you can take at higher speeds with ease, you never feel like you're loosing control. The Traction Control has saved my tail a few times in wet weather when I've taken a corner a little quick, cant fault it.

Interior is roomy, surprisingly so. I feel like I have had less room inside full size commodores then in this car. The drivers seat is very comfortable, fully adjustable, offering a good selection of driving positions no matter your driving style.

The back seats fold down, making it a great car to fill with stuff when you're off on a holiday, or just to pick up a big package. Tonnes of storage, both in the back, and in the compartment under the rear cargo mat. Back seats have enough room for full size adults to travel comfortably around town, but I probably wouldn't want to do a road trip back there.

Stereo is surprisingly strong, and as stock gives a lot of decent sound without any distortion. Adding an aftermarket subwoofer I have personally found really complements the current stock system, and no further modification is really needed to deliver good, balanced sound.

Cons:

* Being a sports model, its low, meaning it tends to scrape the front end on steep driveways, but you wont need to take speed-bumps diagonal or anything crazy like that.

* Its a little rough to shift between 1st and 2nd gear at high rpm's, you need to shift gently between those two or it'll grind.

* Turbo tops out at around 5,000 rpm (a little lower then I would like), so don't expect to win any "races" against performance cars unless you're considering modifying your engine, as it just doesn't have the power to push past. Also quiet turbo wind up, so if you're looking for loud WRX type sound, you've bought the wrong car

* Not the best internal lighting, illumination provided by one bulb between the driver and passenger there is very little light in the back, with the exception of a small light in the cargo area.

* Comes standard with a puncture repair kit, not a full size spare, so not ideal. Fortunately the tire well can accommodate a full size spare if you get one, I'd recommend everyone make a point to do that.

My Conclusion:

Knowing what I know now, I would still buy one again in a heartbeat. Great car, very fun to drive, tonnes of room, and worth every penny.