2004 Holden Barina SXi review from Australia and New Zealand

Horn button connection on right side.

Right side indicator relay.

This car has been brilliant from day one. The horror stories I have read about buying a car brand new have (so far) been unfounded. I bought it in August 2004 when they were on run out, so the price was very good. They were normally NZ$23,000, but I got this one for NZ$16,000. It was the last of the NZ spec Barinas (Opel Corsa), with the 15" alloys, rear disc brakes etc. I replaced the 185/55R15 Pirelli P6000 tyres with Bridgestone Grid III's - I would definitely recommend it. Grip increases by 100% and noise decreases by the same - just the finishing touch to the car's impressive dynamics. Steering, gearchange, comfort and interior space all very good, engine willing, not a rocketship, but not a slouch, either. Fuel economy is magic. 500km-plus around town, over 700km on a long drive. Big fun in corners, you can just give it heaps through the bends and you can actually get oversteer out of it. Yes, oversteer. There is none of the old-school FWD ploughing. Car feels solid, well built. Dealer service very good, too. Doors close with a nice thunk, not a Korean ting. Unfortunately, Holden decided to replace the European Barina with a 3 year old Daewoo (Kalos). They are UGLY. This is the reason I selected "Don't know", nothing to do with the car itself.