What you'll find here
Year-by-year archive pages with brochure PDFs, core specs, and links to related models.
Barina – Barina Spark11 PDFs
Holden Barina – Barina Spark
This collection brings together eleven original dealer brochures for the Holden Barina spanning 1985 to 2017. It traces the Australian small car's evolution across three decades, documenting the standard Barina, Barina RS, and Barina Spark variants. Materials represent two key markets and serve automotive historians, enthusiasts, and researchers seeking primary sources on the model's design progression and technical development throughout its production run.
Multi-marketMarket
11PDFs
1985–2017Production
9Model years
Why it matters
Original manufacturer materials document equipment and options exactly as they were offered.
How to navigate
Use search or the year browser below. Each brochure card links to the full PDF download.
Browse by model year
Open a year to view details and download the brochure.
1985 Holden Barina Brochure
Launched in 1985, the Barina arrived as Holden's answer to the rising tide of imported Japanese city cars flooding Australian showrooms. While rivals like the Suzuki Swift and Daihatsu Charade fought on price and fuel economy, the Barina claimed practical virtues: a 1.2-litre engine producing 60 hp, straightforward mechanics that local dealers understood, and the reassurance of
1986 Holden Barina Brochure
When the Barina arrived in 1986, Holden positioned it squarely against the growing tide of Japanese city cars flooding Australian dealerships. Built locally at Port Melbourne, the 1.2-litre petrol engine produced 60 horsepower—modest by any measure, but enough to undercut imports on both price and service accessibility. Australian buyers saw value in local assembly.
2013 Holden Barina Brochure
By 2013, the Barina faced stiff competition from the Hyundai i20 and Kia Picanto across the Australian market, yet Holden's offering held its ground through a practical four-body-style lineup: the three-door and five-door hatchbacks, plus sedan and wagon variants. The 1.6-litre petrol engine produced 103 horsepower, sufficient for buyers seeking affordable, unpretentious city m
2014 Holden Barina Brochure
By 2014, the Barina had settled into its role as Holden's affordable city runabout, facing stiff competition from the Hyundai i20 and Kia Picanto in the Australian market. The range retained its 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 103 kW, paired with either manual or automatic transmission. Buyers valued its low entry price and practical interior space, making it a sensible choic
2015 Holden Barina Brochure
By 2015, the Barina faced a reshaped competitive field where the Hyundai i20 and Kia Picanto had gained ground. Holden's response was a modest refresh that kept the 1.2-litre three-cylinder as the volume engine, good for 86 horsepower, while the 1.4-litre option delivered 100 hp for buyers wanting more punch. New Zealand showrooms highlighted the model's practicality and value
2016 Holden Barina Brochure
By 2016, the Barina had carved out a foothold in Australia's fiercely competitive city-car segment, where buyers weighed it against the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris. Holden's fourth-generation offering came with a 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 74 kilowatts, paired to a five-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The Australian market received the sedan and hatchback variants, both t
2017 Holden Barina Brochure
By 2017, the Barina's 1.4-litre petrol engine, producing 74 kilowatts, faced stiffer competition from the Swift and the Mazda2, yet Holden's hatch held its ground through sharper handling and a lower entry price. Australian buyers appreciated the direct steering and compact footprint in congested urban environments. The five-speed manual remained the core transmission, though a
2014 Holden Barina RS Brochure
By 2014, the Barina RS sat in a shrinking segment where the Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen Polo GTI dominated buyer intent. Holden's turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, producing 200 horsepower, offered hot-hatch thrills at a price point below rivals. The Australian market received it as a left-hand-drive export variant, though performance credentials remained identical to Eur
2010 Holden Barina Spark Brochure
The 2010 Barina Spark arrived in Australia powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine producing 63 kW, engineered from the ground up as a city car for emerging markets. Its transverse layout and lightweight construction reflected Holden's shift toward fuel-efficient entry-level offerings. The Australian specification included locally tuned suspension geometry and interior tri
2012 Holden Barina Spark Brochure
By 2012, Holden positioned the Spark as the entry point for buyers seeking affordable city transport without sacrificing practicality. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine delivered 63 kW, adequate for urban driving and light highway work. Against rivals like the Hyundai i10 and Suzuki Alto, the Spark offered more cabin space and a wider trim range, making it a credible first-ca
Frequently asked questions
How many documents are in the Holden Barina archive?
The archive contains 11 original documents spanning the Barina's history. These include brochures, dealer catalogs, and press materials collected from across its production run. Each document offers a snapshot of the model during its respective era, making this a focused but valuable collection for enthusiasts tracking the nameplate's evolution.
What years does the Barina archive cover?
Documents span from 1985 to 2017, covering the original Barina through to the Barina Spark generation. This 32-year range captures significant design and market positioning changes. Note that coverage is not continuous—some years between these dates lack documentation in the current collection.
Can I use these documents for Barina restoration work?
Yes. Factory brochures and dealer literature provide authentic specification details, color options, trim levels, and original equipment information essential for accurate restoration. Press materials often include technical background and design intent. These documents serve as primary references for ensuring your project matches factory standards from its production year.
Are there different regional versions of the Barina in this archive?
The collection includes documents from 2 regional markets, reflecting how Holden adapted the Barina for different territories. Regional variants sometimes featured distinct trim names, equipment levels, or styling details. These differences are documented across the 11 pieces, showing how the same nameplate served varied customer bases.
What's the difference between this archive page and the Barina catalog page?
The archive page focuses on original documents themselves—their historical value, rarity, and what they reveal about the model's market positioning over time. The catalog page presents technical specifications and features of the car itself. Here, you're exploring the literature; there, you're learning about the vehicle's engineering and design.
Which Barina generations are represented in the archive?
The collection covers three distinct generations: the original Barina, the Barina RS, and the Barina Spark. Each generation is documented through period brochures and promotional materials. This generational breadth allows you to trace how the model evolved in concept, positioning, and market appeal across nearly four decades.
How often is the Barina archive updated with new documents?
The archive grows as new original documents are discovered and acquired. Updates occur irregularly rather than on a fixed schedule—they depend on availability of previously uncatalogued materials. Subscribers and enthusiasts are encouraged to suggest documents they've found, helping expand the collection over time.