New Barina and Trax Round out Big Year for Holden

Holden New Zealand is finishing 2016 with a flourish, thanks to the release of two new models which round out a frenetic period of launch activity.

“This year has witnessed an unprecedented amount of new model launches from Holden, starting in March with AA NZ Motoring Writers Guild Car of the Year finalist, the all-new Spark,” said Managing Director of Holden New Zealand, Kristian Aquilina.

“There has also been the new Colorado and Trailblazer, as well as special editions of Commodore, Barina, Trax and Captiva.

“It’s exciting to finish the year with the launch of two dynamic small cars, both of which represent a significant new focus on technology, all-round aesthetics and an enhanced value equation.”

The 2017 Barina and Trax step up the level of connectivity and raise the bar of what’s available in their respective segments.

“The ability to be connected at all times is incredibly important to people who drive vehicles like Barina and Trax, so the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across both ranges is something which will be of huge appeal,” said Mr Aquilina.

“The information displayed on the screen will be easy to keep an eye on, thanks to the large 7-inch colour screen found in both models and respective variants.”

The Barina and Trax also receive significant external and interior enhancements, demonstrating fresh and engaging styling which lifts the appearance of the new model to a new level. 

The new models display a more mature and refined appearance and are instantly recognisable thanks to a new front fascia, grille and rear fascia.

The higher specification Trax LTZ offers further visual differentiation to its LT stablemate, with turn-signals integrated into the wing mirrors providing an additional styling adornment.

Both the Barina and Trax model lines feature carryover pricing compared with the model they replace, but thanks to the inclusion of additional features offer an enhanced value equation.

The new Barina starts from $22,490 and is available in dealerships now and entry to the Trax range, which lands in dealerships in February, is from $32,990. 

“For example, in the case of the Barina LS, the alloy wheel size has increased from 15 to 16 inches, while the LT gains passive-entry push-button start,” said Mr Aquilina.

“The enhanced appearance and inclusion of additional creature-comforts make the new Barina a very desirable place to be and helps to maintain its reputation as a fun to drive new car.

“Meanwhile, the raised SUV driving position of the Trax allows for greater all-round visibility, as well as comfortable ingress and egress for driver and passengers.”

All models feature rear view camera and rear park assist as standard and are also five-star safety rated, while the highest specification models also offer heated front seats.

The vital output statistics remain unchanged on both models, with the 1.6-litre Barina offering 85kW of power, 155Nm of torque and a fuel consumption figure of 7.2l /100km while the 1.4-litre turbo Trax, now standard in all specification levels, is capable of delivering 103kW, 200Nm and consumes 6.7l of fuel per 100km.

“The past 12 months have been full of activity and it’s great to finish off 2016 with two exciting new models which will help strengthen Holden’s position on the consideration list for new car buyers,” said Mr Aquilina.

“There are exciting times ahead for Holden in New Zealand as we forge ahead with our promise of launching 24 new models by 2020, which continues with all-new Astra in the first quarter of next year.

“We’re looking forward to introducing Kiwis to what this new-look Holden has to offer and what we’re capable of achieving for our customers.  There’s never been a better time to be associated with the brand.”