The refreshed 2017 Holden Barina hatch has been spied in Melbourne this week ahead of a launch that could occur in the coming months.
Revealed earlier this year in its overseas Chevrolet Sonic form, Holden’s light car picks up a number of basic styling tweaks to see out the model’s run.
The Barina in its current form was launched globally in 2011, introduced with motorbike-style exposed headlights and the same protruding dual-port grille that has appeared on a number of models in the Chevrolet – and Holden – lines in recent years.
This year’s styling update sees the Barina given a similar front-end look to the new-generation Cruze, the overseas Malibu, and even the facelifted Holden SS models.
The exposed headlight design of the current model has been swapped out for a more conventional design, while the new grille design gives the Barina’s snout a new tapered look.
Changes at the rear are less distinct, limited to new-look tail lamps and a subtly redesigned bumper look.
Details of updated powertrains are still to come, although the Barina is not expected to see any significant changes under the skin for the coming model year.
Watch for official word on the refreshed Barina to come in the weeks ahead of what will likely be a late 2016 market debut.
Many thanks to CarAdvice reader Ben for these photos.
- Mike Stevens, caradvice.com.au