6.12.2001
Holden Barina receives the Wheels magazine "Car of the Year 2001" award

Holden's Barina received the Wheels magazine "Car of the Year" award, Australia's most important automotive prize. The Barina (known as the Corsa in Europe) outshone its competitors by scoring highly in the categories Function, Technology, Efficiency, Safety and Value.

Raising standards for Australia's small-car buyers, without raising prices - that was the winning advantage for the Holden Barina to receive the Wheels magazine "Car of the Year for 2001" award, Australia's most important automotive prize. In its 39th year, the Wheels magazine "Car of the Year" award is also the longest continuous-running car award in the world.

Finalists for the title - the BMW Compact, Toyota Prius and Mercedes-Benz C-class - provided stiff competition. But none scored as strongly as the Barina against the criteria Function, Technology, Efficiency, Safety and Value.

"With small cars, retail price is everything," said Ewen Page, Editor, Wheels magazine. "Often to the point where technology, safety, efficiency, refinement and quality are sacrificed. The Barina (know as the Corsa in Europe), doesn't take any short cuts, despite its low price. And that's why it is a convincing winner."

In the five categories, the Barina received the following evaluations:

Function: Excellent vehicle dynamics (handling, steering, etc.) and first rate interior space efficiency.

Technology: electric power steering, electronic throttle and advanced body structure.

Efficiency: Low pollution engines, good fuel economy and good engine performance.

Safety: Unmatched list of safety equipment and a four-star NCAP rating.

Value: Low running costs, and class-leading safety, excellent dynamics and performance.