30 November 2010
With car companies now recognising the significant opportunities within the female market (wow, that didn’t take long…), even the blokiest of car companies are driving out new models to please the ladies.
That said, we would like to introduce you to the new Holden Barina Spark.
The Spark is so girly that it makes one wonder where the automotive industry’s fiercely held belief that in targeting the fairer gender, a car would exclude the fellas as a potential purchaser, has gone? The answer? Make a women’s car to parallel with your male-friendly offering. Pretty simple stuff really.
The Spark is so seriously pink in its execution and marketing that only a dedicated metrosexual male would even contemplate being seen driving, let alone buying, one. Good thing Holden has the trusty SV6 Commodore, Sportswagon and Ute, along with a multitude of other male vehicle choices, to fall back on. Moving right along…
The price of the Spark retails from $12,490 to $13,990 (Barina Spark CD – $12,490; and the Barina Spark CDX – $13,990) and represents serious value for money with goodies to please any woman including: power-adjustable exterior mirrors, air conditioning, power steering, front power windows, 4-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats, vanity mirror on driver and front passenger sun visors with cover, 4-speaker AM/FM audio system with CD player, iPod/iPhone AUX input along with a USB input for MP3 players, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, trip computer (including a ‘distance to empty’ and outside temperature gauge), remote keyless entry for doors and rear tailgate; remote central locking, security immobiliser and the all-important sunglasses holder. Now I ask you, what else could a girl want?
Style meets function
Knowing that women want style when it comes to the car purchase, the Spark has upped the ante with focus groups here. A dead giveaway? More storage than you can poke a Myer card at.
The interior is fashion-forward and includes a funky looking and practical dash; the trim is actually half-way decent; and the seats don’t in the least resemble the RSL-carpet look of ye olde worlde days of car upholstery, keeping it basic with silver (on white, silver, pink, blue and green exteriors) to bold and bright red (available only on red exterior and black exterior cars).
It’s also got a centre console with front and rear cup holders, along with a small item storage bin, front door pockets with integrated bottle storage big enough for your Pump water bottle, large front passenger seat side pockets and passenger seatback pockets, a snazzy sunglasses holder, 60/40 spilt folding rear seat and a boot big enough to fit all the Christmas shopping bags and more. Further, personalised details are highlighted and encouraged with the inclusion of a wide range of colours and added decal stickers to choose from. Women love that stuff.
The drive
The compact nature of the Barina Spark means that it can take on sharp corners with ease and can handle windy roads like a pro, along with squeezing into any tight inner city car spaces with ease. What it can’t seem to handle, however, is a steep hill, straining so hard I almost began to chant “I think I can, I think I can”. Must be all those shopping bags in the boot…
On the plus side, the Spark is uber-comfortable, light and zippy and extremely easy to manoeuvre, especially for women. Who wants those Madonna-man-arms anyway?
Safety & eco
Given women rate safety high on the list of important features, the Barina Spark earned a four-star ANCAP safety rating and of course comes with all the latest safety gadgets one would expect, including:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating an anti-lock braking system, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and traction control. Occupants are protected by a total of six airbags – dual front, front side impact and full-length curtain ones.
Body Frame Integral (BFI) design, extensive use of high-strength steel (60 per cent) in key areas such as engine compartment rails, engine cradle and safety cage deliver robust structural integrity.
The Spark uses 5.6 litres of fuel per 100km, which is fantastic news for your wallet and the environment. It also scored an impressive 5-star Green Vehicle Guide eco rating.
3 words to describe this car:
Fashionable, fun, practical.
What are the best things about this car?
In embracing its femininity, Holden has delivered a fashionable and female-friendly car. Great storage, easy to drive and great styling. Viva la girl power!
What are the downsides of this car?
Tends to struggle up hills.
What kind of petrol does this car use?
Unleaded.
Soundtrack of choice for the Holden Spark:
Destiny’s Child.