Barina bounces back

The Holden Barina has bounced back with improved safety features two years after poor crash tests results sparked safety concerns.

The latest model of the car has drawn a four-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program. It attracted a dismal two stars during a survey in 2006 and led to calls from Consumer magazine to withdraw it from sale until it was improved.

AA general manager for technical services Stella Stocks said it was pleasing to see a much better safety result.

Transport agency vehicles manager Don Hutchinson said the head-protecting side airbags as a standard feature also helped to push the Barina over the four-star threshold.