Bright spark that breaks the rules

The Spark has the look of a sporty three-door while delivering five-door functionality. Photo / Supplied

The Holden hatchback that will go head-to-head in the New Zealand market with city-slickers like the Suzuki Alto will be unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney tomorrow.

It's called the Barina Spark, the latest addition to Holden's small-car portfolio. Holden NZ will unveil details - power output, pricing, specification - at the show.

The company's managing director Simon Carr says the Barina Spark has what it takes to attract a younger generation to the Holden brand.

"This is a very style-conscious market and what we have here is a really fresh and energetic design that breaks the 'cute' car mould," he said.

"It's a fun, fuel-efficient package which offers class-leading safety features and value for money in the best Holden tradition.

"It injects a healthy dose of attitude and street presence and brings together a number of elements that really resonate with consumers."

The five-door Barina Spark CD and CDX run a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Holden is likely to claim fuel economy of around 5.6 litres/100km, or 50mpg

A five-speed automatic is expected later in the production cycle, or when the Spark finds its way into the United States market in 2012.

The Spark is based on Holden parent General Motors' latest Gamma II front-drive global architecture and built in South Korea by GM's Daewoo affiliate. It will wear a Daewoo badge in South Korea, a Chevrolet identity in Europe, and a Vauxhall moniker in Britain.

The Spark's 1.2-litre engine is expected to deliver around 60kW/6400rpm and 111Nm/4800rpm, or roughly the same as the unit in Europe's Chevrolet.

It is also expected to meet the latest Euro5 exhaust emissions standards.

Holden reckons design cues give Barina Spark the look of a sporty three-door while delivering five-door functionality.

Hidden rear door handles accentuate the wedge-shaped profile and clean look, and up front, elongated headlights flank a signature Holden grille.

Fashion-forward cabin treatments mix fun and functionality, says Holden. Highlights include a motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster mounted on the steering column, ice-blue backlighting and colour-coded inserts flowing from the instrument panel into the front doors

Holden claims class-leading equipment levels, with even the base CD model boasting electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, six airbags, air-conditioning, remote central locking, alloy wheels, fog lights, a body kit and a rear spoiler.

The Spark first appeared at the 2007 New York motor show as the Chevy Beat, one of three baby concept cars GM asked people to vote on.

The Beat scored 50 per cent of the vote against the other two, the Trax and the Groove.