1997 Holden Barina SB III (facelift 1997) Dimensions, Size & Specs

With a width of 1608 mm (63.3 inches), the Holden Barina SB III offers a modest but comfortable cabin space for a subcompact hatchback. This width ensures a balance between maneuverability in tight city streets and sufficient shoulder room for passengers, contributing to a practical and agile driving experience.

The Holden Barina SB III stands 1420 mm (55.9 inches) tall. This height allows adequate headroom for most occupants, providing comfort during commutes or longer drives. Furthermore, its relatively low height contributes to aerodynamic efficiency, which can aid in fuel economy and stability at higher speeds.

The Holden Barina SB III has a curb weight of approximately 1420 kg (3130 lbs). This weight is typical for a hatchback of its class and size, striking a balance between structural integrity and fuel efficiency. The manageable weight helps in delivering nimble handling and modest fuel consumption, making it suitable for everyday urban use.

The luggage capacity of the Holden Barina SB III is 260 liters (9.18 cubic feet) with the rear seats in position, which is adequate for daily shopping and small cargo. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity expands significantly to 1050 liters (37.08 cubic feet), allowing for larger items or more luggage, enhancing the car's versatility.

The Holden Barina SB III is equipped with 165/70 R13 tires. This tire size delivers a good balance between comfort and control, with a profile that absorbs typical road irregularities well. The relatively narrow 165 mm width emphasizes fuel efficiency and low rolling resistance, while the 13-inch wheels help maintain a compliant ride quality.

Yes, the Holden Barina SB III's compact dimensions, specifically its length of 3741 mm (147.3 inches) and width of 1608 mm (63.3 inches), make it well-suited for fitting into a standard Australian garage or typical parking spaces. It offers ease of parking in urban environments where space is often limited.

Compared to its predecessor, the early 1990s Barina SB II, the 1997 SB III facelift maintained similar compact proportions but featured refinements in body styling that slightly altered its aerodynamics and visual presence. The core dimensions remained close, preserving the small hatchback's urban-friendly size while updating the look and feel.

In comparison to contemporaries like the Toyota Corolla hatchback or the Suzuki Swift of the late 1990s, the Holden Barina SB III is slightly shorter and narrower, emphasizing maneuverability and ease of parking. While its luggage space is competitive, its curb weight is on the heavier side, indicative of build quality or safety additions compared to some rivals.

The Holden Barina SB III (1997-2000) facelift was a popular small hatchback known for reliability, affordability, and practicality. It typically came with modest engine options ideally suited for daily commuting. Its compact size and decent interior space made it attractive for city drivers, while updates in this generation included refreshed styling and some interior improvements. It's well regarded for straightforward driving dynamics and ease of maintenance.