Holden release New Zealand Barina RS specs

Holden have released NZ specifications and prices for the new Barina RS. Photo / Supplied

Holden have released NZ specification and prices of its new Barina RS.

Aimed as a competitor for the likes of the Suzuki Swift Sport and Ford Fiesta Sport Eco Boost, the Barina RS is Holden's shot at pushing their long-time entrant to the supermini segment to a more performance focused buyer.

The Barina RS shares the same powertrain with its American counterpart, the Chevrolet Sonic and according to Holden, is "the most powerful Barina ever."

The Holden Barina RS comes with either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Photo / Supplied

Each RS comes standard with 17 inch alloy wheels, sporty front and rear fascia, side skirts, sports exhaust and lots of RS emblems. Inside buyers get heated leather seats, voice activation, rear parking sensors and Holden's MYLINK infortainment system which now features across 60% of the Holden range.

Also a unique orange colour called 'Orange Rock' is optional extra.

The manual RS will retail at $26,490 and the automatic at $27,990.

Be sure to read the next issue of Driven for a full report on our first drive and more.