The race to the bottom continues. The bottom of the price lists, that is.

At this rate, by late-2015 one or more manufacturers will be willing to pay you to drive their cars out of dealerships. First, Toyota announced that its 86 sports car would start at a jaw-dropping $29,990, then Ford revealed its Fiesta ST would be a chin-on-the-ground $25,990.

Now Holden has declared that if you rustle around down the back of the couch and find $20,990, you can have its new Barina RS.

Holden barina rs 2

Despite the turbocharged torque, a relatively tubby kerb weight of 1249kg (1275kg for the auto) means performance is adequate rather than amazing. Holden doesn’t quote any figures, but 8.5sec to 100km/h for the six-speed manual feels about right, with the auto (also six-speed) in the early nines.

Holden barina rs 1

Unfortunately, Melbourne decided to have a year’s worth of rainfall in six hours on the day of the launch, so a definitive handling assessment will have to wait. On streaming wet roads, the Barina has decent levels of grip but falls progressively into understeer if pushed with little involvement from the tail. There is some fun to be had, but little details – wooden brakes, average gearshift, seats lacking lateral support – make you question the car’s performance credentials.

Holden barina rs 3

3/5

Specs:

Engine: 1364cc inline-4 DOHC, 16v, turbo Power: 103kW @ 4900rpm Torque: 200Nm @ 1850rpm Weight: 1249kg (manual) 0-100km/h: 8.5sec (estimated) Price: $20,990

Click here to read the full range review of the Holden Barina.