MELBOURNE, Australia — GM Holden has given its entry-level offering, the Barina hatchback, a freshening to improve its competitive position in the 'value' end of the small-car market.The upgraded three- and five-door Barina hatchbacks have a 16-valve 1.6-liter engine that makes 102 horsepower. The little cars get refreshed exterior and interior styling plus the addition of side airbags.The exterior has what Holden calls a 'Euro styled' and 'more dynamic' front fascia and rear end. The front is notable for its large curved headlamps and its prominent grille design. Inside, a new instrument panel, console and new fabric trim update the Barina. There are also five new colors, including Carbon Flash Black, Impression Blue and Fayence Uni, which is a sort of teal.The Barina hatchbacks as well as the sedan model now all have standard driver, front passenger and side impact airbags. The Barina is powered by a 1.6 liter DOHC multipoint fuel-injected engine that produces 102 hp and develops peak torque of 107 pound-feet, returning fuel economy of 33.6 mpg (manual transmission) and 30.9 mpg (automatic).Pricing starts at the equivalent of U.S. $12,500 for the three-door hatch and $13,795 for the sedan and five-door hatch.What this means to you: The smallest Holdens get a snappy face-lift. — Mike Jarvis, Correspondent