Chevy Sonic vs. Holden Barina

[pcal226]

I'm a new owner of a Sonic LT 1.4L Turbo. I've always been a lover of foreign cars, particularly cars you can't get here in the states (Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Holden, Skoda etc.). I was thinking about maybe modding my sonic to appear like a Holden Barina. Obviously the steering wheel would be on the wrong side, but other than that, I'd like it to look as authentic Holden as possible. I know some people have modified Pontiac GTOs (Holden Monaro) and Pontiac G8s (Holden Commodore) in the same way.. So I was wondering:

A.) Has anyone done this with a Sonic yet?
B.) Which Barina trim level is the the most similar to mine.
C.) I imagine just getting new badges shouldn't be too bad, but are their any cosmetic differences that will be more expensive to change?
D.) Will simply modding the outward appearance without touching any of the mechanics void my warranty?

 

[pcal226]

I also apologize if this thread is too technical for the new members forum. I tried to keep it as technical-detail-free as possible. Just curious. If I actually go ahead with it all talk about it on the other forum once I have enough points.

 

[Black Turbo LTZ]

I also apologize if this thread is too technical for the new members forum. I tried to keep it as technical-detail-free as possible. Just curious. If I actually go ahead with it all talk about it on the other forum once I have enough points.

There are quite a few things you will need to change,
Tailights(black housing with no outer reflector)
Headlights(headlights do not have orange reflector, they use H7 lows and H1 highs)
Fog lights( in theory just the housing will do)
Fenders(due to side markers, or you can just buy sidemarkers and cut into yours)
Front Bumper with grills
Emblems on front, rear, steering and center caps of the wheels.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

I like the Barina RS front grille, the badge is "stuck" on the upper mesh part leaving the crossbar untouched. Too bad it'd probably be over $1k to get a bumper stateside ugh, but other parts like the rear badge and airbag...hmmm.

 

[SouthFLSonic]

There has been many members trying to locate Barina parts in the States or even an Aus. supplier who will ship and it is nonexistent but I wish you luck in your journey to be the first to locate them.

Best bet is to get a SOF member who is located in Aus. and see if they can order and ship you the parts you're looking for.

 

[krakenredbeard]

Don't forget the rear headrest

 

[Chrish051873]

Don't forget the rear headrest

yea, what he said, lol

 

[Dogz]

Australia has a population that is only 10% of the US & the Barina is still pretty new over here. That means there is very limited parts available in the aftermarket. Especially body panels which are Aussie specific. Most of the aftermarket parts available to us locally are parts that are common around the world.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Australia has a population that is only 10% of the US & the Barina is still pretty new over here. That means there is very limited parts available in the aftermarket. Especially body panels which are Aussie specific. Most of the aftermarket parts available to us locally are parts that are common around the world.

We just want your stock parts! :banana:

Fortunately for you, I'd be willing to bet that all of the aftermarket parts for the Sonic here in the US would work on the Barina. Have to see engine bay/underside pics but I bet a bunch of things would bolt right in. I know the ECM OSs are the same!

 

[Spkslayer]

I was wanting to do the same.

 

[Dogz]

We just want your stock parts! :banana:

Fortunately for you, I'd be willing to bet that all of the aftermarket parts for the Sonic here in the US would work on the Barina. Have to see engine bay/underside pics but I bet a bunch of things would bolt right in. I know the ECM OSs are the same!

I was just talking about the Aussie specific parts like front bumper & grill. Not available aftermarket yet & original parts are too expensive. Mostly the Aussie car is the same as yours & the US aftermarket parts do fit the Barina.
Maybe someone can ship me a Chevrolet bumper & I'll ship over my Holden one.

 

[krakenredbeard]

If you have a rs I'm first!

 

[tommylama]

God I want those rear headrests. I don't know how many hours I've spent looking for them


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[Swordsmith]

If you dent your bumper, you can't get an OEM replacement, if you happen to live in OZ?

 

[Anarkii]

My missus has already banged up her 2013 Sonic LS/Barina CD sedan a bit on the sides. Took a week, but replacement parts were fitted and installed no problem here.

 

[Dogz]

We can get parts for our cars no problem, just aftermarket parts are limited & original parts are expensive that's all.

 

[SouthFLSonic]

I am willing to bet that if one you Aussies priced out a few desired parts with shipping that you could make some $$$ and be the king of the forum for supplying Barina parts.

Head rests, front bumper, steering wheel, RHD seat/Armrest from RHD seat, headlights, Logos/Badges, Wheel center caps and basically anything with a Holden logo that can be swapped out. Hell you might even be able to work trades out to get some Sonic parts there and Barina parts here and each country gets items that are otherwise unavailable. :banana: :banana:

 

[madface24]

that would be an epic change. now what about the bage on the steering wheel ? new wheel or there is no bage in the barina ?

 

[Jcordo93]

I'm a new owner of a Sonic LT 1.4L Turbo. I've always been a lover of foreign cars, particularly cars you can't get here in the states (Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Holden, Skoda etc.). I was thinking about maybe modding my sonic to appear like a Holden Barina. Obviously the steering wheel would be on the wrong side, but other than that, I'd like it to look as authentic Holden as possible. I know some people have modified Pontiac GTOs (Holden Monaro) and Pontiac G8s (Holden Commodore) in the same way.. So I was wondering:



A.) Has anyone done this with a Sonic yet?

I have also been trying to make mine look like the Barina TM. Badging, lighting, and a few adjustments seem fairly easy. However I've noticed that I would have to do a few cosmetics to my front grill area because the chevy emblem is carved into the US bumpers. Should be a pretty easy fix though.

 

[SummitWhiteRS]

welcome