Kia Carnival vs Suzuki Swift

What's the difference?

Ok, here's the rub. Everything you just read could well be pointless. You like the Carnival. In fact, it sometimes makes up close to 90 per cent of the sales in its segment, and outsells all of its competitors combined.

So whether I like it or not, I suspect you'll be buying one anyway.

But I can say this - the new Carnival improves the formula right across the board. Well, everything except for price.

So, there you have it. A brief look at the new, sixth-gen Swift.

Better where it needs to be, the supermini survivor still remains competitively priced, with loads of new efficiency and safety tech that buyers will appreciate.

But, most of all, the Suzuki still feels, drives and rewards like the old model used to. It just does so with more sophistication.  

As inexpensive city cars continue to fade, the new Swift continues 41 years of providing a fun, affordable and dependable solution, in a vibrant and desirable package.

Surely the greatest trick the Carnival pulls off, and it does so convincingly, is that it manages to make something so quintessentially uncool, the people-mover, and make it look good. Somehow sporty, even.

I like the Carnival's big, bold and blacked-out front end of the GT-Line, and with its two-tone 19-inch alloys, wide stance and low ride height, it looks almost like some mad attempt at a JDM tune car, rather than a sensible people mover.

Elsewhere, the boxy profile, the sharp body creases and the third-row compartment that kind of juts over the rear tyres like a house that's been extended all somehow work, and give the Carnival far more street cred than you might expect.

Inside, we spent time only in the flagship GT-Line and its GT-Line Lite sibling, and both present as calming, comfortable spaces, and Kia's minimalist approach to combining the climate and audio controls into a single strip (it's functionality can be changed by pushing a button) helps keep the cabin fuss free.

The tech in the top-spec models feels modern and on-point, too, and the materials are all nice under the touch. Be warned though, the cabin plastics get progressively worse the further back you sit, and the third row is cocooned by hard and scratchy plastics.

At first glance, the new one looks a lot like the old one. Short overhangs, long wheelbase, upright A-pillars, that signature 'floating' roof. This could be nothing else but a Swift.

Obviously, though, every single panel has changed, resulting in a stronger, quieter and more aerodynamic body.

Helping communicate this is a new and very definite crease line added to create a more-pronounced shoulder. The bonnet seems to be more clamshell-like and the nose is squarer, too. Indeed, everything about the overall styling seems to be more upright.

Debate is already raging in some circles. Is the new Swift too fussy? Too conservative? Has it lost the playful boldness of the proceeding version's gently-sculptured sides and hidden rear-door handles? Are the proportions slightly out now? Has the previous design integrity and oneness of vision been diluted? Does the 2017 predecessor look better?

Underneath, the platform is essentially the same, while overall dimensions are largely identical except for a 20mm stretch and 25mm roof lift. Length, width, height and wheelbase numbers 3860mm, 1735mm, 1520mm and 2450mm, respectively.

Happily, the aesthetic changes inside are likely to please rather than perplex, and even delight rather than divide opinion.

The Carnival measures 5115mm in length, 1995mm in width and 1775mm in height, and it rides on a sizeable 3092mm wheelbase. 

And those mini-van dimensions have a predictably positive impact on luggage space, with room growing from 627 litres with all seating rows in place, to a massive 2827 litres with the third row stowed.

The key practicality perk here, though, is space, and lots of it. At 175cm, there was ample room for me in the middle row, and you can configure the cabin to your liking, too. You can slide the row on rails, for example, to prioritise leg room where you need it, and the middle seat folds down to reveal cupholders in a kind of hard plastic travel tray.

But even in the third row I could easily get comfortable, though head room begins to get a little tighter. There are cupholders and USB connection points, too, and I can honestly say you could send full-size humans back there and not feel overly guilty about it.

The Carnival will tow 2000kgs braked, too.

From a packaging perspective, the latest Swift carries on from before, and that’s no bad thing. It remains exceptionally roomy as well as practical.

To that end, entry and egress are easy, there’s a sense of spaciousness thanks to deep windows, a high ceiling and lofty seating, while the latter also helps provide an agreeable driving position. Storage and ventilation are provided in abundance.

For many people, the dash redesign reflects a big change in attitude, having finally grown up and away from the previous cheap and cheerful look. Highlights include pleasing seat fabrics, interesting textures and a sense of quality craftspersonship, within a stylish and sweeping design. After 41 years, the Swift has matured gracefully.

It’s also worth pointing out the super-clear analogue instrumentation dials, supported by a digital speedo and configurable trip computer data; actual buttons for the heating and air-conditioning system and – joy of joys – a handbrake lever.

Plus, if you want to turn off the various beeps from the driver-assist systems, physical buttons are but a simple press away. No distracting sub-menu searches within fiddly touchscreens here, thanks.

Except if you want to change the volume because you’ll need to prod the screen after all. The knob is always the better option, Suzuki.

What else? The rear bench area is a little plain but surprisingly roomy for this class of light car. Probably more so than a Corolla provided back in the early 2000s, with a decent level of cushy support for two people or three at a squeeze.

Given the extra specification, even the cheapest grade is all the Swift you’ll need. A sign of a democratic car.

But keep in mind the base variant no longer comes with a driver’s seat adjuster, passenger vanity mirror and multiple USB ports found in the Plus and GLX versions, while it is alone with a clammy plastic rather than leather-sheathed steering wheel rim.

At least cargo capacity edges up, by 23 litres to 265L (VDA), and that’s just under the luggage cover, thanks to some clever repackaging of a now-lower boot floor and internal tailgate panels. Drop the rear backrests and that expands to 569L.

Note, however, that for the Swift to achieve its sensationally low kerb weight that starts from just 919kg (up around 50kg), it now uses a fiddly and frankly-inadequate tyre repair kit. Thankfully, Suzuki offers that space-saver spare, at extra cost (and mass) of course.

Still, keeping those kilos low pays high dividends when it comes to performance and economy.

So. Why are there so few affordable city-sized superminis like the Swift?

Just 10 years ago, the Swift had at least 25 rivals under $25,000. Today that’s phonetically as well as literally down "t(w)o" "three" – namely, the ageing but still-surprisingly-spry Mazda2 and intriguing all-new MG 3, as well as Australia’s sole sub-$20K new car, Kia's darling Picanto.

Many of the Class of 2014 have since morphed into pint-sized crossover hatchbacks like Suzuki’s soon-to-be-discontinued Ignis, the Hyundai Venue and Kia Stonic. And if you must, there are also the cheerless MG ZS and ancient Mitsubishi ASX biggish-small SUVs – but they’re cheapo for a reason.

Unlike the latest Swift... which, from $24,490 drive-away, is more than reasonably cheap, since it introduces some electrification tech across the whole range, while still being around the same price as the old base GL.

This now makes the new Swift Australia’s cheapest 'hybrid'.

Granted, despite wearing the Hybrid badge on every grade, it’s just a mild hybrid system, but one that provides extra electrification to usefully boost performance and economy for the all-new powertrain and revised transmissions. More on all that later.

What else? The base Swift at last gains LED lights, telescopic as well as tilt steering adjustment and important driver-assist safety like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), along with lane-support systems, adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors.

Also included now are keyless entry/start, a 9.0-inch touchscreen as part of a new multimedia set-up, wireless for Apple CarPlay (but not for the Android Auto), a digital radio, heated mirrors, traffic sign recognition, auto high beams and an alarm.

And there's more. The entry-level Swift Hybrid is also class unique in offering a manual gearbox. Good on you, Suzuki.

Not for you? Don't worry, because the Hybrid auto that is expected to be the bestseller starts from $26,990, drive-away. For the record, that’s only about $1000 more than the equivalent old version but with all that extra gear to boot.

But, beware, the base-model Hybrid alone lacks a few items that may or may not have been standard in the outgoing Swift, such as a driver’s seat-height adjuster, leather-wrapped steering wheel, privacy glass, alloy wheels, front passenger vanity mirror, front-seat map pockets, multiple USB charging outlets and a spare wheel (though you can pay extra for one as the wheel-well remains).

All of the above, except the missing spare, are included in the new Hybrid Plus auto grade, from $28,490 drive-away, along with heated front seats and additional driver-assist tech like a blind-spot monitor. We’ll get into more detail in the Safety section below.

Finally, there’s the Hybrid GLX auto, with its wireless phone charger, folding exterior mirrors, steering wheel paddle shifters, climate control, glossy alloys and more from $29,490, drive-away.

Sadly, the terrific old GLX 'BoosterJet' three-cylinder turbo is no more, and there might not even be a new Swift Sport to continue the GTi hot-hatch legacy.

Still, Suzuki’s managed to keep the entire range under $30K drive-away, despite big changes inside and out. Let’s check those out.

There are two ICE options on the table here. The first is what I reckon is the lesser of the two, a 3.5-litre petrol V6, producing a rev-happy 216kW and 355Nm.

The better option, I think, is the 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel, which makes 148kW and 440Nm, and just suits the nature of the car a little better.

Both pair with an eight-speed automatic, and send their power to the front tyres.

If there’s one area where Suzuki shines, that’s in making sweet little engines, and the new, chain-driven, 1197cc 1.2-litre mild hybrid three-cylinder petrol unit is no exception.

Now, on paper, 61kW at 5700rpm and 112Nm at 4500rpm may seem slightly lacking. A Mazda2 manages to make nearly 35 and 30 per cent more power and torque, respectively.

But the Swift's new 'ISG' integrated starter/generator/electric motor unit delivers an additional 2.3kW and 60Nm.

Combined with the hatchback's comparative lightness, it makes for a sufficient power-to-weight ratio of between 63 and 66kW per tonne.

Or, in other words, it provides some welcome extra low-down muscle.

Drive is naturally sent to the front wheels, via either a light-yet-positive shifting five-speed manual gearbox, or new CVT auto. Both have been heavily revised in their new roles serving the mild-hybrid powertrain.

The petrol engine will sip a claimed 9.6 litres per hundred kilometres on the combined cycle, and produce 220g per kilometre of C02. The diesel lowers both those numbers, to 6.5 litres and 170 grams.

Both models are fitted with a 72-litre fuel tank, which means you’ll be sailing well north of $100 to fill one up.

The latest Swift’s maturity does not end with its suave cabin presentation.

Prioritising high economy and subsequently low pollution, this Euro 6d-rated three-pot hybrid powertrain promises an astonishing combined fuel-consumption average of just 3.8 litres per 100km for the manual, and slightly more for the CVT at 4.0L/100km.

The results are 78 and 80 grams per kilometre of carbon dioxide emissions, respectively, along with around 970km between refills of the meagre 37L fuel tank.

These facts somewhat ease the pain of the need for more-expensive 95 RON premium unleaded petrol instead of the regular brew. High-tech solutions do require superior fuel, after all.

With just 70km on our ultra-tight test car’s odometer, the trip computer’s 6.7L readout is likely no indicator of the frugality we’re expecting to come.

So, how are such low consumption figures attainable? Along with better aerodynamics and a low kerb weight, the latest Swift Hybrid’s ISG hybrid unit generates supplementary electricity under acceleration, to ease the engine’s reliance on petrol.

It also recharges the 12-volt lithium-ion battery that lives beneath the front passenger-seat floor off-throttle via regenerative braking.

Note that the Suzuki never drives purely on electricity.

Forgive the horrific paraphrasing, but it seems rumours of the death of diesel have been greatly exaggerated, at least when it comes to the Kia Carnival.

Get this – diesel sales make up some 90 per cent of the Carnival's total haul, with petrol providing a pittance towards the sales total, presumably being picked up by fleet buyers.

And to be honest, that means nine out of 10 people are making the right choice here. Yes, the petrol makes more power, but it's the torque on offer from the diesel that makes pushing the Carnival around feel far more effortless.

The petrol engine can definitely get you moving, but it feels a bit too rev-happy and thrashy when you really put your foot down, and its significantly thirstier to boot.

The diesel isn't perfect – the thrum of the engine is a constant companion whenever you put your foot down, and there's actually too much torque on offer at times, like if you're accelerating up hill from a standstill on a damp road, and so the front tyres can scrabble and scramble for grip.

But it otherwise so perfectly suits the nature of the Carnival that it is definitely the best and most satisfying choice.

Another big change for this update is the fact that Kia's complete ride and handling program has been rolled out here. Kia says local work done on the outgoing car, the one this replaces, was curtailed by Covid and bushfires, and so ended up being done by correspondence.

This one, though, has had the whole enchilada thrown at it, and it shows. They've succeeded in making a bigger car feel smaller around you. It's not a sports car by any measure, but nor does it ever feel too big and unwieldily.

Part of that is down to the steering, which is direct and confidence inspiring, but mostly I suspect it's because of the ride, which is firmer than you might expect in a family hauler, but also offers a connection to that road below that makes you feel in control.

Whether a firm-ish ride is a perk or negative is up to you, but it definitely works for me.

No Swift since 2004’s new-millennium redesign has been anything less than fun to punt around. A focus on driving pleasure and superior dynamics has helped make each version a cut-above most rivals.

Losing the smooth old 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine in the name of low consumption and emissions is a noble move. But how does this translate out in the real world, especially with a Swift fan behind the wheel?

It's mostly great, actually.

Losing a cylinder results in a slightly less creamy power delivery, especially as it’s accompanied by a distinctive three-cylinder exhaust-note thrum. But that’s still in keeping with the Swift’s endearingly sporty character.

Better still, even with all the examples we tested showing barely more than delivery mileage on the odometer, there seems to be more than enough grunt to please driving enthusiasts.

While not wanting to tax engines that weren’t even run-in yet, the charming revvy eagerness and instant throttle response remains, along with a discernible extra kick when accelerating away from standstill.

Even being so new, our Swifts proved to be lively, lusty and surprisingly rapid performers. We can’t wait to test run-in examples!

The five-speed manual is deliciously well-oiled and precise, immersing the driver into the Swift experience on another level compared to the CVT auto, which still manages to impress by responding quickly and effortlessly, without feeling laggy or droney. A lot like the old version.

Suzuki is making a lot of noise over how agile yet comfortable the newcomer’s handling and ride qualities are, as a result of improved rigidity and noise-dampening measures.

The Swift’s MacPherson-style front struts and torsion beam rear suspension systems have been revised with stronger and quieter mounts for better performance, while the electric steering has been retuned for greater feel and linearity. 

The result? Even our limited time behind the wheel revealed tactile and precise steering, composed handling and extraordinary isolation from the road below for a car barely weighing 950kg (at most).

Combined with the nuanced driver-assist safety tech that rarely interrupted the fun, the latest Swift is a cheerfully animated, nimble and rewarding experience... and one that stands out all the more for evolving while so many other like-minded rivals like the Ford Fiesta have sadly fallen away.

Bravo, Suzuki. Generation Number Six remains the enthusiast driver’s choice, and a hybrid bargain to boot.

The latest, sixth-generation Swift has yet to be crash-tested by ANCAP.

Even the base Hybrid now includes driver-assist safety like AEB that includes night and day pedestrian and cyclist detection as standard, along with lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, 'Weaving Alert' (a driver-drowsiness warning prompt), rear parking sensors, traffic-sign recognition, a reverse camera, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.

You’ll need to go Hybrid Plus for rear-cross traffic alert and blind-spot warning tech, though.

Note that Suzuki does not supply information about the AEB and other driver-assist tech’s operating parameters.

Also fitted are six airbags (dual front, dual front side and curtain), electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake-assist.

The rear seats also contain a trio of child-seat tether anchorages, as well as an outboard pair of ISOFIX attachments.

Like all Kias, the Carnival arrives with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with capped-price servicing throughout.

Kia’s servicing costs are higher than some of its competitors, though, so you might want to compare them, as well as compare what’s included, and the diesel model will usually cost slightly more to maintain than the petrol version.

Service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000kms, and while the brand is still finalising the petrol servicing costs, the diesel prices are $386, $682, $480, $869, $434, $845 and $461, covering the first seven years of ownership.

Suzuki offers an industry-average five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assistance.

Service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km, while basic capped-price servicing is available, with the website showing pricing for the first five years and 100,000km averaging $391 per workshop visit.