6 estate II (GH) vs Passat Variant B6: which is better?
Mazda 6 estate II (GH) (2008–2012) vs Volkswagen Passat Variant B6 (2005–2010): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Mazda 6 estate II (GH)
Volkswagen Passat Variant B6Specifications
| Mazda 6 estate II (GH) | Volkswagen Passat Variant B6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2008–2012 | 2005–2010 |
| Body | estate | estate |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 | 1.8 TSI |
| Power, up to | 147 hp | 160 hp |
| Torque, up to | 184 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 765 mm | 4 774 mm |
| Width | 1 795 mm | 1 820 mm |
| Height | 1 490 mm | 1 517 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 725 mm | 2 709 mm |
| Fuel tank | 64 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 15 075 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Mazda 6 estate II (GH)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Mazda Z6 / LF / FS engine: oil consumption at high mileage
Engine (Mazda Z6 / LF / FS): oil consumption at higher mileage; carbon buildup and ring coking.
Volkswagen Passat Variant B6
Pros
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines
- Gearbox Aisin 09G (VW 6-speed automatic): harsh 2–3 and 3–4 shifts
Engine (VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI)): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines; timing chain stretch and tensioner on early engines; plastic water pump and thermostat housing leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin 09G (VW 6-speed automatic)): shocks on 2–3 and 3–4 shifts; valve body and solenoid wear.
Which one to choose
- 6 estate II (GH) — if you care more about: wheelbase.
- Passat Variant B6 — if you care more about: power, torque, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 6 estate II (GH) or Passat Variant B6?
6 estate II (GH): up to 147 hp, Passat Variant B6: up to 160 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 6 estate II (GH) — about 16 475 ₸, Passat Variant B6 — about 15 075 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.