6 estate III (GJ/GL) vs Octavia Combi A7: which is better?
Mazda 6 estate III (GJ/GL) (2012–2024) vs Skoda Octavia Combi A7 (2013–2020): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Skoda Octavia Combi A7Specifications
| Mazda 6 estate III (GJ/GL) | Skoda Octavia Combi A7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2012–2024 | 2013–2020 |
| Body | estate | estate |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 | 1.4 TSI |
| Power, up to | 192 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | 256 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | dual-clutch (DCT) |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 805 mm | 4 659 mm |
| Width | 1 840 mm | 1 814 mm |
| Height | 1 480 mm | 1 465 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 750 mm | 2 686 mm |
| Fuel tank | 62 L | 50 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 8 650 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Mazda 6 estate III (GJ/GL)
Pros
- Mazda Skyactiv-Drive gearbox (6-speed automatic): a reliable transmission
- Powerful versions: up to 192 hp
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Mazda Skyactiv-G engine: carbon buildup on valves in city driving
Engine (Mazda Skyactiv-G): few widespread problems; carbon buildup on valves in city driving.
Gearbox (Mazda Skyactiv-Drive (6-speed automatic)): reliable gearbox.
Skoda Octavia Combi A7
Pros
- No data
Cons
- Engine VW EA211 (1.2–1.4 TSI): water pump and thermostat module leaks
- Gearbox DSG DQ200 (7-speed, dry clutch): mechatronics failure (cracked accumulator, control board)
Engine (VW EA211 (1.2–1.4 TSI)): water pump and thermostat module leak; turbo wastegate rattle.
Gearbox (DSG DQ200 (7-speed, dry clutch)): mechatronic failure (cracked pressure accumulator, circuit board); dry clutch wear; jerks when pulling away and in traffic jams.
Which one to choose
- 6 estate III (GJ/GL) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- Octavia Combi A7 — if you care more about: 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 III (GJ/GL) or Octavia Combi A7?
6 estate III (GJ/GL): up to 192 hp, Octavia Combi A7: up to 150 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 6 estate III (GJ/GL) — about 29 450 ₸, Octavia Combi A7 — about 8 650 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.