Octavia Combi A8 vs Outback V (BS): which is better?
Skoda Octavia Combi A8 (2020–present) vs Subaru Outback V (BS) (2014–2020): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Skoda Octavia Combi A8
Subaru Outback V (BS)Specifications
| Skoda Octavia Combi A8 | Subaru Outback V (BS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2020–present | 2014–2020 |
| Body | estate | estate |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.4 TSI | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 150 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque, up to | 250 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 689 mm | 4 815 mm |
| Width | 1 829 mm | 1 840 mm |
| Height | 1 468 mm | 1 605 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 686 mm | 2 745 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 213 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 8 650 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Skoda Octavia Combi A8
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Engine VW EA211 (1.2–1.4 TSI): water pump and thermostat module leaks
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (VW EA211 (1.2–1.4 TSI)): water pump and thermostat module leak; turbo wastegate rattle.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Subaru Outback V (BS)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 213 mm
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru FB20/FB25 engine: oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines
- Subaru Lineartronic gearbox (CVT): torque converter and chain wear
Engine (Subaru FB20/FB25): oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines; oil leaks.
Gearbox (Subaru Lineartronic (CVT)): torque converter and chain wear; overheating when wheels spin.
Which one to choose
- Octavia Combi A8 — if you care more about: torque, kz tax 2026.
- Outback V (BS) — if you care more about: power, wheelbase.
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: Octavia Combi A8 or Outback V (BS)?
Octavia Combi A8: up to 150 hp, Outback V (BS): up to 175 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Octavia Combi A8 — about 8 650 ₸, Outback V (BS) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.