Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun and Virtus to get 8-speed Automatic Gearbox

It is no secret that Skoda-Volkswagen is preparing to give a mid-life facelift to its mid-sized SUVs and sedans including Kushaq, Slavia, Taigun and Virtus. All these updated models will be launched in our market sometime in 2025. The big news is that these cars will receive a new Aisin-sourced 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox in India. 

The updated Skoda-Volkswagen India 2.0 cars including Kushaq, Slavia, Taigun and Virtus will be launched in 2025. However, the 8-speed automatic gearbox will be added in 2026 that's around 6-8 months after the launch of updated models. The new gearbox will come as a replacement for the current 6-speed automatic unit that is available with the 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine. 

The current 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox is not locally produced in India. However, the Group aims to localize the 8-speed automatic gearbox. The German brand believes that Maruti Suzuki and MG Motor India are also using AISIN-sourced 6-speed gearbox, and will eventually move to 8-speed unit. A localize unit will bring potential business for Skoda-Volkswagen in India. 

Other reports claim that this gearbox will replace the 7-speed DSG unit available with the 1.5L turbo petrol engine. However, nothing has been confirmed on the same. VW's dual-clutch automatic gearbox is hugely popular among enthusiasts. 

The 8-speed automatic gearbox will allow the car maker to offer more torque and better driveability. The current 1.5L petrol engine with 7-speed DSG offers 250Nm of torque, and the 8-speed AT will help the brand to increase the torque up to 300Nm. It also helps in achieving higher fuel efficiency.

Also See - 2 New Cars Launching In December - New Camry to 2025 Amaze

Source