KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Skoda cars to get a new automatic gearbox
- To be offered with an 8-speed transmission
- Likely to replace the 7-speed DSG with the Kushaq facelift next year
Skoda Cars have been gaining more popularity with the passing of time and the market is opening up to newer models from the brand where the Kushaq and Slavia have done pretty decently. Aiming to improve upon the driving experience, Skoda India is looking forward to introducing a new automatic gearbox that is likely to replace the current 7-speed DSG on offer. Let's look at the details a bit more closely, but before that, make sure you are a part of our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel, specifically curated for all the avid petrolheads to never miss out on any automotive updates.
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New AT Gearbox With Skoda Cars Soon
Skoda is set to introduce a new eight-speed automatic gearbox next year, likely debuting with the facelifted Kushaq if the reports are true. This new gearbox will replace the current seven-speed DSG transmission used in various VW and Skoda models. To maintain competitive pricing, Skoda is aiming to localize the production of this new gearbox. Sources suggest that the new transmission could be the Aisin AQ300 and may be adopted by other models as well. Also, this could have stemmed from the fact that a section of buyers were always concerned with the reliability issues with the 7-speed DSG gearbox, and the move could overturn this general perception.
The new 8-speed automatic gearbox, capable of handling 300 Nm of torque, is expected to be paired with a more powerful 1.5-liter engine in future Skoda models. This upgrade is anticipated to enhance drivability and fuel efficiency where the current 1.5-liter engine in the Slavia and Kushaq produces 250 Nm of torque and delivers fuel efficiency figures of 19.36 kmpl and 18.86 kmpl, respectively. The increased torque output of the new engine is expected to improve performance and potentially boost fuel efficiency as well. However, as the mileage is an outcome of the driving style, the increased output and a spirited driving style could offset the mileage increase, which we would have to test out, as and when it comes.
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Kushaq And Slavia Manual Transmission Discontinued With 1.5L Variants
Skoda recently updated the Kushaq and Slavia back in September, discontinuing the manual transmission option for the 1.5L turbo-petrol variants. While these models now exclusively feature automatic transmissions, the 1.0L TSI engine continues to be offered with both manual and automatic options. The upcoming facelifts for the Kushaq and Slavia slated for launch by September 2025 are expected to introduce advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). However, the availability of manual transmissions with the 1.5L turbo-petrol engines still remains uncertain at this time.
Verdict
The reports of a new 8-speed automatic gearbox with the Skoda cars will likely end the woes of the 7-speed DSG that hasn't lived upto its expectations, rather had a different sentiment attached to it altogether where the buyers were hesitant about the reliability of the gearbox. Although it did pretty well for the most part, but the brand seems to be focused on getting over it altogether. However, for the performance bits that
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