Skoda has introduced a new 8 speed torque converter gearbox in its Kushaq car. We will now try to understand why Skoda has done this and what are its benefits to the customers and to the company also? Is Skoda 8 speed torque converter better or its just a marketing strategy? we will see all these things in this article.
What is an 8 speed torque converter?
AQ300 8 Speed torque Converter simply means it has 8 forward shifting gears. Skoda introduced 8 speed torque converter gearbox in 1.0L TSI engines of Kushaq first time introduced by any company in its segment. How this 8 speed torque converter is going to benefit the Company, the Kushaq Car and the customer as well.
The Skoda Kushaq comes in two engine options. One is 1.5L TSI and another is 1.0L TSI engine. The 1.5L TSI engine comes with either 6 speed manual or 7 speed DSG gearbox.
Whereas 1.0L TSI engine comes with 6 speed manual or 8 Speed Torque Converter gearbox. We can see the power and torque as per the table shared here.
With a 7 speed DSG it is the first time Skoda launched a new 8 speed torque converter which is first in segment. This gearbox is an upgrade from its older version AQ250 and named as AQ300 gearbox launched in 2018. It is manufactured by a Japanese Company AISIN. This AQ300 8 speed torque converter gearbox weight about 83.8Kgs which is heavier than its older version. Both the gearboxes have about equal amount of transmission oil. The AQ300 8 speed TC is rated for 300-350NM torque. Overall life span of this gear box is also higher. The RPM capability of both these engines are decided by these gear boxes. Means if the RPM of 7000 earlier distributed among 6 gears now it be distributed among 8 gears. It is a shift from wide RPM range covered in lower gears earlier now will shift to narrow RPM range in 8 speed gear box.
Means better RPM distribution along the gears. Now here is 8 closely spaced gear ratios. The overdrive gears are now taller than before. Means earlier the overdrive found in 5th and 6th gears will now be at 7th and 8th gears. So totally from 1st to 6th gears we will be getting a very good Torque. First 3 gears will give a very good performance while and last gears 7th and 8th are going to give you a very good mileage. Its reverse gear is going to get a good power and the gear box is made with having a very good heat management system as well.
The benefits of 8 speed Torque converter gearbox– Better fuel economy by managing RPM better, Smoother gear shifting, better power specially torque, Acceleration now is going to improve, enhanced driving experience on Highways, Lower NVH level.
The Company after using this gearbox is now going to get benefits as well like- First in class segment feature showcasing high engineering, developing more performance oriented cars. This gearbox helps the company in reduction in its carbon foot prints due to CAFE norms. Production is going to shift to China so it will become cheaper. There is also a possibility of developing this locally so saving logistic and taxation benefits and increase profit margins. This will save time also so production of cars will be faster. Also the company by providing this gearbox to other manufacturers will earn profits. This will increase the reputation of the company.
Understanding the vision of the company we now shift the discussion to the 8 speed TC gearbox use in different driving conditions. Skoda is putting good efforts keeping in mind the requirements of the Indian Buyers. But the feedback of the people is about the high cost of its maintenance. It will be a very large set back for people if the maintenance cost is not reduced by the company.
Although the gearbox is good enough to maintain a punchy performance but its full potential can be seen on the highways. In city the TGDI engine will create problems. The turbo in these engines require an optimum temperature to work efficiently and for achieving it the car has to be driven at minimum speeds. So that is not possible in city’s high traffic conditions.
But still if you are an enthusiast and want more performance and also your running is more on the highways then the 1.5L TSI engine with DSG is suitable for you. Keep in mind that this gearbox is not cheaper and does come with a price to pay. If in case it gets damage then it will cost heavy on the pocket. So always it is suggested to take extended warranty when buying this engine. Smaller parts is not very easily available everywhere. It is also a difficult task for Skoda.
The pricing of the Skoda Kushaq
- Classic+ Variant- 10.69Lakh for 1.0L TSI MT And 12.69Lakh for 1.0L TSI AT(8 speed Torque Converter)
- Signature Variant- 14.59Lakh for 1.0L TSI MT And 15.59Lakh for 1.0L TSI AT(8 speed Torque Converter)
- Sportline Variant- 14.74Lakh for 1.0L TSI MT And 15.74Lakh for 1.0L TSI AT(8 speed Torque Converter)
- Prestige Variant- 16.79Lakh for 1.0L TSI MT And 17.59Lakh for 1.0L TSI AT(8 speed Torque Converter). And 18.79Lakh For 1.5L TSI AT( 7 Speed DSG) Engine.
- Monte Carlo- 17.89Lakh for 1.0L TSI AT(8 speed Torque Converter). And 18.99Lakh For 1.5L TSI AT( 7 Speed DSG) Engine.
Also Read: Best Sub 4 Meter Turbo In India
Skoda 8 Speed Torque Converter better or not
The torque converter is the most reliable automatic gearbox than all others. It is the oldest and used widely in global market too. Luxury brands like BMW still uses it in their cars. it provides smoother ride quality and very less gearshift is noticed in it. The Skoda 8 speed torque converter is also refined gearbox. It suits very well with the 1.0L TSI engine and designed in a way to fetch maximum performance form it. The DSG gearbox is developed for performance based car. This is not good for city driving condition where stop and go traffic is there. If still someone wants to get TGDI car then 1.0L with 8 speed TC will be an better option. This gearbox will not disappoint you in both conditions in traffic and on highways. Take a test ride and decide your self if this engine is sufficient for you and meeting your requirements.
Skoda 8 Speed Torque Converter mileage
Usually the torque converters are famous for giving less mileages. This are more reliability focused automatic gearbox. Because this is the oldest one the trust on it becomes even more. At slow speeds it feels laggy and also does no give good mileage too. But Skoda Kushaq 8 Speed TC is designed to generate better fuel efficiency. 8 speed gears means a better RPM managements will be there so that the mileage will be improved using this gearbox. The taller gears will be having more mileage. So the 8 speed Torque Converter will be able to handle mileage and performance well. In city traffic conditions this gearbox will help to give 9 to 12kmpl and on the highways it will provide 17-19kmpl mileage depending on your driving habit. Hard acceleration will decrease the mileage.
Is DSG better or torque converter?
It depends on the driving conditions. Yes the DSG has more complex engineering and designed specially for fetching maximum performance form any engine. It is considered less reliable than Torque Converter. The DSG has dual clutch and these are arranged in a way that engagement and disengagement happen swiftly. The clutch remain engaged maximum time. In DSG there are two different clutches used for odd and even gears aiming faster gear shift. The torque converter on the other hand works on fluid mechanic system in which two rotating wheels are arranged in synchronized manner.
