It’s no secret that Volkswagen and Skoda (which is part of the Volkswagen group) are looking to revamp their mid-sized models with updated gearboxes. Enter the AQ300, an 8-speed torque converter that will replace the current 6-speed automatic gearbox unit from 2026 onwards.
There’s plenty of buzz about the new Aisin transmission, which replaces the AQ250 in mid-sized sedans and SUVs, including the Taigun, Kushaq, Virtus and Slavia. With more precise gear ratios and better fuel economy, Skoda and Volkswagen will utilise the AQ300 to meet India’s stringent Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) regulations.
What sets the AQ300 apart?
Details are still under wraps, but with a final gear ratio of 3:73:1 and torque output of 350 Nm, drivers can expect to get incredible performance from the 1.5l TSL motor. It’s a big step forward from the double-clutch DQ200 transmission currently found in Skoda and VW models.
So why has one of Europe’s big auto players made the switch? Torque converter gearboxes like the AQ300 offer ultra-smooth performance even at low revs, making them a great choice for city driving. What’s more, the space-saving gear arrangement allows manufacturers to fit multiple gears inside, like the 10-speed Ford Mustang.
While they can’t match the sheer economy of a ZF automatic gearbox, torque converters have the edge for smooth performance and driver comfort.
Why are Skoda and Volkswagen upgrading their gearboxes?
Four words: emissions, future-proofing, supply and reliability.
Emissions
First and foremost, the AQ300 is a quick way to meet new CAFE norms (expected 2027) with greater efficiency across the rev range. Reducing the gap between gears reduces fuel consumption, and this small but significant change lets manufacturers meet ever-stricter emissions criteria.
It’s a smart, strategic decision that meets global standards while appealing to the eco and cost-conscious Indian market.
Future-proofing
Replacing the older 6-speed torque converter and 7-speed dual-clutch units in Skoda and VW cars makes enormous sense as the company looks to the future.
Upgrading from 250 Nm enables drivers to wring every ounce of power out of the 1.5l TSI motor with reduced engine strain and smoother shifting performance. And this cutting-edge technology gives Skoda-VW the edge in a highly competitive market.
Supply
Aisin 6-speed torque converters are already popular among brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Suzuki. As the transition to an 8-speed gearbox is likely to happen sooner rather than later with Skoda and Volkswagen’s top competitors, it makes sense to be ahead of the curve and avoid supply issues.
As a bonus, Aisin is likely to localise production soon, bringing down the price of the AQ300 gearboxes. That would be a big win for all players in the Indian market.
Reliability
Reliability has been an issue with the DQ200 DSG double-clutch unit, which is known to overheat and fail in stop-start traffic. So the switch to high-performance 8-gear torque converter units will see some VW and Skoda owners breathe a sigh of relief.
DSG automatic units have been a fixture in competitively priced Indian cars since the arrival of the VW Polo GT TSI. The hot hatch with aggressive performance set the blueprint for performance-focused models like the Taigan and Kushaq.
Another stumbling block is the DQ200’s limited 250 Nm output. As a result, models like the Skoda Superb and Octavia had to throttle their 1.8 TSI turbo engine because of the limitations of the gearbox. The shift towards 8-speed will also likely see the AQ250 retired across the market.
The road ahead
The exact timing remains uncertain, but the AQ300 will debut in 2026, according to Skoda and Volkswagen. As the demand for automatic transmissions grows, the AQ300 is expected to set the new benchmark and could soon appear in models beyond the SUV range.
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