15 Cars With 8-Speed Torque Converter Automatic Transmissions
Automatic transmissions are becoming increasingly popular in India. Market preferences have had a slow shift to torque converters from AMTs and CVTs. Now, we see more carmakers equipping their products with torque converter automatic transmissions (ATs). Six-speed automatic (6AT) is the most common find in mass-market cars. Some mid-range and premium models come equipped with eight-speed units (8ATs) and above. This article will list out 15 such existing and upcoming models.
As obvious, an 8AT is a torque converter transmission with eight forward gears. It is considerably more sophisticated and balanced than most 6AT transmissions that you see on modern cars. 8-speed ATs are well-suited for Indian driving conditions as they deliver smooth performance and are durable. The presence of more gears than a 6AT widens their operating range and ensures refinement. They are claimed to be more fuel efficient than 6ATs and below.
Manufacturers like ZF Friedrichshafen make some of the most advanced 8-speed torque converters, which are used in luxury cars. They can adapt well to driving conditions- skipping gears when needed and holding lower gears for performance. Now, manufacturers like AISIN have also developed reliable 8-speed torque converter transmissions that are more affordable than ZF units and serve their purpose well.
Now, the benefits of 8-speed torque converter transmissions. Firstly, they are very smooth. Gear shifts on a well-engineered 8AT are almost unnoticeable. This makes daily driving comfortable, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.
While lower gears help with quicker and smoother acceleration, higher gears allow the engine to cruise at lower RPMs on highways. 8-speed units deliver significantly better fuel efficiency than 6ATs. These transmissions can work well with high-torque diesel engines as well as powerful petrol units. The list that you are about to see has both petrol and diesel models.
And finally, being torque converters, these are reliable and robust. They can handle high torque and are much less prone to overheating than DCTs. These systems use a hydraulic fluid coupling (impeller + turbine) mechanism instead of a physical clutch.
The biggest mechanical change on the new 2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift is the introduction of a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission on the 1.0L turbo-petrol variants which make 113hp and 178Nm.
This 8AT is sourced from AISIN and replaces the 6AT of the previous Kushaq. Skoda calls it the AQ300. It can handle up to 300Nm of torque. This transmission is made in China and Brazil and is thus claimed to be cost-effective. The Kushaq is the first model to get it. Its prices will be out on March 21, 2026.
Next, the AQ300 will be introduced in the Slavia facelift, expected to arrive in the second half of this year.
The Kylaq is a strong-seller for Skoda and comes with the familiar 1.0L turbocharged petrol powertrain producing 113hp and 178Nm. It can now be had with a manual and a 6AT transmission. Skoda is likely to replace this with the 8AT unit in the future, although we have had no official confirmation of it yet.
Volkswagen will launch the facelifts of Virtus sedan and Taigun SUV this year. Both of them have similar powertrain options as the new Kushaq- 1.0L turbo-petrol and 1.5L turbo-petrol. The 1.0L version now comes with a manual and a 6AT transmission. The company is expected to replace these with the 8AT units in the future.
Volkswagen is said to be working on a new sub four metre SUV- a Kylaq rival with identical powertrains. When launched, it is also likely to get the 8AT transmission.
MG will launch the Majestor SUV in April this year. This D+ segment SUV will be a capable off-roader and will come with the same engine and transmission as the Gloster that was previously on sale here. It will be powered by a 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine producing 213p and 478Nm, mated to an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
Citroen launched the C5 Aircross for the first time in India in 2021. In 2024, it received a major update. This SUV is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine that makes 177hp and 400Nm. It is mated to an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The Carnival now costs Rs 63.90 lakh, ex-showroom. This luxury MPV is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 193hp and 441Nm. The transmission in this case is a 8-speed torque converter unit.
The Compass and Meridian continue to be Jeep’s volume-sellers in India. These come with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine and a 9-speed automatic (9AT) transmission. On both SUVs, this powertrain makes 168hp and 350Nm.
Now, these are different. The automatic transmission in the upcoming Renault Duster hybrid will not be a conventional torque converter unit. It will have an 8-speed DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission). It differs sharply from conventional automatic gearboxes. It is a multi-mode dogbox, that uses the dog-clutch technology. It combines a 4-speed gearbox for the internal combustion engine with two speeds of the main electric motor.
This transmission will also be used in the hybrid version of Renault’s upcoming seven-seater C SUV.
Renault’s alliance partner Nissan is working on its own versions of the above two vehicle- the Tekton and a 7-seater C-SUV. These will also have 8-speed DHT transmissions.