10 New Cars That Will Get 8 Speed Automatic Gearboxes: Renault Duster Hybrid To MG Majestor
A number of major automakers in India in the coming months will be switching to 8-speed AT gearboxes on their popular models. These cars will include affordable compact SUVs, sedans, and full-size ladder-frame off-roaders. Now, if you want to know which upcoming cars will be offered with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, then you have come to the right spot.
MG will be officially launching the Majestor full-size premium ladder-frame SUV, which it calls the D+ segment SUV, in India next month in April. It has announced that deliveries will commence from May 2026, and it is expected to carry a price in the range of Rs 40-50 lakh. The main highlight of this SUV will be its 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine capable of making 215 PS and 478 Nm of torque. It will come mated to an 8-speed torque converter automatic as standard and offer 2WD and 4WD configurations.
One of the most highly anticipated cars in this list is the Renault Duster hybrid, which will be launched during the Diwali festive season later this year. This hybrid Duster's powertrain will include a 1.8-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, making 160 bhp and 172 Nm of torque. It will come mated to an 8-speed dedicated hybrid automatic transmission. It is believed that it will offer a mileage of 24-26 kmpl. Pricing of the Duster hybrid will be around Rs 18-22 lakh.
Based on the same CMF-B architecture as the Renault Duster, Nissan will also be launching its mid-size SUV, Tekton, with the same 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain. This means that the Tekton hybrid will also be getting the same 8-speed dedicated hybrid automatic transmission. The Nissan Tekton hybrid will also be priced in the same Rs 18-22 lakh range and will be making its debut in 2027.
The 7-seater version of the Renault Duster hybrid will also be launched in India. Hence, it will also be getting the same 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain setup with the 8-speed automatic gearbox. It is believed that the Boreal 7-Seater, which will boast a longer wheelbase, new exterior styling, and other changes, will be launched in India by 2027 and will be priced in the range of Rs 18-25 lakh.
Like the Boreal, Nissan will also be launching its Tekton-based 7-seater SUV in India. This SUV, along with the Boreal, will rival the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 7XO, and the Hyundai Alcazar in India. It too will get the 1.8-litre hybrid setup with the 8-speed dedicated hybrid automatic transmission. Pricing will be around Rs 18-25 lakh, and it will be launched in 2027.
Following in the footsteps of its sibling, the Kushaq facelift, the Skoda Slavia mid-size sedan will also be getting a mid-life facelift this year. As a result, it will also get the same 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol three-cylinder motor with the 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. Now, instead of the 6-speed torque converter automatic, it will get the new AISIN 8-speed automatic gearbox. The Slavia facelift is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 11-19 lakh and will most likely be launched in the second half of this year.
Later this year, Skoda will also be updating the Kylaq with the 8-speed automatic gearbox. It will discontinue the 6-speed torque converter and will offer the 1.0-litre TSI motor with the new 8-speed AISIN automatic gearbox, which has already been launched with the Kushaq facelift. It is expected to make its debut by the end of this year or by early 2027, in the price range of Rs 8-13 lakh.
Over the last few months, test mule sightings of the Volkswagen Taigun facelift have become very frequent. This suggests that the launch is just around the corner. Now, apart from the cosmetic changes like a new front fascia and rear-end design, it will also be getting the new 8-speed automatic gearbox, like its cousin, the Kushaq facelift. This transmission will only be offered with the 1.0-litre TSI motor.
Like all the other cars based on the MQB A0 IN, the upcoming Volkswagen Virtus facelift will also be getting the 8-speed AISIN automatic gearbox upgrade when it is launched later this year. The exact date of the launch of the Virtus facelift has not been confirmed. However, it will most likely be making its debut next year, with a price in the range of Rs 11 to 18 lakh.
In order to replicate the success of the Kylaq launched by Skoda, Volkswagen is also planning to introduce its sub-compact SUV based on the MQB A0 IN platform in India. Most likely, it will be launched in 2027 and will be offered with the same 1.0-litre TSI engine as the Kylaq. The Volkswagen sub-4m SUV, from launch itself, will be offered with the 6-speed manual (standard) and the 8-speed automatic gearbox. Pricing will be in the range of Rs 8-14 lakh.