Well, Candy/Hoover and some from the Electrolux group have that function at least since 2006 and, at least for Candy, it should be for 3 kg of laundry...
As far as the full wash goes, I wouldn't trust it, 8Kg wash in a standard size washer is quite cramped so it takes time for the water and detergent to do its job, anyway, if it gives good results in less than an hour, well, I'm after it even if it's not made in Italy! I can't stand my 2 hour A+A 60°C wash that is more like 45°C...