Volkswagen Golf GTD
What is it?
VW Golf GTD models have been an established part of the Golf range for three decades. The aim has always been the same – to provide a car that combines the sporty character of a Golf GTI with the economy of a diesel engine.
In the early days, that meant a car that looked fast but wasn’t. More recently, though, ever heftier diesel engines have helped the 184PS GTD almost to close the power gap with the GTI (220PS), and beat it for torque (380Nm against 350Nm).
Add in the GTD’s starting price of £25,285 – which under-cuts the GTI’s by £560 – along with better fuel economy and more favourable company car tax treatment, and the GTD starts to look like quite a compelling proposition for the company car buyer.
Can it really be that good?
What’s hot?
- Strong and refined diesel engine providing true hot hatch performance.
- Great handling thanks to features shared with the Golf GTI such as variable ratio “progressive” steering and lowered sports suspension.
And guess what, it’s just like the GTI inside too – complete with tartan fabric - Cosmetically, the Golf GTD gets the full GTI treatment too – including trademark features such as tartan-style seat fabrics and dimpled golf-ball gear knobs.
- Choice of three-door and five-door body options.
- Choice of six-speed manual and six-speed self-shifting DSG gearboxes – both do a good job.
- The new GTD benefits from the full range of advances embodied in all seventh-generation Golf models, including the weight-saving qualities of the new modular MQB platform.
- Outstanding fuel economy and emissions – as well as very favourable company car tax treatment – for such a quick car.
