Volkswagen has just thought of something: What would happen if you take one part sensible Volkswagen Golf TDI and crossbreed it with two-parts Volkswagen Golf GTI? The result is the all-new Volkswagen Golf GTD that debuted at the recent Geneva Motor Show of course.
Many manufacturers have toyed with the idea of fairly powerful, potent diesel-powered cars in the past, but none have ever come right out and put their money where their oil-burning mouths are. Until now, that is. Well, we lie; apparently, an original version of the Golf GTD debuted as far back as 1982. This is the first one to catch our eye however.
Following the highly successful launch of the Golf 7, Volkswagen has revealed that a sporty Golf GTD will join forces with the petrol-powered GTI. Yes, the sporty diesel business is a business Volkswagen wants to be involved in. Like all Golf 7 variants, the Golf GTD rides on the Volkswagen Group’s brilliant MQB platform, which not only affords more powerful engines and more interior space than previous generation cars, but better fuel economy and lighter weight as well.
The MQB is much lighter than the platform it replaces and the Golf GTD tips the scales at just over 1 360 kg despite the cast iron engine under the bonnet. The GTD makes use of a new EA288 TDI turbodiesel engine, which is rated at 137 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The 2.0-litre delivers peak torque from as little as 1,750 r/min, which should make the GTD very punchy in the mid-range.
The GTD accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Both six-speed manual and six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmissions are available, and interestingly it is the manual that is the more efficient option. Volkswagen says the manual-equipped Golf GTD is good for up to 5.0 L/100 km on a combined cycle
It may be bizarrely economical, but the Golf GTD at least looks the part of a sporty hot hatch by picking up many Golf GTI styling cues. These include a sporty body kit, smoked LED taillights with LED licence-plate illumination, 17-inch alloys, 225/45 tyres, lowered suspension, chrome-tipped exhausts, a rear diffuser and a large roof spoiler.
The cabin also gets sports seats with GTI-inspired tartan trim, a sports steering wheel and metal pedals. Other standard goodies include white ambient lighting, automatic climate control, park assist, a touch-screen infotainment system, black headliner, stainless-steel pedals and foot rest, and a model-specific instrument cluster.
The GTD will go on sale in Germany in June. No confirmation has been made on if the car will make it to our shores.
