Volkswagen Golf GTD

Expert Rating:

Introduction

Volkswagen's Golf GTI may be a decently economical hot hatch in its petrol guise, but VW is now offering an alternative to GTI drivers wanting to reduce their fuel stop frequency. It's called the GTD, a GTI with a diesel heart in place of the petrol one. That means over 50mpg capability and a drop in CO₂ emissions. Who said environmentally conscious cars had to be dull?

What is it?

It's a GTI with a diesel engine. In place of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit is another 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, only this one stops at the black pump on the filling station forecourt. Diesel power means a less pub-banter friendly 168bhp - in place of the GTI's 207bhp - though the GTD fights back with a bigger torque figure. Visually it's much the same as its GTI relative, though the red pin-striping of the GTI is replaced by chrome trim on the GTD and the tartan cloth trim inside also loses its red highlights. The twin tailpipes on the GTD sit on the same side as opposed to the GTI's spaced-out items and instead of an 'I' there's a 'D' on the end of the badge. It looks great: understated but full of intent.

How does it drive?

With GTI underpinnings it's hardly surprising to hear that it feels much like its petrol sibling. The engine does deliver its performance differently though, not that different means bad in this instance. With ample low-rev urgency the GTD pulls strongly; it's deceptively rapid in the mid-range - feeling quicker than the GTI. Where it definitely isn't quicker is against the clock to 62mph, where the GTI beats it by 1.2 seconds; even so, 8.1 seconds is quick enough for most people. The steering is alert, the ride decent enough given its focus and the refinement levels high - what noise that makes it through is pleasing rather than pounding.

Feeling more mature to drive than its GTI relative, the GTD is easier to trickle through traffic and feels more at home on the motorway cruising at low revs. However, find a twistier route home and it'll still raise a smile. Like the GTI it's offered with VW's DSG twin-clutch automatic, the six-speeder certain to appeal to GTD buyers.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

With an official combined fuel consumption figure of 53.3mpg this is one sporty hatch you can drive with a clear-ish green conscience. That's not an unachievable figure either, the trip computer regularly showing 50mpg in our hands - even without driving it with any real mind to economy. Emissions of 139g/km also impress, both this figure and fuel consumption being significantly lower than its petrol relative.

Verdict

The Golf GTD is a fast, practical choice for those wanting all the GTI's hot hatch appeal with a more economical bent. The diesel engine does change the GTD into a slightly different proposition to drive, but it's no less fun as a result. Good looking, impeccably built and decently specified, the GTD is expected to match its GTI relative's sales. We've no reason to doubt that, as it's really rather good.

Kyle Fortune

Friday July 10