VW Golf GTD buying guide
What versions of the Volkswagen Golf GTD are there?
There was a time when you could get the Golf GTD as an estate car and a hatchback but, for the latest version on sale at Motorpoint (based on the Mk8 Golf), the GTD is only available as a five-door hatchback. It gets a sportier bodykit than any other diesel Golf, with a distinctive hexagon pattern in its lower front bumper. This is offset by LED matrix headlights, which let you use main beam more of the time, thanks to clever tech that automatically avoid dazzling oncoming and passing cars.
VW Golf GTD interior and technology
The GTD sits near the top of the Golf range, so gets loads of usually optional kit as standard, as well as a sporty cabin ambience. This comes courtesy of a dark rooflining instead of the usual beige, along with stainless steel pedals, LED ambient lighting and lots of silver-grey stitching.
Like other Mk8 Golfs, the GTD gets a high-resolution 10-inch digital driver's display and a large 10.25-inch infotainment screen that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The two screens sit side-by-side, almost giving the impression of one large continuous screen, helping the dashboard feel modern and high-tech.
Because the GTD is the sister car to the petrol-powered GTI, you get a pair of sporty seats for the driver and front passenger, designed to hug you tightly as you tackle corners. They're not heated as standard though, so keep an eye out for cars with that option.
VW Golf GTD engine and performance
There's only one engine available for the Golf GTD, and that's a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 200hp and a punchy 400Nm of torque. There's no manual gearbox option, so all Mk8 GTDs use Volkswagen's quick-shifting DSG dual-clutch automatic, which you can control using paddles behind the steering wheel, or just leave to its own devices.
As you'd hope, the GTD is far quicker than your regular diesel Golf, sprinting from 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds. It's fun in the corners too, thanks to stiffer sports suspension and a clever braking system that mimics a limited-slip differential on the front axle to help you power out of corners without wheelspin.
Despite the performance available, the GTD's capable of an officially claimed 54mpg – not to be sniffed at, and far more economical than the petrol-powered GTI's 38mpg average.
