VW’s diesel alternative to the Golf GTI, the GTD, comes with more power, better fuel economy and less emissions than its predecessor. Although we already knew that, VW decided to remind us all these things and offer new details about the car’s equipment. Moreover, there’s a new photo gallery of the diesel-powered hot-hatch.
Motivated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that’s rated at 184 PS (181 hp), the new Golf GTD develops up to 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque, constantly available between 1,750 rpm and 3,250 rpm. Equipped as standard with a stop/start system and a six-speed manual transmission, the GTD averages 4.2 liters/100 km (56 mpg) and emits 109 g/km of CO2.
Compared to the previous model, it offers an additional 14hp (14PS), 30 Nm more torque, 0.9 l/100 km lower fuel consumption and a 25 g/km improvement in CO2 emissions. When mated to the optional six-speed automatic dual-clutch gearbox, the GTD averages 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 mpg) and emits 119 g/km of CO2.
To justify the “Gran Turismo Diesel” moniker, the car accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). VW says the GTD covers the 80 to 120 km/h (50-75 mph) acceleration in 6 seconds, which is the speed interval at which most overtakings take place.
The GTD is fitted as standard with the XDS+ vehicle dynamics function, progressive steering, sport suspension (15 mm lower) and 17-inch “Curitiba” wheels with size 225 tyres. Other standard features include bi-xenon headlights with cornering function, LED taillights, automatic climate control system (Climatronic), Driver Alert System, Composition Touch radio system (including SD cart slot and AUX-IN interface) and ambience lighting.
Among optional equipment, VW offers a sound actuator and driving profile selection which can make the TDI engine sound better than it actually does, a navigation system with Google Earth, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the surroundings monitoring system Front Assist plus City Emergency Braking, Lane Assist and dynamic chassis control (DCC).
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
