Continuing a tradition that stretches back more than three decades, Volkswagen is extending the seventh generation Golf’s lineup with a performance diesel model carrying the GTD moniker.
Like the first Golf GTD from 1982, the new model combines the styling cues and sportier chassis setup of a GTI with a diesel engine, which in this case, is a 2.0-liter common rail turbocharged inline-four producing 181hp (184PS) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) of peak torque from 1,750 rpm, coupled to a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed dual clutch DSG.
Acceleration from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) takes 7.5 seconds, while the top speed is 229km/h (142mph).
With the manual gearbox, the GTD returns a combined fuel consumption of 4.2 lt/100km (56.0mpg US or 67.3mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 109g/km, and with the DSG, 4.7lt/100km (50.0mpg US or 60.1mpg UK) and 122g/km of CO2.
Exterior features include a GTI-like honeycomb front grilles and bumper design, smoked LED rear lights with LED license plate illumination, chrome dual tailpipes, 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 tires, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a large roof spoiler.
On the inside, the GTD gains tartan sports seats, a black headliner, flat-bottom sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, plus a GTD-specific gear lever, trim strips and instrument cluster.
European sales of the new Golf GTD VII will begin after its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with German pricing set at €29,350 (US$38,700).
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