The latest Mark VII incarnation of VW’s potent GTD diesel hatch has the same brief as its predecessor: to offer ‘GTI performance’ coupled with regular diesel frugality. So, how does it fare?

Although styling remains conservative for a hot-hatch, distinctive GTD exterior styling cues include smoked LED rear lights, chrome dual tailpipes, 17-inch alloy wheels, side skirts, and large roof spoiler. It also comes equipped with lower and firmer suspension than regular diesel Golfs.

The sporty theme continues inside, with the GTD getting tartan sports seats, a black rooflining, sports steering wheel and stainless steel pedals. A unique GTD-specific gear lever, instrument cluster and trim strips also feature.

Overall fit and finish and quality of cabin materials is very high, while larger dimensions result in more interior space. Taller occupants are well catered for by 15 mm more rear legroom than before. There’s also more shoulder and elbow room, while the boot has grown in size to 380 litres.

Equipment levels are similar to GTI models, with refinements including white ambience lighting, ‘Climatronic’ climate control, Bluetooth telephony, front and rear parking sensors, and a winter pack comprising heated seats and headlight washers.

The 5.8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, incorporating digital radio, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and satellite navigation, boasts intuitive functionality and a 400 watt Dynaudio soundpack option is available for those more serious about their tunes, too.

The new EA288 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail diesel engine is a big improvement on its predecessor, both in terms of efficiency (*combined 67.3 mpg and 109g/km CO2) and performance. 181 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, available between 1750 and 3250rpm, result in the 0-62 sprint now being dispatched in 7.5 seconds and the GTD able to blast on to over 140 mph. The punchy, powerful motor offers effortless pace and is surprisingly sweet and refined for a four-cylinder diesel – although it’s not as ultimately engaging as the GTI’s higher revving, more responsive and sportier sounding petrol engine.

On the road, the increased rigidity and lightness of the new GTD’s monocoque MQB platform, result in sharper, more fluid handling than before. Admittedly, the variable ratio steering lacks some feel, but does provide progressive and smooth inputs, allowing the body to remain flat and stable even under hard cornering and there’s tons of grip. Yet, for a sporting model, the GTD’s ride is also impressively pliant: optional adaptive chassis control (£795) allows you to tailor the firmness of the car’s suspension.

A slick close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox is standard, although a six-speed DSG auto is optional. Both have their own character – the manual being more involving – although the DSG impresses with its rapid-fire responsiveness and ability to entertain when required, while still offering all the convenience and comfort of a regular automatic – an important consideration on today’s congested roads.

Verdict: It might be expensive to buy and not boast the most powerful engine in the hot diesel class – but this new Mark VII Golf GTD manages to offer a very appealing balance of hot-hatch performance coupled with diesel-car running costs. Although not quite as engaging as the GTI, real-world performance is very close, and visually it holds its own next to its petrol-powered cousin.

Tech specs:
Golf GTD 2.0-litre TDI 184 PS 5 door * 6 speed manual
OTR Price: £25,940
Max Power: 184 bhp @3,500-4,000 rpm
Max Torque: 380 Nm @ 1,750-3,250 rpm
Max Speed: 143 mph
Acceleration: 0-62 in 7.5 seconds
Claimed MPG (combined): 67.3
CO2 emissions: (g/km) 109
Insurance group: 26E
VED: Band B


Golf GTD 2.0-litre TDI 184 PS 5 door 6 speed DSG
OTR Price: £27,355
Max Power: 184 bhp @3,500-4,000 rpm
Max Torque: 380 Nm @ 1,750-3,250 rpm
Max Speed: 141 mph
Acceleration: 0-62 in 7.5 seconds
Claimed MPG (combined): 62.8
CO2 emissions: (g/km) 119
Insurance group: 26E
VED: Band D