2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD Diesel Hot Hatch Revealed
Perhaps the perfect combination of fast and frugal, Volkswagen has unveiled its all-new Golf GTD model today ahead of its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
An unfamiliar badge in North America, the GTD is by all accounts a diesel version of the brand’s GTI hot hatch. Based on the all-new and significantly lighter seventh-generation Golf platform it is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine making 182 hp and a huge 280 lb-ft of torque. While the 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds isn’t exactly shockingly fast, this car is more about the responsiveness of the torquey diesel engine, with all of those lb-ft available at just 1750 rpm.
SEE MORE: 2013 Geneva Motor Show Preview
Making it a superior commuter car for long distances it showcases the usual Volkswagen premium interior, which you can enjoy on the highway mile after mile as you won’t be stopping for fuel. VW claims the car gets an astonishing 67 mpg with the 6-speed manual transmission Using the 6-speed DSG automatic drops that slightly to 60 mpg.
Apart from the engine, other highlights include 17-inch wheels with 225/45 tires, a GTI-like aero kit with chrome dual exhaust pipes, a rear spoiler and a sports suspension package. Inside, the upgrades carry on the GTI look with a sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, a GTD gear shifter and instrument cluster plus the obligatory plaid seats.
Sound too good to be true? It is. Or at least it is if you don’t live in Europe. Volkswagen has never offered past GTD models in North America though that could change with this latest model. Currently the German automaker has been loaning out a past generation GTD in the LA area to press, likely looking to test reaction to see if the US market is ready for such a car.
Look for live photos of the new MKVII Golf GTD when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
GALLERY: 2014 VW Golf GTD
Discuss this story at VWForum.com
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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I would buy the GTD as fast as you could get one to me here in the states. I have the TDI and its pushing 200K and still gets 46 MPG @ 80 MPH for two hours a day. My Touareg is a beast with the V10TDI and still manages 26 MPG. Love the diesels
My next car if they bring it here. I have a 2004 Golf TDI and it's been super reliable and can get over 50 MPG if I behave... I don't but still get 42 MPG anyway and can tow a trailer with (2) quads and not lose much in MPG. Try that in a Prius,