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We've just driven the MkVI Golf GTI. It is, in a word, stunning. But if you want your fast Golf in diesel rather than petrol flavour, VW has today announced the Golf GTD.
It's the most powerful diesel MkVI Golf yet, putting out 168bhp and 258lb ft of torque courtesy of a 2.0-litre common rail TDI engine. That'll see the GTD to 60mph in 8.1 seconds (a tenth quicker than the quickest MkV diesel Golf) and on to a top speed of 136mph. Emissions are an eminently sensible 139g/km.
VW is pitching the GTD as a sort-of-hot-hatch: the suspension has been dropped by 15mm compared with the standard Golf, and it can be specified with Active Chassis Control as seen in the Scirocco, which allows the driver to adjust the suspension, steering and acceleration response.
The GTD also gets a GTI-style front end redesign - though with chrome rather than red highlights - along with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and, of course, tartan trim. Prices will start just under £22,000 when the GTD goes on sale in June.
We're intrigued by the name, though. The last time we saw the GTD badge was way back in 1982 - the hottest MkV Golf diesel was badged simply as the GT Sport - so is this a blatant attempt to cash in on the Golf GTI name? Are you happy about this? Come on, GTI owners, vent your spleens.
GTI goes diesel
Well, sort of. VW announces hottest-yet diesel Golf, but does it deserve the badge?
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What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
C4_4life commented on this article
at 02:13 pm on 30 March 2009
That's actually a bit slow. Italians (Fiat group brands) have 1.9 JTD twin turbo engine turning out 190 bhp. That is much better.
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Burner commented on this article
at 02:34 pm on 30 March 2009
Yes well C4, the Italians have that engine running with TWIN turbos as you said, meanwhile this thing puts out just over 20bhp less with one turbo. Quite good, I think. But the name, no no no no no! It just doesn't sound right. But they could've made it worse though; GTDI??? lol.
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meshanil commented on this article
at 03:25 pm on 30 March 2009
would have been better if the diesel had similar power output to the petrol instead of a 30-odd bhp deficit
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Crockett commented on this article
at 04:23 pm on 30 March 2009
The Diesel only scrooge (sports, expensive, exclusive, coupe, cabrio cars).
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Splifflover commented on this article
at 07:19 pm on 30 March 2009
What's wrong with diesel? It can save the planet and we can keep fuel costs down.
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