WHILE THE 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still some time off, Volkswagen’s diesel performer, the 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTD, has landed in German showrooms today, making it the fourth offering in the Golf VI lineup.
The GTD blends the looks and chassis of the Golf GTI with the thirst of a Polo. Don’t let the fuel miser tag fool you though; with 125kW (170hp) and 352Nm (258lb-ft) under foot, the Golf GTD should be a proper pocket-rocket.
The Golf GTD is capable of dispatching the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.1 seconds and tops out at a respectable 222km/h, yet manages to consume just 5.3 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres when driven sedately.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with Volkswagen’s famous six-speed DSG available as an option. Sport suspension and 17-inch rims also come as standard.
Inside the cabin, top-spec sports seats, a three-spoke flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and leather accents throughout are just a few of the standard features.
Volkswagen Group Australia has confirmed to TMR that it is considering adding the GTD to its lineup, but it’s still too early to say which way the company will go.
Volkswagen has no plans to offer the car in the US, but with Australia’s growing acceptance of diesel fuel, the odds for the GTD down under would seem about even.
GALLERY » 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD
Following the Polo, the BlueMotion initiative and the Golf GTI, Volkswagen is now spanning its next arrow in the bow: this time, the Golf GTD. With a powerful 125 kW (170 PS) TDI engine, it is aimed at diesel drivers who value the maximum in dynamics. The new GTD is extremely thrifty but at the same time extremely sporty. The GTD tag already has a tradition at Volkswagen: the first Golf GTD - the GTI among diesels - was built in 1982.
The new GTD is powerful and can boast of outstandingly low fuel consumption: the common-rail engine requires just 5.3 litres fuel per 100 kilometres. That corresponds to CO2 emissions of only 139 g/km. On the other hand, the car has a top speed of 222 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds.
Like the GTI, the GTD will also offer, in addition to the 6-speed manual gearbox, an optional 6-speed DSG - the most efficient automatic gearbox of our time, in the opinion of many experts. Equipped with sport suspension and 17-inch alloy “Seattle” wheels, the GTD demonstrates that it shares GTI DNA on one hand through its extremely agile handling and, on the other, through parallels in appearance and equipment. The exterior announces unequivocally that it the sportiest diesel-powered Golf. The designs of the front bumper, the radiator grille and the headlights are identical to those of the GTI. However, the typical horizontal red strips in the GTI’s grille are chromed on the GTD.
Volkswagen’s GT philosophy has shaped the interior as well: top-of-the line sport seats in black and white as standard; a three-spoke steering wheel flattened along the bottom edge, a brake handle with a leather gaiter as well as light-grey seams to accent the leather handle; and a black moulded headliner are just a few of the GTD’s distinguishing features. The base price in Germany is 27,475.00 Euros.
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Why is this car “Under Consideration For Australia”? There is nothing to consider, bring it here. The reason why the Australian public is slow to accept diesels in anything less than a huge 4WD is because we have no decent diesel cars here on sale that appeal or accessible (read: cheap to buy, not in quality) to the wider public.
this is Australia mate ,we are always the last to get anything thats anygood.
It doesn’t appear a great deal different to MK V Golf GT diesel they had here before, so what’s the big decision?
Auto, you’re spot on there. When Australia gets anything new, we call it “World Class”. To me, it just means we are finally getting something that the rest of the world has had for years.