Never let it be said that buyers don't have choice nowadays. Those after something VW Golf-sized and brisk can already choose from a petrol powered GTI and a GTE with the same power; a Clubsport GTI with 300hp has already been announced and, from next month, a new R will be here as well. It's a sign of the times though that the arrival of the new GTD is perhaps the eyebrow-raising debut in the Mk8 Golf line up. Fast diesels aren't exactly voguish in 2020.
Still, the most potent oil burning Golf certainly presents a fairly attractive set of stats. Unveiled with the GTI earlier this year, the GTD is now available for UK customers to order. As a reminder, it now comes with 200hp and 295lb ft, the former figure matching the Mk5 Golf GTI and the latter identical to what's found in the hybrid GTE. They're sufficient, working through a standard seven-speed DSG, for 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 152mph. Which is frankly pretty quick for any kind of VW Golf.
The important diesel numbers are WLTP-rated economy from 51.4mpg and CO2 of 137g/km; VW is claiming up to 600 miles from a tank, with NOx emissions also reduced thanks to the introduction of two SCR catalytic converters.
As has become GTD tradition, this latest model borrows heavily from the GTI for its cosmetic makeover. So it gets the illuminated front grille as seen on the petrol car, along with a honeycomb look and more prominent bumpers. 18-inch wheels are standard, as is Jacara tartan cloth upholstery.
VW believes that the GTD's blend "of performance and usability" will ensures that "the UK's love affair with fast Golfs is set to continue." It slots into the fast Golf range at its lowest rung, the £32,790 on-the-road RRP a little less than the manual Golf GTI (£33,460) and saving more than £3,000 over the hybrid GTE, which costs from £35,960. Its closest rival will likely be the diesel Focus ST, just 10hp down on power and matching the Golf for torque - the Ford costs from £29,495.
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