Golf GTD is diesel dynamite (From Bournemouth Echo)

Golf GTD is diesel dynamite

2:56pm Friday 27th November 2009 in

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THE GTD is the diesel equivalent of the legendary petrol GTi.

However, the GTD manages more than 50mpg as it sips diesel rather than glugging unleaded.

In fact VW claims the GTD will achieve 53.3mpg on the combined cycle enabling 640 miles on one tank of diesel.

Emissions of 139g/km are another bonus, leaving owners with a yearly road tax bill of £120.

The smooth 2.0 litre common rail turbo diesel engine produces 168bhp, 39bhp less than the GTi.

Although there is a lack in bhp, the GTD makes it up with 258Nm of torque compared to the GTi’s 207Nm.

The 0-62mph sprint takes 8.1 seconds, with a top speed, where the law allows, of 138mph.

On the move, the diesel offers very strong mid-range punch.

The huge torque means it’s easy to leave the GTD in a high gear, such as fourth or even fifth, when overtaking on a country road.

Ride quality is good, and the GTD does a fantastic job of soaking up road imperfections.

Turning into a corner at speed there is plenty of grip and very little understeer.

Coming out of the corner there is plenty of power and grip to pull your way through the bend comfortably.

The steering is well weighted – point the GTD where you want to go and it will follow your instruction precisely.

There is a subtle styling kit fitted to the GTD which includes a deeper front bumper with larger cooling ducts, new headlamp graphics, hatchback spoiler, a new rear bumper and chromed tail pipes.

The GTD has also been lowered by 15mm helping to give a more aggressive look and improved road holding.

The interior has a quality feel and I am sure will stand the test of time.

The model tested was fitted with the optional sports leather seats, which I have to say in my opinion are well worth the investment.

The other optional extra fitted was the gas discharge (Bi-Xenon) headlights which light up the road ensuring better night-time visibility.

Some of the key standard features include 17 inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, rear tinted windows from B pillar back, ‘GTD’ badging and dual-zone air conditioning.

I particularly liked the flat edge on the bottom of the steering wheel which adds to the sporty feel.

Safety features include a curtain airbag, front and passenger airbag, driver’s knee airbag, front seat sideimpact airbags, ABS and ESP, all of which helps the new Golf Mk 6 sport gain a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

All in all the GTD is cheaper to buy than the GTi and is likely to have better residual value, lower running costs and cheaper insurance – plenty of good reasons to test drive the new GTD today.