Box Autos

The latest version of the Volkswagen Golf GTD, which was introduced at the Geneva International Motor Show last month, is now available to order .

The new GTD is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged common rail diesel engine (TDI) with 184 PS. Maximum torque – the characteristic that arguably best defines the easily accessible performance of the GTD – has risen from 350 Nm (258 lbs ft) to 380 Nm (280 lbs ft) from just 1,750 rpm.  Acceleration from zero to 62 mph takes just 7.5 seconds, while the top speed is 142 mph, yet the new Golf GTD consumes just one gallon of fuel every 67.3 miles, making for CO₂ emissions of only 109 g/km.  With the optional six-speed DSG, fuel consumption is 62.8 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 119 g/km. As evidence of the progress which Volkswagen has made over the years in combining performance and economy, when the first generation Golf BlueMotion went on sale at the end of 2007, it too returned 62.8 mpg and had CO₂ emissions of 119 g/km.

The Golf GTD comes with smoked LED rear lights with LED licence plate illumination, along with standard bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, chrome dual tailpipes, 18-inch ‘Nogaro’ alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres, side skirts, a rear diffuser, sports suspension and a large roof spoiler.

Distinctive GTD features distinguish the interior: along with tartan ‘Jacara Grey’ sports seats, a black roof lining, sports steering wheel, and stainless steel pedals; there is also a GTD-specific gear lever, trim strips and instrument cluster.  Comfort is guaranteed thanks to standard features including progressive steering, white ambience lighting, 2Zone climate control and a touchscreen infotainment system which also includes DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

As well as high performance, a high level of safety equipment comes as standard in the Golf GTD. On top of high passive safety levels – thanks in part to a passenger cell made from high- and ultra-high strength steels – active safety features include the Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, which automatically applies the vehicle brakes after an accident to reduce the chances of a second impact; the pre-crash system, which tensions seatbelts and closes windows and the sunroof if an accident is likely to improve the effectiveness of the airbags; Front Assist, which warns the driver in the event of coming too close to the vehicle in front, can prime the brakes, and operates at speeds of up to 99 mph; City Emergency Braking, which can automatically brake the vehicle at speeds below 18 mph; Automatic Distance Control, a radar-operated cruise control that maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front; and seven airbags as standard, including one for the driver’s knees.

Optional equipment includes 19-inch ‘Santiago’ alloy wheels, ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery, keyless entry, High Beam Assist, Lane Assist, Park Assist (parking sensors are standard),
a rear view camera, ACC Adaptive Chassis Control, touchscreen satellite navigation and a Dynaudio sound pack with 10-channel amplifier and eight speakers.

Key facts

• Engine: four-cylinder TDI (turbocharged common-rail diesel); front transverse;displacement 1,968 cc; bore/stroke 81.0/95.5 mm; compression ratio 15.8:1
• Power: 135 kW / 184 PS at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm
• Torque: 380 Nm (280 lbs ft) at 1,750 to 3,250 rpm
• Gearbox / drive: Six-speed manual; optional six-speed DSG / front-wheel drive
• Fuel consumption / CO₂ (manual): 67.3 mpg; 109 g/km CO₂
• 0-62 mph 7.5 sec; top speed 142 mph (230 km/h)
• Unladen weight: 1,377 kg (incl. driver [68 kg], luggage [7 kg] and 90% filled fuel tank; calculated according to 92/21/EEC

Golf GTD model line-up and pricing