Green, thrilling diesel

Created with fleets in mind, the latest Volkswagen Golf GTD marries performance with both low emissions and high fuel returns

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has become a byword for the hot hatchback, but the Golf GTD has always offered a similar turn of speed with considerably more miles per gallon. Developed off the back of the original Mk 1 Golf diesel of the 1970s, the Golf GTD has been around almost as long as the GTI itself.

1982 saw the birth of the pacey diesel Golf, and 30 years later, the seventh generation model takes the formula to new heights. With 182bhp, the most potent diesel Golf certainly has the pace, but with 109g/km of CO2 emissions and a claimed 67.3mpg, it has also has a clean conscience. Created with low running cost-appeal and a nod to the fleet market in mind, can the Golf GTD bring clean, guilt-free driving fun to company car drivers?

Muscular-Looking
Taking the GTI’s style, the GTD features more muscular-looking front and rear valances, side sills and rear spoiler. Handsome 18-inch ‘Nogaro’ alloy wheels also set it apart from its petrol-powered brother, and whereas the GTI has a red pin-stripe grille accent, the GTD has chrome. LED tail lights add some glitz to the familiar exterior outline.

A ‘GTD’ badge sits on the grille and rear hatch, while inside, the chequered ‘Jacara Grey’ upholstery swaps red stripes for grey. Otherwise, it’s the same story as the GTI and most other Golfs. A beautifully-built cabin with a healthy dose of space also ensure the GTD is practical

The two-litre four-cylinder diesel has 280lb ft of torque and coupled to the six-speed manual gearbox (a semi-auto DSG ‘box is also available), surges the GTD along at quite a pace from as little as 1,750rpm. As with the GTI, the GTD is a refined and comfortable motorway companion, the engine turning over at 1800rpm when cruising at the legal limit in top gear. In fact, so hushed and smooth is the engine, that you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the GTD’s more famous petrol relative.

The cabin is a nice place to be. Illuminated footwells and door trims, and high-quality materials make the interior that little bit more special than other medium‑sized hatchbacks, while the latest Volkswagen 5.8‑inch colour touchscreen infotainment system relays a plethora of data back to the driver.

Driver profile selection
The GTD, along with several other seventh‑generation Golfs, has a driver profile selection. Seemingly at odds with its performance leanings, an ‘Eco’ setting – like the ‘Sport’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Individual’ settings – adjusts the engine mapping (and other parameters such as steering weight) to the chosen style selected. For the purposes of GreenFleet tests, the car was run in ‘Eco’ mode for the majority of its time with me. In this mode, optimised for the greatest fuel efficiency, the engine management, air conditioning and ancillary systems are controlled by the car’s computerised brain.

The GTD doesn’t sacrifice any of the playfulness the Golf ‘GT’ family is known for either, even when it is averaging 46.1mpg in the real world. Running on 15mm lower suspension than regular Golfs, it always feels composed. Feeling fun yet secure, cosseting yet mischievous, the GTD exudes its sporty side even when it’s on its best behaviour. And that fun doesn’t come at a price: there is a reported 13 per cent increase in efficiency over the Mk 6 Golf GTD.

Conventionally-fuelled fun
One of the most interesting comparisons with the latest Golf GTD is that it’s on a par (pun intended) with the eco-focused Golf BlueMotion of early 2008. Six years ago, the BlueMotion returned 62.8mpg and 119g/km of CO2, figures which the GTD now not only beats, but beats comfortably. Lower insurance groups than its predecessor mean even more reduced costs for user choosers.

The GTD is expected to take around six per cent (2000-3500 per year) of the Golf’s total sales, while 60 per cent of its sales are expected to go to fleets. Volkswagen UK says that it forecasts the GTD to outsell the GTI by two to one, and on this outing, it has every right to. Doing an impression of the legendary GTI is difficult enough – the fact that the GTD does it so well with much lower running costs and outlay should seal its high-selling fate.

One hundred per cent guilt-free it may not be, but the Golf GTD is among the few cars which gets close to offering clean, conventionally-fuelled fun. It is the consummate all-rounder and an immensely capable car.

Volkswagen Golf GTD
ENGINE: 1,968cc, four-cylinder diesel
CO2: 109g/km
MPG (combined): 67.3
VED: Band B, £0 first year,
£20 thereafter
BIK: 17%
PRICE (OTR): £26,220 (incl
VAT, £27,880 as tested)