VW Golf GTD diesel hot hatch for Europe

The Volkswagen Golf GTI continues to make waves as the quintessential hot hatch, with its torquey 210 hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and sporty handling. But the European market is now getting a new Golf GTD model, powered by a 170 hp 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine featuring direct-injection tech technology.

The all-new 2009 Golf GTD generation is powered by a highly-advanced common-rail TDI engine, boasting 258 lb-ft of torque, a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds and top speed of 139 mph.

On top of the fair performance, VW also claims a range of more than 600 miles on one tank of diesel from 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. There is an optional dual clutch transmission available alongside the standard six-speed version that improves fuel economy too. In fact, the Golf GTD is rated at 42 mpg combined.

The VW Golf GTD is equipped with a chassis lowered by half an inch, with 17-inch alloy wheels, standard front fog lights, smoked tail lamps, twin exhaust, rear diffuser, and horizontal grille stripes like the GTI but styled in chrome instead.

As an option, the new Golf GTD can be ordered with dynamic chassis control (DCC). The system continually reacts to the roadway and driving situation and modifies the damper characteristic accordingly. DCC also reacts to acceleration, braking and steering inputs.

The Golf GTD is available in 3-door and 5-door hatchback body styles. With the increasing popularity of diesel cars in the United States, there is a chance that the GTD will be offered here too.

 

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