Volkswagen Golf GTD

27th March 2009

Say hello to the Volkswagen Golf GTD - the first high-performance diesel version of the all new MkVI hatch.

Aiming to earn a reputation as the GTI of diesels – and this car's unveiling follows closely behind the launch of the brand-new petrol-powered GTI, which we got behind the wheel of here.

Power is delivered from VW’s familiar 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit - but here it’s tweaked to produce 168bhp and a substantial 350Nm of torque. Not headline figures by any means, compared to the GTI’s 207bhp and 280Nm, but when you consider peak torque is available between 1,750rpm and 2,500rpm the in-gear acceleration should feel just as fast.

And that’s reflected in the performance figures. The 0-62mph dash is dispatched in just 8.1 seconds – less than a second behind the GTI - while the top speed is 138mph. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through VW’s optional six-speed DSG gearbox - a six-speed manual is standard kit.

But this car’s fuel-sipping nature is the real talking point. Claimed fuel economy on the combined cycle is a heady 44.4mpg - a significant difference when compared to the GTI’s more thirsty 31mpg. CO2 emissions are just as impressive at 139g/km, putting it in the £120-a-year tax band C.

VW is also looking to lay the myth that diesel engines can't offer a sporty soundtrack to rest with the GTD. Engineers have fine tuned the car’s acoustics using an innovative solution.

An electromagnetic sound generator evaluates engine speed, throttle input and vehicle speed and helps to filter a pleasing engine note into the cabin, especially at lower engine speeds. A noise damping film on the windshield also helps to reduce wind and road noise – improving refinement.

The car will go into production next month and should go on sale in the UK by the end of June - prices are yet to be announced.