Hot diesel Golf is cheaper than GTi

By Nick Gibbs

24th April 2009

VW’s new performance diesel Golf isn’t just a frugal alternative to the GTI – it’s cheaper than the hot hatch favourite, too.

With prices set to start at £21,850, the GTD undercuts its petrol stablemate by around £500. For that, buyers get a tweaked version of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel – delivering 168bhp compared to the GTI’s 207bhp petrol turbo. But with 71Nm more torque, at 350Nm, the GTD should feel just as punchy.

When mated to the six-speed manual transmission, the new diesel returns 53mpg economy and puts out 139g/km of CO2.

Inside, the cabin gets a revised version of the famous GTI tartan, with red substituted for grey. The GTD goes on sale on 22 June, starting at £21,850 for the three-door six-speed manual. A twin-clutch DSG box adds another £1,305, with the DSG five-door costing £23,740.