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Volkswagen Golf GTD 2.0 TDI Diesel (A) Review
28 May 2011|23,922 views
A playful glee spreads across my face every time someone mentions the GTI in my presence. In my short career as a motoring journalist, I hadn't known a hot hatch that could put a smile across my face within the first kilometre of leaving the showroom.
No, this isn't a paid advertisement by Volkswagen just like how the scores of unabashed positive reviews the GTI has gathered across the globe since the Mk6 was unveiled.
When Volkswagen called me up with an offer to take out their newly registered GTD, I naturally jumped at the chance to sample the GTI's dirty sibling. Well, about as dirty as Germans get anyway which isn't much if you take into account the CO2 emissions of 147g/km of the GTD.
Developed off the same platform as the brand's highly successful GTI, the GTD promises the same dynamic capabilities but coupled with the sensibilities of a diesel. Yes, I see you in the back saying "What fun is that?". We'll elaborate on the fun a little later in the article...
No, this isn't a paid advertisement by Volkswagen just like how the scores of unabashed positive reviews the GTI has gathered across the globe since the Mk6 was unveiled.
When Volkswagen called me up with an offer to take out their newly registered GTD, I naturally jumped at the chance to sample the GTI's dirty sibling. Well, about as dirty as Germans get anyway which isn't much if you take into account the CO2 emissions of 147g/km of the GTD.
Developed off the same platform as the brand's highly successful GTI, the GTD promises the same dynamic capabilities but coupled with the sensibilities of a diesel. Yes, I see you in the back saying "What fun is that?". We'll elaborate on the fun a little later in the article...
 |
Exterior
Externally, the GTD differs little from the GTI sharing the same bits on every surface. In the front, the two cars share the same honeycomb grille that has been a hallmark of the GTI. While the GTI is defined by the iconic red stripes that cut across the grille, the GTD's has been replaced with less eye catching chrome which seems like a subtle gesture to curb the diesel's sports appeal.
Things are more or less the same in the rear. But unlike the GTI pipes that are situated on the extreme ends of the bumper, the GTD gets its dual pipes squashed to one side of the diffuser. While the GTD doesn't get the snazzy wheels seen on the GTI, it does get a decent quartet of 18 inch double five spoke shoes.
 |
Interior
Stepping into the GTD, you get a sense of déjà vu as nearly everything about the GTI is faithfully replicated. Like the GTI, you get the supportive sports seats with raised bolsters that keep you in place during lateral adventures across the tarmac.
Also present is the same grippy steering that has become a personal favourite over the years for its perfect diameter and grip. But unlike the one in its more illustrious sibling, this one here lacks the striking red stitching.
While the instrument cluster looks identical, closer inspection reveals the shorter travel of the GTD's tachometer that reflects the diesel block's limited rev range.
Unlike the previous GTIs, the 2011 GTD here is fitted with Volkswagen's latest RNS510 touchscreen that comes with the GPS navigation functionality as standard. The infotainment system also includes a 30GB hard disk drive where you can load your favourite MP3 audio files into. An AUX-in and USB connection remains standard in the GTD as in most Volkswagen models.
A neat little addition here is the reverse camera that is discreetly hidden away behind the rear emblem when not in use. Once you kick it into reverse though, the little spy camera pops out like a meerkat from its burrow to offer up some parking guidelines on the screen.
Though the model we tested was a three door variant, the rear seats were still comfortably roomy with plenty of legroom for an individual as tall as myself. Like the GTI, the versatility extends into the boot with plenty of usable luggage space available and folding rear seats to extend the cargo capacity further.
The GTD does a good job of GTI mimicry in its interior but is deliberately missing the sporty panache of its petrol charged sibling.
Stepping into the GTD, you get a sense of déjà vu as nearly everything about the GTI is faithfully replicated. Like the GTI, you get the supportive sports seats with raised bolsters that keep you in place during lateral adventures across the tarmac.
Also present is the same grippy steering that has become a personal favourite over the years for its perfect diameter and grip. But unlike the one in its more illustrious sibling, this one here lacks the striking red stitching.
While the instrument cluster looks identical, closer inspection reveals the shorter travel of the GTD's tachometer that reflects the diesel block's limited rev range.
Unlike the previous GTIs, the 2011 GTD here is fitted with Volkswagen's latest RNS510 touchscreen that comes with the GPS navigation functionality as standard. The infotainment system also includes a 30GB hard disk drive where you can load your favourite MP3 audio files into. An AUX-in and USB connection remains standard in the GTD as in most Volkswagen models.
A neat little addition here is the reverse camera that is discreetly hidden away behind the rear emblem when not in use. Once you kick it into reverse though, the little spy camera pops out like a meerkat from its burrow to offer up some parking guidelines on the screen.
Though the model we tested was a three door variant, the rear seats were still comfortably roomy with plenty of legroom for an individual as tall as myself. Like the GTI, the versatility extends into the boot with plenty of usable luggage space available and folding rear seats to extend the cargo capacity further.
The GTD does a good job of GTI mimicry in its interior but is deliberately missing the sporty panache of its petrol charged sibling.
The Drive
Rather than toodle around town within city limits describing how well the GTD fares in a rather unchallenging urban landscape, for this review we decided to stretch the GTD's limits a little. Given that the GTD has a range that far extends beyond that of the GTI, we decided to take 'the most dynamic diesel from Wolfsburg' all the way to Cameron Highlands.
With nearly 500 kilometres standing between us and the top of Cameron Highlands, it was an excellent yardstick for the GTD's long distance endurance. No, we're not going to turn off the aircon and moderate our throttle input to squeeze out its maximum range. Not at all. For this test, we wanted to drive like how you and I would without any conscious effort on saving fuel.
So before setting off, we got the car topped off to the brim with diesel at a local petrol station which led to a rather humorous exchange. Parked next to the sole diesel pump at the station, an incredulous pump attendant gestured for me to move on to the next available petrol pump.
Ignoring him, I got out and proceeded to fill the filthy beast. The pump attendant came over to continue pumping while I left to wash the diesel off my hands (Something diesel owners would learn to get used to).
Returning a short a while later, I spotted an evil grin spread across my friend's face and with feigned annoyance in his voice, he exclaimed, "Uncle! Why you pump diesel into my brand new car?!". A look of disbelief and panic flashed across the poor guy's face for a few moments before I ended the ruse with a smile and told him it was fine.
Rather than toodle around town within city limits describing how well the GTD fares in a rather unchallenging urban landscape, for this review we decided to stretch the GTD's limits a little. Given that the GTD has a range that far extends beyond that of the GTI, we decided to take 'the most dynamic diesel from Wolfsburg' all the way to Cameron Highlands.
With nearly 500 kilometres standing between us and the top of Cameron Highlands, it was an excellent yardstick for the GTD's long distance endurance. No, we're not going to turn off the aircon and moderate our throttle input to squeeze out its maximum range. Not at all. For this test, we wanted to drive like how you and I would without any conscious effort on saving fuel.
So before setting off, we got the car topped off to the brim with diesel at a local petrol station which led to a rather humorous exchange. Parked next to the sole diesel pump at the station, an incredulous pump attendant gestured for me to move on to the next available petrol pump.
Ignoring him, I got out and proceeded to fill the filthy beast. The pump attendant came over to continue pumping while I left to wash the diesel off my hands (Something diesel owners would learn to get used to).
Returning a short a while later, I spotted an evil grin spread across my friend's face and with feigned annoyance in his voice, he exclaimed, "Uncle! Why you pump diesel into my brand new car?!". A look of disbelief and panic flashed across the poor guy's face for a few moments before I ended the ruse with a smile and told him it was fine.
 |
I chided my friend for being mean spirited though on hindsight, it wasn't a prank one can pull often considering the lack of diesel private cars in Singapore. Funny enough a similar exchange repeated itself at the cashier later when I went in to pay. The cashier was startled that I pumped diesel (The horror!) into my shiny new Golf instead of petrol. Once again I assured her that all was fine as it was a diesel under that pretty exterior.
Leaving all the light hearted drama behind, I drove out towards the Tuas second link to begin our midnight road trip towards Cameron. The GTD's diesel nature is always most obvious at start up when it chugs to life with the iconic diesel rattle but quickly settles and fades into the background.
The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet isn't too impressive on horsepower at just 170bhp. It barely rises above the 160bhp of the Golf Sport but serves up an incredible amount of twisting force that shames even the Golf R. This the GTD displayed to great effect when it laid down all 350Nm of it on the deserted North-South Highway. While the torque kicks in relatively low at 1750rpm it tapers off at a relatively low 2500rpm as well when compared to its petrol brethren.
Even though its torque band is half as wide as a GTI's, the diesel unleashes the full breath of its torque within the narrow band to full effect. One still feels a great shove even at unmentionable speeds while in sixth gear.
In this high speed cruise mode, the GTD comes into its own as the chassis tuned for gobbling up miles of autobahn shines through. At over twice the legal velocity permitted on our local roads, the Golf interior noise insulation is impressive enough to allow a normal conversation within its cabin without raised voices.
Leaving all the light hearted drama behind, I drove out towards the Tuas second link to begin our midnight road trip towards Cameron. The GTD's diesel nature is always most obvious at start up when it chugs to life with the iconic diesel rattle but quickly settles and fades into the background.
The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet isn't too impressive on horsepower at just 170bhp. It barely rises above the 160bhp of the Golf Sport but serves up an incredible amount of twisting force that shames even the Golf R. This the GTD displayed to great effect when it laid down all 350Nm of it on the deserted North-South Highway. While the torque kicks in relatively low at 1750rpm it tapers off at a relatively low 2500rpm as well when compared to its petrol brethren.
Even though its torque band is half as wide as a GTI's, the diesel unleashes the full breath of its torque within the narrow band to full effect. One still feels a great shove even at unmentionable speeds while in sixth gear.
In this high speed cruise mode, the GTD comes into its own as the chassis tuned for gobbling up miles of autobahn shines through. At over twice the legal velocity permitted on our local roads, the Golf interior noise insulation is impressive enough to allow a normal conversation within its cabin without raised voices.
Once in the right gear, a stab of the throttle reveals a soundtrack that's strangely satisfying. Granted the diesel is missing the delectable 'pop' from the GTI's effervescent 2.0-litre TSI but it still manages to deliver a raspy purposeful note.
The diesel Golf's softer nature becomes especially evident in cruise mode where the 'Normal' setting on the DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) would see the suspension threaten to bottom out. At such speeds, the car seems most comfortable (oddly enough) in 'Sport' where body roll is well moderated.
We arrived at the foothills of Cameron Highlands a little after 0230hrs in the morning with just one quick bio stop since leaving Tuas at around midnight. With a quarter left in the tank, we did an F1-style fuel stop before attempting our hillclimb where we got a sense of the GTD's handling abilities.
While the GTD might share a similar DCC system with the GTI, it however doesn't feel as firm even in 'Sport' setting. Steering in the GTD is strangely much lighter than it should be for a dynamically inspired Golf and falls short of the GTI.
The GTD displays a tendency to understeer around the bends but is easily checked with a dab of left foot braking to keep the nose tucked in. Despite the smaller diameter brakes on the diesel, the brake bite is excellent though pedal feel isn't quite as sharp as on the GTI.
Where the GTI gets beaten is the incredible range of its diesel brethren. Despite the less than economical devil may care driving style we adopted, the humble Golf completed the 1156km return journey on just one and a half tank of diesel. If my Maths hasn't failed me, that works out to exactly 14km/L from the car's 55 litre tank.
The diesel Golf's softer nature becomes especially evident in cruise mode where the 'Normal' setting on the DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) would see the suspension threaten to bottom out. At such speeds, the car seems most comfortable (oddly enough) in 'Sport' where body roll is well moderated.
We arrived at the foothills of Cameron Highlands a little after 0230hrs in the morning with just one quick bio stop since leaving Tuas at around midnight. With a quarter left in the tank, we did an F1-style fuel stop before attempting our hillclimb where we got a sense of the GTD's handling abilities.
While the GTD might share a similar DCC system with the GTI, it however doesn't feel as firm even in 'Sport' setting. Steering in the GTD is strangely much lighter than it should be for a dynamically inspired Golf and falls short of the GTI.
The GTD displays a tendency to understeer around the bends but is easily checked with a dab of left foot braking to keep the nose tucked in. Despite the smaller diameter brakes on the diesel, the brake bite is excellent though pedal feel isn't quite as sharp as on the GTI.
Where the GTI gets beaten is the incredible range of its diesel brethren. Despite the less than economical devil may care driving style we adopted, the humble Golf completed the 1156km return journey on just one and a half tank of diesel. If my Maths hasn't failed me, that works out to exactly 14km/L from the car's 55 litre tank.
 |
Conclusion
While the GTD scores high in its performance against other diesel cars, it however falls short when compared (rather unfairly I might add) to the petrol variant. Where the GTI is a complete all rounder that'll seat five with luggage and still give its driver a hoot at the track, the GTD finds it difficult to fulfil the last part.
The narrow torque band makes it rather unwieldy and awkward as a performance car on or off track. Where it's hard to vary one's throttle input with such a narrow band to work with.
While the GTD scores high in its performance against other diesel cars, it however falls short when compared (rather unfairly I might add) to the petrol variant. Where the GTI is a complete all rounder that'll seat five with luggage and still give its driver a hoot at the track, the GTD finds it difficult to fulfil the last part.
The narrow torque band makes it rather unwieldy and awkward as a performance car on or off track. Where it's hard to vary one's throttle input with such a narrow band to work with.
Unfavourable for the GTD is also the rather silly special tax that our government imposes on diesel vehicles. This rockets the diesel Golf's roadtax to more than three times that of the GTI.
If and when the special tax is removed, the GTD will present itself to be a rather sensible family run around with enough torque to annihilate unsuspecting performance cars. If only for awhile...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
If and when the special tax is removed, the GTD will present itself to be a rather sensible family run around with enough torque to annihilate unsuspecting performance cars. If only for awhile...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
A playful glee spreads across my face every time someone mentions the GTI in my presence. In my short career as a motoring journalist, I hadn't known a hot hatch that could put a smile across my face within the first kilometre of leaving the showroom.
No, this isn't a paid advertisement by Volkswagen just like how the scores of unabashed positive reviews the GTI has gathered across the globe since the Mk6 was unveiled.
When Volkswagen called me up with an offer to take out their newly registered GTD, I naturally jumped at the chance to sample the GTI's dirty sibling. Well, about as dirty as Germans get anyway which isn't much if you take into account the CO2 emissions of 147g/km of the GTD.
Developed off the same platform as the brand's highly successful GTI, the GTD promises the same dynamic capabilities but coupled with the sensibilities of a diesel. Yes, I see you in the back saying "What fun is that?". We'll elaborate on the fun a little later in the article...
No, this isn't a paid advertisement by Volkswagen just like how the scores of unabashed positive reviews the GTI has gathered across the globe since the Mk6 was unveiled.
When Volkswagen called me up with an offer to take out their newly registered GTD, I naturally jumped at the chance to sample the GTI's dirty sibling. Well, about as dirty as Germans get anyway which isn't much if you take into account the CO2 emissions of 147g/km of the GTD.
Developed off the same platform as the brand's highly successful GTI, the GTD promises the same dynamic capabilities but coupled with the sensibilities of a diesel. Yes, I see you in the back saying "What fun is that?". We'll elaborate on the fun a little later in the article...
|
Exterior
Externally, the GTD differs little from the GTI sharing the same bits on every surface. In the front, the two cars share the same honeycomb grille that has been a hallmark of the GTI. While the GTI is defined by the iconic red stripes that cut across the grille, the GTD's has been replaced with less eye catching chrome which seems like a subtle gesture to curb the diesel's sports appeal.
Things are more or less the same in the rear. But unlike the GTI pipes that are situated on the extreme ends of the bumper, the GTD gets its dual pipes squashed to one side of the diffuser. While the GTD doesn't get the snazzy wheels seen on the GTI, it does get a decent quartet of 18 inch double five spoke shoes.
|
Interior
Stepping into the GTD, you get a sense of déjà vu as nearly everything about the GTI is faithfully replicated. Like the GTI, you get the supportive sports seats with raised bolsters that keep you in place during lateral adventures across the tarmac.
Also present is the same grippy steering that has become a personal favourite over the years for its perfect diameter and grip. But unlike the one in its more illustrious sibling, this one here lacks the striking red stitching.
While the instrument cluster looks identical, closer inspection reveals the shorter travel of the GTD's tachometer that reflects the diesel block's limited rev range.
Unlike the previous GTIs, the 2011 GTD here is fitted with Volkswagen's latest RNS510 touchscreen that comes with the GPS navigation functionality as standard. The infotainment system also includes a 30GB hard disk drive where you can load your favourite MP3 audio files into. An AUX-in and USB connection remains standard in the GTD as in most Volkswagen models.
A neat little addition here is the reverse camera that is discreetly hidden away behind the rear emblem when not in use. Once you kick it into reverse though, the little spy camera pops out like a meerkat from its burrow to offer up some parking guidelines on the screen.
Though the model we tested was a three door variant, the rear seats were still comfortably roomy with plenty of legroom for an individual as tall as myself. Like the GTI, the versatility extends into the boot with plenty of usable luggage space available and folding rear seats to extend the cargo capacity further.
The GTD does a good job of GTI mimicry in its interior but is deliberately missing the sporty panache of its petrol charged sibling.
Stepping into the GTD, you get a sense of déjà vu as nearly everything about the GTI is faithfully replicated. Like the GTI, you get the supportive sports seats with raised bolsters that keep you in place during lateral adventures across the tarmac.
Also present is the same grippy steering that has become a personal favourite over the years for its perfect diameter and grip. But unlike the one in its more illustrious sibling, this one here lacks the striking red stitching.
While the instrument cluster looks identical, closer inspection reveals the shorter travel of the GTD's tachometer that reflects the diesel block's limited rev range.
Unlike the previous GTIs, the 2011 GTD here is fitted with Volkswagen's latest RNS510 touchscreen that comes with the GPS navigation functionality as standard. The infotainment system also includes a 30GB hard disk drive where you can load your favourite MP3 audio files into. An AUX-in and USB connection remains standard in the GTD as in most Volkswagen models.
A neat little addition here is the reverse camera that is discreetly hidden away behind the rear emblem when not in use. Once you kick it into reverse though, the little spy camera pops out like a meerkat from its burrow to offer up some parking guidelines on the screen.
Though the model we tested was a three door variant, the rear seats were still comfortably roomy with plenty of legroom for an individual as tall as myself. Like the GTI, the versatility extends into the boot with plenty of usable luggage space available and folding rear seats to extend the cargo capacity further.
The GTD does a good job of GTI mimicry in its interior but is deliberately missing the sporty panache of its petrol charged sibling.
The Drive
Rather than toodle around town within city limits describing how well the GTD fares in a rather unchallenging urban landscape, for this review we decided to stretch the GTD's limits a little. Given that the GTD has a range that far extends beyond that of the GTI, we decided to take 'the most dynamic diesel from Wolfsburg' all the way to Cameron Highlands.
With nearly 500 kilometres standing between us and the top of Cameron Highlands, it was an excellent yardstick for the GTD's long distance endurance. No, we're not going to turn off the aircon and moderate our throttle input to squeeze out its maximum range. Not at all. For this test, we wanted to drive like how you and I would without any conscious effort on saving fuel.
So before setting off, we got the car topped off to the brim with diesel at a local petrol station which led to a rather humorous exchange. Parked next to the sole diesel pump at the station, an incredulous pump attendant gestured for me to move on to the next available petrol pump.
Ignoring him, I got out and proceeded to fill the filthy beast. The pump attendant came over to continue pumping while I left to wash the diesel off my hands (Something diesel owners would learn to get used to).
Returning a short a while later, I spotted an evil grin spread across my friend's face and with feigned annoyance in his voice, he exclaimed, "Uncle! Why you pump diesel into my brand new car?!". A look of disbelief and panic flashed across the poor guy's face for a few moments before I ended the ruse with a smile and told him it was fine.
Rather than toodle around town within city limits describing how well the GTD fares in a rather unchallenging urban landscape, for this review we decided to stretch the GTD's limits a little. Given that the GTD has a range that far extends beyond that of the GTI, we decided to take 'the most dynamic diesel from Wolfsburg' all the way to Cameron Highlands.
With nearly 500 kilometres standing between us and the top of Cameron Highlands, it was an excellent yardstick for the GTD's long distance endurance. No, we're not going to turn off the aircon and moderate our throttle input to squeeze out its maximum range. Not at all. For this test, we wanted to drive like how you and I would without any conscious effort on saving fuel.
So before setting off, we got the car topped off to the brim with diesel at a local petrol station which led to a rather humorous exchange. Parked next to the sole diesel pump at the station, an incredulous pump attendant gestured for me to move on to the next available petrol pump.
Ignoring him, I got out and proceeded to fill the filthy beast. The pump attendant came over to continue pumping while I left to wash the diesel off my hands (Something diesel owners would learn to get used to).
Returning a short a while later, I spotted an evil grin spread across my friend's face and with feigned annoyance in his voice, he exclaimed, "Uncle! Why you pump diesel into my brand new car?!". A look of disbelief and panic flashed across the poor guy's face for a few moments before I ended the ruse with a smile and told him it was fine.
|
I chided my friend for being mean spirited though on hindsight, it wasn't a prank one can pull often considering the lack of diesel private cars in Singapore. Funny enough a similar exchange repeated itself at the cashier later when I went in to pay. The cashier was startled that I pumped diesel (The horror!) into my shiny new Golf instead of petrol. Once again I assured her that all was fine as it was a diesel under that pretty exterior.
Leaving all the light hearted drama behind, I drove out towards the Tuas second link to begin our midnight road trip towards Cameron. The GTD's diesel nature is always most obvious at start up when it chugs to life with the iconic diesel rattle but quickly settles and fades into the background.
The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet isn't too impressive on horsepower at just 170bhp. It barely rises above the 160bhp of the Golf Sport but serves up an incredible amount of twisting force that shames even the Golf R. This the GTD displayed to great effect when it laid down all 350Nm of it on the deserted North-South Highway. While the torque kicks in relatively low at 1750rpm it tapers off at a relatively low 2500rpm as well when compared to its petrol brethren.
Even though its torque band is half as wide as a GTI's, the diesel unleashes the full breath of its torque within the narrow band to full effect. One still feels a great shove even at unmentionable speeds while in sixth gear.
In this high speed cruise mode, the GTD comes into its own as the chassis tuned for gobbling up miles of autobahn shines through. At over twice the legal velocity permitted on our local roads, the Golf interior noise insulation is impressive enough to allow a normal conversation within its cabin without raised voices.
Leaving all the light hearted drama behind, I drove out towards the Tuas second link to begin our midnight road trip towards Cameron. The GTD's diesel nature is always most obvious at start up when it chugs to life with the iconic diesel rattle but quickly settles and fades into the background.
The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet isn't too impressive on horsepower at just 170bhp. It barely rises above the 160bhp of the Golf Sport but serves up an incredible amount of twisting force that shames even the Golf R. This the GTD displayed to great effect when it laid down all 350Nm of it on the deserted North-South Highway. While the torque kicks in relatively low at 1750rpm it tapers off at a relatively low 2500rpm as well when compared to its petrol brethren.
Even though its torque band is half as wide as a GTI's, the diesel unleashes the full breath of its torque within the narrow band to full effect. One still feels a great shove even at unmentionable speeds while in sixth gear.
In this high speed cruise mode, the GTD comes into its own as the chassis tuned for gobbling up miles of autobahn shines through. At over twice the legal velocity permitted on our local roads, the Golf interior noise insulation is impressive enough to allow a normal conversation within its cabin without raised voices.
Once in the right gear, a stab of the throttle reveals a soundtrack that's strangely satisfying. Granted the diesel is missing the delectable 'pop' from the GTI's effervescent 2.0-litre TSI but it still manages to deliver a raspy purposeful note.
The diesel Golf's softer nature becomes especially evident in cruise mode where the 'Normal' setting on the DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) would see the suspension threaten to bottom out. At such speeds, the car seems most comfortable (oddly enough) in 'Sport' where body roll is well moderated.
We arrived at the foothills of Cameron Highlands a little after 0230hrs in the morning with just one quick bio stop since leaving Tuas at around midnight. With a quarter left in the tank, we did an F1-style fuel stop before attempting our hillclimb where we got a sense of the GTD's handling abilities.
While the GTD might share a similar DCC system with the GTI, it however doesn't feel as firm even in 'Sport' setting. Steering in the GTD is strangely much lighter than it should be for a dynamically inspired Golf and falls short of the GTI.
The GTD displays a tendency to understeer around the bends but is easily checked with a dab of left foot braking to keep the nose tucked in. Despite the smaller diameter brakes on the diesel, the brake bite is excellent though pedal feel isn't quite as sharp as on the GTI.
Where the GTI gets beaten is the incredible range of its diesel brethren. Despite the less than economical devil may care driving style we adopted, the humble Golf completed the 1156km return journey on just one and a half tank of diesel. If my Maths hasn't failed me, that works out to exactly 14km/L from the car's 55 litre tank.
The diesel Golf's softer nature becomes especially evident in cruise mode where the 'Normal' setting on the DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) would see the suspension threaten to bottom out. At such speeds, the car seems most comfortable (oddly enough) in 'Sport' where body roll is well moderated.
We arrived at the foothills of Cameron Highlands a little after 0230hrs in the morning with just one quick bio stop since leaving Tuas at around midnight. With a quarter left in the tank, we did an F1-style fuel stop before attempting our hillclimb where we got a sense of the GTD's handling abilities.
While the GTD might share a similar DCC system with the GTI, it however doesn't feel as firm even in 'Sport' setting. Steering in the GTD is strangely much lighter than it should be for a dynamically inspired Golf and falls short of the GTI.
The GTD displays a tendency to understeer around the bends but is easily checked with a dab of left foot braking to keep the nose tucked in. Despite the smaller diameter brakes on the diesel, the brake bite is excellent though pedal feel isn't quite as sharp as on the GTI.
Where the GTI gets beaten is the incredible range of its diesel brethren. Despite the less than economical devil may care driving style we adopted, the humble Golf completed the 1156km return journey on just one and a half tank of diesel. If my Maths hasn't failed me, that works out to exactly 14km/L from the car's 55 litre tank.
|
Conclusion
While the GTD scores high in its performance against other diesel cars, it however falls short when compared (rather unfairly I might add) to the petrol variant. Where the GTI is a complete all rounder that'll seat five with luggage and still give its driver a hoot at the track, the GTD finds it difficult to fulfil the last part.
The narrow torque band makes it rather unwieldy and awkward as a performance car on or off track. Where it's hard to vary one's throttle input with such a narrow band to work with.
While the GTD scores high in its performance against other diesel cars, it however falls short when compared (rather unfairly I might add) to the petrol variant. Where the GTI is a complete all rounder that'll seat five with luggage and still give its driver a hoot at the track, the GTD finds it difficult to fulfil the last part.
The narrow torque band makes it rather unwieldy and awkward as a performance car on or off track. Where it's hard to vary one's throttle input with such a narrow band to work with.
Unfavourable for the GTD is also the rather silly special tax that our government imposes on diesel vehicles. This rockets the diesel Golf's roadtax to more than three times that of the GTI.
If and when the special tax is removed, the GTD will present itself to be a rather sensible family run around with enough torque to annihilate unsuspecting performance cars. If only for awhile...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
If and when the special tax is removed, the GTD will present itself to be a rather sensible family run around with enough torque to annihilate unsuspecting performance cars. If only for awhile...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
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Car Information
Volkswagen Golf GTD 2.0 TDI Diesel (A)
CAT B|Diesel|18.8km/L
Horsepower
127kW (170 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
8.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Golf GTD
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