New 181bhp diesel
Volkswagen Golf GTD extends performance whilst lowering emissions. The broadening of the seventh generation Golf line-up continues apace with the unveiling of the new
Volkswagen Golf GTD ahead of its planned public premiere at the Geneva motor show.
Set for UK sale from July, the top-of-the-line Golf diesel runs Volkswagens new EA288 engine. The transversely mounted 2. 0-litre four-cylinder common rail unit delivers 181bhp at 3500rpm and 280lb ft of torque on a band of revs between 1750 and 3250rpm.
This represents a 13bhp and 22lb ft increase on the Mk6 GTD, which ran Volkswagen's older EA827 oil-burner of the same capacity.
Among the changes incorporated on the new engine are new lightweight pistons and valve gear aimed at lowering frictional loses and improving thermal properties, a heavily reworked exhaust and lower compression ratio (15. 8:1 versus 16. 5:1).
Drive continues to be channeled through a standard six-speed manual gearbox to the front wheels, with a six-speed dual-clutch DSG unit available as an option.
Volkswagen claims the new 1302kg Golf GTD reaches 62mph from standstill in 7. 5sec on the way to a top speed of 143mph in six-speed manual guise. By comparison, the old sixth-generation Golf based model possessed figures of 8. 1sec and 138mph respectively.
Combined cycle fuel consumption is put at 67. 3mpg, giving the new performance diesel average CO2 emissions of 109g/km - an improvement of 14. 0mpg and 30g/km on the previous Golf GTD.
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The new GTD is distinguished from other standard seventh-generation Golf models by a series of mild styling tweaks, some of which are shared with the new GTI. Included are re-profiled bumpers, wider sills under the doors, more prominent spoiler above the tailgate, a diffuser element at the rear, chromed tailpipe and standard 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 225/45 profile rubber. It also rides on sports suspension.
Inside, the most powerful diesel powered Golf to reach series production receives sport seats, a black headlining, sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and foot rest as well as various GTD-themed trims.