The performance diesel variant of the new Volkswagen Golf range will travel quicker but also use less fuel than its predecessor.
The Volkswagen Golf GTD, a kind of diesel-powered twin to the ‘GTI’, uses the German car maker’s new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds and consume 4.2 litres of fuel every 100km.
Volkswagen’s outgoing GTD had corresponding figures of 8.1 seconds and 5.5L/100km. Emissions are also reduced to just 109g/km.
Power and torque are both up on the old 2.0-litre turbo diesel – rising from 125kW to 135kW and from 350Nm to 380Nm respectively.
The VW Golf GTD produces its 135kW of peak power from 3500 to 4000rpm and its 380Nm maximum torque between 1750 and 3250rpm.
The engine’s outputs are transferred to the road via either a six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch auto.
A sports suspension is designed to bring greater composure to handling, with the Volkswagen Golf GTD sitting on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/45 rubber.
The GTD’s interior doesn’t borrow the trademark red stitching of the Golf GTI hot-hatch but does again share its famous tartan seat pattern.
Other features include a sporty steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, stainless-steel pedals, and a trim and instrument design that’s exclusive to the GTD in the Golf range.
The outgoing VW Golf GTD costs $39,290 in Australia.
The all-new Volkswagen Golf range launches locally in April. The GTD will appear publicly at the 2013 Geneva motor show in early March before going on sale in mid 2013.
It’s expected to join the local line-up, though for now VW Australia is saying only that the GTD is under consideration.
