Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf VII GTD revealed

Volkswagen Golf VII GTD

Volkswagen is yet another manufacturer to show off its wares ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, with the release of information for the new Mk7 Golf GTD. The GTD follows the same proven path as the Mk6 model, whereby they’ve pretty much taken a new GTI and swapped over the 2.0 litre petrol engine for a turbo diesel of the same capacity.

In the transition to the seventh-generation Golf, the GTD has been given a modest power increase, up 10kW to 135kW. Torque has also been boosted, by 30Nm to a new maximum of 380Nm, available from 1750rpm. All this has been achieved while slashing fuel consumption as well. Fitted with a 6-speed manual Volkswagen says the GTD will use just 4.2l/100km, while the 6-speed DSG is rated at 4.7l/100km.

The good news keeps on coming, too, with the sprint to 100km/h being reduced from 8.1 seconds to a new mark of 7.5 seconds. The new engine also meets EU6 emissions standards, which aren’t due to be introduced for a few years yet.

It’s all pretty standard fare from Volkswagen in many respects. We expect the GTD will be a very competent warm hatch able to cater to almost all the needs of its owner. And we reckon it looks pretty good as well.

There’ll probably be more details from Geneva, until then there’s some introductory guff from VW after the break.

Volkswagen Golf VII GTD

Volkswagen Golf VII GTD

Volkswagen Golf VII GTD

Volkswagen Golf VII GTD

New Golf GTD celebrates its world premiere in Geneva

  • Sporty long-distance Golf with 135 kW / 184 PS only consumes 4.2 litres of fuel per 100 km
  • Four-cylinder TDI engine of the Golf GTD complies with EU-6 emissions standard

Wolfsburg, 21 February 2013 – Extremely fuel efficient, but extremely sporty – it is these attributes that have excited fans of the Golf GTD over the past three decades. At this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, Volkswagen is presenting the latest version of this extreme athlete whose 135 kW / 184 PS TDI engine already complies with the challenging EU-6 emissions standard today.

The first Golf GTD in 1982 revolutionised the segment of compact diesel passenger cars with its turbodiesel, sporty tuning and its customised features in the style of the Golf GTI. It is being followed up this year by the most powerful “GTD” ever that is based on the seventh generation Golf. With a power of 135 kW / 184 PS, the new Golf GTD can be recommended as a car that is as much a dynamic performer as a fuel-efficient long-distance touring car. In the version with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 230 km/h Volkswagen consumes just 4.2 litres per 100 km; this combined fuel consumption equates to CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. With the optional 6-speed DSG, fuel consumption is 4.7 l/100 km (two-door: 119 g/km CO2; four-door: 122 g/km CO2). Also impressive is its torque of 380 Nm, which is already available from 1,750 rpm.

Visually, the Golf GTD makes its appearance with its smoked LED rear lights with LED licence plate illumination and chrome dual tailpipes. 17-inch GTD wheels with 225/45 tyres, side sill trim, diffuser, sport suspension and a large roof spoiler round out the car’s overall dynamic impression.

Numerous distinctive GTD characteristics also mark the interior: along with top sport seats in tartan pattern (“Clark”), a black roofliner, sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and foot support, there are also a GTD gear shift grip, GTD trim strips and a GTD instrument cluster. Other features guarantee the necessary comfort on long trips; they include: progressive steering, white ambience lighting, automatic “Climatronic” climate control, ParkPilot front and rear, winter pack and “Composition Touch” radio system. Standard body colours offered for the Golf GTD are “Tornado Red”, “Black” and “Pure White”.

The new Golf GTD is available in Germany at an entry-level price of 29,350 euros, and orders begin on the 5th of March.

Facts overview:

  • Market launch in Europe: First markets starting June 2013.
  • Debut of first Golf GTD generation: 1982.
  • Engine: Four-cylinder TDI (charged direct-injection diesel); Front transverse engine; displacement 1,968 cc; Bore/stroke: 81.0/95.5 mm; compression ratio 15.8:1.
  • Power: 135 kW / 184 PS at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm.
  • Torque: 380 Nm at 1,750 to 3,250 rpm.
  • Gearbox / drive type: Manual 6-speed gearbox; automatic 6-speed DSG; front-wheel drive.
  • Fuel consumption / CO2 emissions (manual): 4.2 l/100 km; 109 g/km CO2.
  • Driving performance (manual): 0-100 km/h in 7.5 s; V/max 230 km/h.
  • Unladen weight: 1,377 kg (basic version incl. driver [68 kg], luggage [7 kg] and 90 % filled fuel tank; calculated according to RL 92/21/EEC.

(* preliminary data)

7 replies on “Volkswagen Golf VII GTD revealed”

Interesting car and would be great if you did a lot of Kms.

I really don’t understand the universal praise for the golfs interior though. Even in GTI/GTD form it looks pretty dull and conservative to me.

Okay, let’s remember the Golf is a mid-sized hatchback. Sure VW may have pretensions of grander things, but with that in mind, go and look inside the new Corolla, new i30 and relatively aged Mazda3 and you’ll quickly see why the Golf interior is praised.

For a brand new model, the Corolla interior is incredibly disappointing.

Interesting that the manual uses less fuel than the DSG – it’s usually around the other way isn’t it?

Also, what’s with the dodgy perspective/s in the interior shot looks like a compilation of photos stitched together with somewhat questionable results…

COmparing a Golf to a Corolla isn’t fair. Corollas are designed as much cheaper car. Golfs has in the last few years been incredibly good value in Australia relative to other markets I know, and isn’t meant to be on the same level as Corolla. Even in Australia a base Corolla is much cheaper than a base Golf.

Based on UK pricing here’s the entry-level pricing for the two:
Corolla = £13,995
Golf = £14,425

I’d say that’s a much bigger market than our little island.

Comments are closed.