VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2.0 TDI GTD DSG
“Customer uptake of the GTD has been slow. The model has been phased out in order to rationalise the Golf range and focus on our best sellers, GTI and R,” -VWSA (Source - Carmag SA)
Quick Facts
- Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox
- Power: 130 kW
- Torque: 350 Nm
- Fuel consumption: 5.0 L/100 km (claimed)
- 0-100 kph: 7.4 seconds (claimed)
- Top speed: 230 kph (claimed)
The South African market has really enjoyed the Golf GTI, the last diesel engine which was thoroughly enjoyed in my opinion was the Polo 1.9TDi, the South African market has embraced the Golf GTI models so much that they do not see a need for the Golf GTD (even though its the most fuel savvy Golf after the Golf TSI model in my humble opinion) and I think not much was done to convince us to buy the the car, motoring journalists kept comparing it to the GTI and I think that was quite unfair, and I think if it had been made its own vehicle without the GTI comparisons, then quite a lot of people would have actually jumped onto the wagon, I drove the GTD for a day and I was very impressed with the car, It handled exceptionally well , it was very quiet in the cabin (no tractor like noises like in the Polo 1.9TDI , I promise) and the fuel consumption even better! I was averaging 6L/100km (don’t ask me how) and that was perfect for me, I just needed the occasional "pop" that the GTI does and but I guess I was asking for quite a lot and I think this goes out to the point I made earlier of comparing it to its GTI brother.
I had the spec which had all the bells and whistles (Apple car play, Front & Rear PDC and a reverse camera to name just a few). I really enjoyed driving it and I could not tell that I was in a Diesel car, I just think the South African market did not warm up to the GTD especially with the GTI selling like hot cakes off the floor, but I would definitely recommend it to everyone who just wants a car that is practical, fuel efficient , spacious and a great looker.
I am quite saddened that they have discontinued it, I thoroughly enjoyed driving it for the day I had it and I was hoping more people could experience what I experienced.
But oh well.. Farewell my dear friend..
VRRR...without the Phaa!
The Volkswagen Golf GTD retails for R506 700 (August 2017). It comes with a 5-year/90 000km service plan, 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set at every 15 000 km.
