2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Do you like sportiness? But you don't want to experience a nasty surprise at the gas station? Then you should definitely take a look at the Golf GTD. It not only offers good performance but also consumption values.
By Frank Mertens
Well, the Golf GTD doesn't have as much power as the VW Golf R with its 300 hp TSI engine. But who says that 184 hp isn't enough to have a lot of fun? Because you can have it in this vehicle that we tested as a station wagon. So much should be revealed in advance: The Golf GTD Variant is one of those cars that you really don't find much to complain about.
Sure, its design does not stir emotions. Neither the chassis, which has been lowered by 1.5 centimeters, nor the twin-pipe exhaust or the red brake calipers under the 17-inch alloy wheels change that. It is and will always be a Golf. But that's not a bad thing, as you know, it speaks for well-known quality. But maybe that's one of the great strengths of this car: it comes across as staid, but with its sporty genes it causes one or two surprises.
Convincing unit
Because the two-liter TDI under the bonnet is an extremely powerful unit. It provides a maximum torque of 380 Nm, which is available between 1750 and 3250 tours. If you like it a bit sportier, you can press the silver-colored sports pedals into the well-contoured sports seats. In combination with the well-coordinated manual six-speed gearbox, the GTD accelerates from zero to 80 km in 5.9 seconds, and 100 km / h is reached after a brisk 7.9 seconds. On the way there, the engine does not show any nakedness, it is excellent on the gas.
It's a lot of fun. If you like, you can drive the GTD, which weighs around 1.5 tons, up to a top speed of 231 km / h. He does everything flawlessly. But you have a lot of fun with him, especially on the country road, here he feels at home, just like the driver. The car sits confidently on the road, the steering responds directly, that's how it has to be. If you want, you can of course adapt the GTD to your needs. All you have to do is press the mode switch, and you can adjust the chassis and engine response.
Good consumption values
For example, if you like it sporty, you can press the sport mode, if you want more comfort, the comfort mode. Of course, you can also move this Golf in eco mode, why not. If you are out and about like this, you will be surprised at the consumption displayed on the on-board computer. The consumption of 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers that is promised after the New European Driving Cycle does not appear there. But the consumption determined in the third mix is more than impressive at 5.9 liters. The GTD is not only fun on the road, but also when driving to the petrol station.
Of course, there is also everything important for the GTD that the Wolfsburg-based driver assistance system has to offer. This ranges, for example, from a blind spot warning system, a lane keeping assistant, an adaptive speed control (ACC) to a parking assistant. These are all features that make driving not only more comfortable, but above all safer. And is the GTD also something for families?
Of course, as a variant, that's what the Wofsburger call their station wagons, in any case. In the rear, even tall people over 1.80 meters can sit comfortably, and there is sufficient head and knee room. And there is even enough space in the trunk for a trip with a family of four. At least 460 liters are available in the Variant. The GTD thus proves to be an excellent compromise for all those who want to take things a bit sportier with their car, but still don't want to forego the necessary practicality. If you want to drive a Golf GTD Variant, you have to pay at least 32,375 euros for it.
