Frugal fuel use boosts oil burner

ROAD TEST/ Volkswagen has launched the Golf GTD and the question is whether it is worthy of the GT moniker, writes Lerato Matebese

The GTI moniker needs no introduction in SA. Ask anyone what that nomenclature represents and the resounding answer will be the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

It remains the benchmark, the first word in the hot hatch lexicon and a staple for the brand and its legion of fans in this country.

For the first time in our market the Golf GTI’s diesel sibling, the GTD, has finally joined the local ranks. The previous-generation Mark VI Golf had a GTD variant, but it never made it to SA. With a raft of updates to the entire current-generation Golf range, the GTD has arrived as the thinking man’s GTI. So, what distinguishes the model, apart from the obvious — the engine?

Cosmetically the GTD can be distinguished by chrome accents on the grille instead of the GTI’s signature red piping, the GTD nomenclature on the grille, front flanks and rump, while dual left-offset tailpipes are other notable differences. The cabin, too, is similar to the GTI, right down to the steering wheel, which in the instance of the oil-burner has the GTD motif and silver contrasting stitching.

Fire up the engine and you are welcomed by the same clattering power plant that powers most VW Group diesel products, most notably the Tiguan TDI 4Motion we tested a while ago.

Even the engine’s outputs are similar to its high-riding sibling, putting out 130kW and 380Nm and allied to a seven-speed DSG gearbox, although power goes to the front wheels. Overall performance of the GTD is, well, sprightly at most, but it does not fizz like a GTI does, nor does it is sound the part. I can live without the latter aspect, as this remains a frugal, well put-together hatch

Above: It has the looks of the GTi, but it isn’t. Twin exhausts on the left give the game away if you don’t see the badges as it rushes past, left.

Beneath the bonnet sits a 130kW turbodiesel motor.